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This paper summarizes all the aspects of the therapy of canine atopic dermatitis, particularly on a long-term basis. The principles of threshold phenomenon and summation of effects are underlined. Treatment of the disease includes first the treatment of dermatoses which are related or secondary to atopic dermatitis: microbial infection (bacteria and Malassezia), flea allergy dermatitis, food reactions, keratoseborrhoeic skin disease, otitis externa and pyotraumatic dermatitis. Specific therapy is then envisaged: it includes allergen eviction and allergen-specific immunotherapy which is a major approach for the long-term management of the disease. Finally, symptomatic therapy with various drugs, including glucocorticoids, various topicals and ciclosporin, is detailed. A “combination therapy” is needed and should be tailored for each case.
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