Fleabite allergic dermatitis: a review and survey of 330 cases
Nesbitt, G.H.; Schmitz, J.A.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 173(3): 282-288
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 689971 Document Number: 136367
Clinical signs of acute flea bite allergic dermatitis (FAD) in dogs included intense pruritus and erythema. Dogs with chronic FAD had diminished pruritus. The primary lesion of FAD was a papule. Secondary lesions (hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation) were common. Diagnosis of FAD was based on history of infestation with fleas (Ctenocephalides felis (Bch.) and C. canis (Curt.) are the common species on dogs and cats) and on type and location of lesions. Intradermal testing with glycerinated flea antigen was of little diagnostic value. Treatment of FAD included breaking the flea life-cycle in the indoor and kennel environment by vacuuming and washing bedding as well as by the use of aerosol insecticides for fumigation, and minimising flea infestation on the dogs by using insecticidal dips, baths, and flea collars and hyposensitisation with flea antigen.