Species: Dog
Condition: Flea-bite Hypersensitivity
Organ System: Integument
Flea bite hypersensitivity, the most common skin disease of dogs, occurs as a result of allergic reactions to flea bites. When fleas bite, they inject saliva that contains a variety of histamine-like compounds, enzymes, polypeptides, and amino acids that induce Type I, Type IV and basophil hypersensitivity. Clinical signs are severe scratching, chewing, biting, and other signs of itching. Papules, hair loss, scaling, and redness in sensitive areas such as the flanks, caudal and medial thighs, ventral abdomen, lower back, neck, and ears may also be noticed. With age and continued exposure to fleas, the degree of hypersensitivity may wane. Treatment involves flea control and prevention and the use of medications to control the itch and secondary skin disease.
Breeds exposed to Flea-bite Hypersensitivity – Research Reference
Brittany Spaniel Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Golden Retriever Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
English Pointer Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Bearded Collie Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Gordon Setter Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Dobermann Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Wolfhound Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Irish Wolfhound Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Doberman Pinscher – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Bloodhound Cross – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Cocker Spaniel Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Spoodle Cross – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Wolfhound – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Dobermann – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Gordon Setter – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Bearded Collie – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Bloodhound – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Brittany Spaniel – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
English Pointer – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Golden Retriever – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Irish Wolfhound – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Golden Doodle (Groodle) – (Goldschmidt & Mcmanus 200)
Cocker Spaniel – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Spoodle – (Scott & Anderson 1990)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Flea-bite Hypersensitivity or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
