The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (IX): the controversy surrounding the route of allergen challenge in canine atopic dermatitis

For decades, the dogma that environmental allergens trigger cutaneous infla mmation led to the denomination of canine atopic dermatitis as "allergic in halant dermatitis". Definitive proof for a respiratory route of allergen ch allenge is lacking, however. Recent observations suggest, in fact, that ski n inflammation could occur because of epidermal allergenic contact. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence published in favor and against the two suspected routes of allergen provocation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.