Allergic Contact Dermatitis

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                      General Information



Allergic contact dermatitis is an uncommon allergic skin reaction

that occurs in the thin-skinned areas of the body that contact

the floor or ground when your pet lies down.  The abdomen, lower

chest, underside of the tail, scrotum, ears, chin and backs

of the paws are commonly affected.  The degree of itchiness

varies but may be severe enough to cause intense scratching or

chewing by your pet, with resulting skin damage.  In some cases,

bacteria infect the damaged skin.



Pets may react to plastic feeding dishes or chew toys.  Sores are

usually confined to the chin and mouth in these cases.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  When the causative material is known, avoidance is the best

    therapy.  In many cases, however, the offending material is

    unknown or impossible to avoid.



2.  Anti-inflammatory drugs are the best treatment when the cause

    is unknown or cannot be avoided.



3.  Routine bathing is beneficial in removing the causative

    substance from the skin and coat.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet's skin rash spreads or worsens.



    * The appearance of your pet's rash changes.



    * Your pet's rash returns after apparent recovery.