The effect of atopic dermatitis on quality of life of affected dogs and their owners in Romania

Abstract In the last few years, atopic dermatitis (AD) has become widespread both in humans and dogs in Romania. This skin disease impairs the quality of life (QoL) of affected patients. AD is usually evaluated using clinical approach and pruritus score. Several studies have been done recently to establish disease-specific questionnaires in order to assess both the QoL and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in affected individuals (children with AD and their parents, owners of atopic dogs and their pets). In this respect, 100 questionnaires aiming to evaluate QoL and HRQoL both in owners and their dogs, affected by atopic dermatitis, were drafted and handed out to patients in Timișoara, Romania. A total of 54 (54%) valid questionnaires were received from owners. Answers were statistically analyzed to reveal the relationship between the owner and his/her pet. In this study, this relationship was not influenced by the age of the owner, and the higher the severity of the disease, the more severely the QoL is affected in both humans and dogs. Euthanasia is not an option for pet owners from Timișoara, and the costs of establishing and applying the treatment appear to be non-restrictive, thus disclosing a very close pet-owner relationship. This is the first study of this kind conducted in Romania.