Canine Atopic Dermatitis Research Questionnaire (cAD-RQ)
Overview
This download includes one CSV file
- atopic_dermatitis_questionnaire.csv
Atopic Dermatitis Questionnaire
The Canine Atopic Dermatitis Research Questionnaire (cAD-RQ) was created in 2017 by researchers at the University of Nottingham for the Itchy Dog Project. It was designed for owners to collect relevant information about the dog's history of allergic skin conditions. In veterinary care, the questionnaire is used prior to or in conjunction with a clinical evaluation to improve diagnoses of atopic dermatitis, allowing more dogs with mild presentations to be properly diagnosed.
The cAD-RQ has been offered as a one-time, optional owner questionnaire for dogs enrolled in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study since in June 2022. All dogs that complete the questionnaire are required to answer portion one of the questionnaire (atopic_dermatitis to flea_tick_control). If the dog has never had a diagnosed skin problem, recurrent ear infection, or an undiagnosed skin problem, the owners are not asked to complete the second portion of the questionnaire (scratch_lick_chew_front_paws to relatives_with_conditions). If the dog has had at least one occurrence of any of these three conditions, owners are required to complete both portions of the questionnaire.
The score column is calculated based on three inclusion criteria:
- If the dog has never had a diagnosed skin problem, recurrent ear infection, or an undiagnosed skin problem and was only asked the first portion of the questionnaire - the scoring is automatically calculated as 0.
- If the dog has never had atopic dermatitis (atopic_dermatitis), food allergic dermatitis (food_allergic_dermatitis), and a yeast infection (yeast_skin_infection), but has had areas of abnormal skin (current_abnormal_skin) or signs of abnormal itchiness (current_abnormal_itchy) - scoring is calculated using a reduced list, where a yes in each of the following question adds 1 to the overall score:
- current_abnormal_skin
- current_abnormal_itchy
- scratch_lick_chew_front_paws
- scratch_lick_chew_armpit
- scratch_lick_chew_collar
- skin_affected_back_paws
- skin_affected_muzzle
- skin_affected_elbows
- If the dog has had food allergic dermatitis (food_allergic_dermatitis), a yeast infection (yeast_skin_infection), or a bacterial skin infection (bacterial_skin_infection), has never had atopic dermatitis (atopic_dermatitis), and has had areas of abnormal skin (current_abnormal_skin) or signs of abnormal itchiness (current_abnormal_itchy) - scoring is calculated using a full list, where a yes in each of the following questions adds 1 to the overall score:
- food_allergic_dermatitis
- frequency_yeast_infection is "more than once"
- current_abnormal_skin
- current_abnormal_itchy
- flea_tick_control
- scratch_lick_chew_front_paws
- scratch_lick_chew_armpit
- scratch_lick_chew_collar
- skin_affected_back_paws
- skin_affected_muzzle
- skin_affected_elbows
- apoquel_improve, cyclosporin_improve, antihistamine_improve, immmunotherapy_improve, or cytopoint_injections_improve (only add 1 point even if more than one has a yes answer)
- diet_improve_skin_ears
Since the purpose of this questionnaire is to help aid in the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis for cases with mild symptoms, rather than those with a clear atopic dermatitis diagnosis, the scoring method does not take into account any dogs with a previous atopic dermatitis diagnosis (atopic_dermatitis). For these dogs, and any that do not fall into the categories listed above, the reported score will be blank. This scoring is based off the proposed method by the questionnaire creators at University of Nottingham. You are welcome to create new scoring methods for analysis at your discretion.
The results of the scores are as follows:
- If using the reduced list, a sum of 2 or more (with a maximum of 8) classifies the dog as having suspect atopic dermatitis.
- If using the full list, a sum of 3 or more (with a maximum of 13) classifies the dog as having suspect atopic dermatitis.
For both lists, every point above the sum that classifies the dog as having suspect atopic dermatitis increases the chance of the dog having atopic dermatitis.
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
| subject_id | Dog's unique identifier. |
| record_date | Date of questionnaire submission. |
| atopic_dermatitis | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for atopic dermatitis or atopy (environmental allergies, including mite allergies)? |
| food_allergic_dermatitis | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for food allergic dermatitis (skin allergies triggered by food)? |
| mange | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for mange (scabies or demodex)? |
| yeast_skin_infection | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for a yeast skin infection (Malassezia dermatitis)? |
| frequency_yeast_infection | If the dog has been diagnosed with a yeast skin infection, specify the number of times. |
| bacterial_skin_infection | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for a bacterial skin infection (pyoderma)? |
| frequency_bacterial_infection | If the dog has been diagnosed with a bacterial skin infection, specify the number of times. |
| flea_allergic_dermatitis | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for flea allergic dermatitis (allergy to flea bites)? |
| ear_infection | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for an ear infection (otitis externa)? |
| frequency_ear_infection | If the dog has been diagnosed with an ear infection, specify the number of times. |
| moist_dermatitis | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for moist dermatitis (hot spots)? |
| frequency_moist_dermatitis | If the dog has been diagnosed with moist dermatitis, specify the number of times. |
| tumor_lump_cancer | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for a tumor, fatty lump, or cancer? |
| ichthyosis | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for ichthyosis? |
| rash_by_med_thyroid | Has the dog ever received a diagnosis from a veterinarian for a rash caused by medication or a thyroid issue? |
| diagnosis_specify | If the dog has been diagnosed with a skin or ear disease not listed above, specify the diagnosis. |
| diagnosis_unknown | It is unknown if the dog has been diagnosed with any skin or ear problems. |
| no_diagnosis | The dog has not had any skin-related diagnosis. |
| diet_elimination | If the dog has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, food allergic dermatitis, yeast skin infection, or an ear infection, did their veterinarian suggest a diet trail or elimination diet as part of the investigation of the skin/ear problems? |
| current_skin_problem | Does the dog currently have a skin problem that is in the process of being checked by a vet, or hasn't yet been investigated by a vet? |
| past_skin_problems_not_seen_by_vet | Has the dog ever had any skin problems in the past that were not seen by a vet? |
| undiagnosed_skin_problem_specify | If the dog has had a skin problem in the past that was not seen by a vet, provide details of the undiagnosed problem and what was done to resolve it. |
| allergy_tested | Has the dog ever been allergy tested (blood test and/or allergy skin test) to help with diagnosis or treatment of allergies? |
| current_abnormal_skin | Does the dog currently have (or have they had in the past) areas of abnormal skin including red, patchy, hairless, rough, swollen, or discolored skin? |
| current_abnormal_itchy | Does the dog currently show (or have they shown in the past) signs of abnormal itchiness including frequent and recurring rubbing, licking, chewing, or scratching of the same areas? |
| frequent_scratch | Does the dog frequently and recurrently scratch? |
| frequent_paw_lick_chew | Does the dog frequently and recurrently lick or chew their paws? |
| frequent_lick_bite_chew_other | Does the dog frequently and recurrently lick, bite, or chew other areas? |
| frequent_face_rubbing | Does the dog frequently and recurrently rub their face? |
| frequent_sneezing | Does the dog frequently and recurrently sneeze? |
| frequent_runny_nose | Does the dog frequently and recurrently have a runny nose? |
| frequent_watery_eyes | Does the dog frequently and recurrently have watery eyes? |
| no_frequent_symptoms | The dog does not frequently or recurrently display any of these behaviors. |
| worst_itching | Which option best describes the worst case of itching the dog has had (for dogs being currently treated successfully, this would have been when their skin problems were not under control)? |
| recurring_digestive_gastrointestinal | Does the dog suffer from recurring digestive/gastrointstinal problems such as diarrhea, soft stools, jelly in stool, etc.? |
| frequency_digestive_gastrointestinal | If the dog suffers from recurring digestive/gastrointstinal problems, how often do they have these problems? |
| recurring_vomiting | Does the dog suffer from recurring vomiting? |
| frequency_vomit | If the dog suffers from recurring vomiting, how often do they vomit? |
| flea_tick_control | Does the dog receive regular flea/tick control? |
The following questions are only answered if the dog has had either a diagnosed skin problem, recurrent ear infection, or an undiagnosed skin problem that may or may not be under investigation. These questions are answered in consideration of the last time the dog's skin condition flared up, even if it is currently being treated successfully. | |
| scratch_lick_chew_front_paws | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their front paws when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_back_paws | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their back paws when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_muzzle | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their muzzle when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_ears | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their ears when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_chin | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their chin when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_underbelly | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their underbelly when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_armpit | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their armpit when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_bottom | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their bottom/base of tail when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_elbows | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their elbows when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_around_eyes | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub around their eyes when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_collar | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their collar when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_back | Does the dog frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub their back when symptomatic? |
| scratch_lick_chew_none | The dog does not frequently scratch, lick, chew, or rub any of these areas when symptomatic. |
| reddened | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been reddened. |
| damaged_broken | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been damaged or broken by scratching, licking, or chewing. |
| bald_thinned_fur | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been bald or has thinned fur. |
| rough_scaly | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been rough or scaly to the touch. |
| darkened_color | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been darkened in color. |
| swollen | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been swollen. |
| moist_weeping | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been moist and weeping. |
| thickened | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been thickened. |
| greasy | In certain areas, the dog's skin is/has been greasy to the touch |
| no_skin_area_issues | The dog has not had any of these skin issues. |
| skin_affected_front_paws | The dog's front paws have been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_back_paws | The dog's back paws have been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_muzzle | The dog's muzzle has been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_ears | The dog's ears have been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_chin | The dog's chin has been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_underbelly | The dog's underbelly has been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_armpit | The dog's armpits have been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_bottom | The dog's bottom/base of tail have been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_elbows | The dog's elbows have been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_around_eyes | The area around the dog's eyes has been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_collar | The dog's collar has been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_back | The dog's back has been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| skin_affected_none | None of these areas on the dog have been affected by the skin issues listed in the previous question (reddened to no_skin_area_issues). |
| age_first_noticed_skin_problem | How old the dog was when their skin problems were first noticed. |
| seasons_improve_worsen | Does the dog's skin improve or worsen in certain seasons? |
| steroid_improve | Does the dog's skin problems improve (even temporarily) when treated with steroidal medication (anti-inflammatory treatment)? |
| medication_apoquel | Apoquel has been tried to manage the dog's skin problems. |
| apoquel_improve | If Apoquel was tried, did it improve the dog's skin problems? |
| medication_cyclosporine | Cyclosporine has been tried to manage the dog's skin problems. |
| cyclosporin_improve | If Cyclosporine was tried, did it improve the dog's skin problems? |
| medication_antihistamines | Antihistamines have been tried to manage the dog's skin problems. |
| antihistamine_improve | If antihistamines were tried, did it improve the dog's skin problems? |
| medication_immunotherapy | Immunotherapy has been tried to manage the dog's skin problems. |
| immmunotherapy_improve | If immunotherapy was tried, did it improve the dog's skin problems? |
| medication_cytopoint_injections | Cytopoint injections have been tried to manage the dog's skin problems. |
| cytopoint_injections_improve | If Cytopoint injections were tried, did it improve the dog's skin problems? |
| no_medication | None of these medications were used to manage the dog's skin problems. |
| diet_improve_skin_ears | Did the dog's skin or ears improve on an exclusion or modified diet? |
| relatives_with_conditions | Does the dog have any relatives (parents or siblings) with the same or similar skin conditions? |
| score | Overall questionnaire score (see dataset description for scoring details). |
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