This month I chose a topic that challenges me more then any other problem, skin disease. Skin disease is challenging on many levels, first there can be many causes, secondly there is often no easy cure and lastly treatment always requires a lot of effort and commitment on the owner’s part.
Of all the possible causes of itching, fleas and allergies seem to be the major causes in the Pacific Northwest. In my last article I discussed flea control, and if your pet isn’t on flea control by now, there is a good chance fleas have moved in on your pet and in your house.
Pets can be allergic to all the same things we can be allergic to; dust, pollen, molds, grasses, trees and even their food. Most pets with allergies are allergic to more then one thing. Allergic pets will often itch, have hair loss, rub their face and/or lick their feet. The most difficult part of treating an allergy is that it is very difficult to get an absolute answer as to what is causing the allergy. Every allergic pet should have basic lab test run first. Thyroid testing and skin scraping of the affected area should also be included.
If basic testing doesn’t find anything abnormal, symptomatic therapy can be started. Symptomatic therapy means treating the symptoms, not the specific cause of the disease.
Treatment might include antihistamines, antibiotics, fatty acid supplement, shampoo, cream rinses, topical sprays and ointments. Of course, flea control is a must.
For more specific answers, there is an allergy blood test available; most vets can run this test. Skin testing is available at a dermatology specialist. Both tests give information to give injections to hyposensitize the pet to allergies. It’s not 100% effective, but does help decrease symptoms in many pets.
Food trials are necessary to test for food allergies. Feeding a “novel” protein diet is one option. There are many “novel” protein diets; I call them the Disney diets. There is rabbit, venison, kangaroo, fish and duck diets. There is no diet with mouse protein yet! There are also “hydrolyzed” diets, which mean the proteins are broken down too small for the body to have an allergic reaction. If you want to cook for your pet, make sure it is balanced and work with your veterinarian. Food trials need to be followed strictly for 6-8 weeks to evaluate if there is any decrease in symptoms by feeding the diet. Your vet or the veterinary dermatologist can guide you on food choices for the food trial.
Lastly there is a new medication called Atopica, which is showing success in many pets with allergies caused by inhalant or airborne allergies. In many pets it is used instead of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids mask allergy symptoms, but have many unwanted side effects.
So if you have an itchy pet that has allergies, don’t give up. If you work closely with your veterinarian, do your “home work” and follow up regularly, there is hope. mcaviness@wildernessvet.com
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