Environmental allergies: Atopic dermatitis
Has your pet been diagnosed with Environmental Allergies (ie allergies an allergen in the environment such as pollen or dust)? There are hundreds of potential allergens. This condition is technically called 'Atopy' and is very common. Every Atopic dog or cat benefits from different therapies, so finding the right mix can be challenging. Be prepared for trial and error, and know that Atopy is not a curable disease, but it is a manageable one.
1. Stay on top of fleas
Any allergic pet benefits from flea control, as even a low burden of the parasite may be enough to disrupt control of the other allergies. Nothing is more frustrating than a renewed itch after we had control!
2. Avoidance
If we suspect (or know- see below) what the allergen is, then avoiding it may be possible. Wash your pet after going outside, consider taking them for walks at new locations, or install hepafilters in the house. Dogs with dust allergies should be kept out of the bedroom.
3. Improving the coat
Strengthening the coat can help avoid some contact with the allergens.
a. Douxo offers shampoos, sprays and 'spot-on' therapies that build up the
barrier, improving the itch threshold and reducing the itch
b. Omega 3 fatty acids at 66mg/kg dosing daily reduces inflammatory reactions. This
takes over a month to be effective. Make sure it is EPA/DHA dosing (the bottle
should show the breakdown), a liquid and good quality
4. Antihistamines
About 25% of dogs will respond to antihistamines, so trying more than one type may be required. Ask us about dosing for over the counter antihistamines.
5. Drugs
Some medications are very powerful against Atopy, but come with side effects. In all cases, we aim to find the lowest effective dose (ie. the lowest dose we can use while still controlling signs). Please do not stop any medication unless directed to do so.
a. Prednisone (or prednisolone) is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is very effective. Common side effects are usually tolerable; increased appetite (so a penchant to gain weight), increased drinking and urination. Do not take the water away at any time when on this medication. More serious complications are rare but include incontinence, liver disease and idiopathic Cushing's disease. It is expected that steroid use chronically may shorten the life of the pet by a small amount, but quality of life can be maintained long term, with effective reduction of the itch.
b. Cyclosporin (Atopica). This immunosuppressant is more expensive than prednisone, particularly for large dogs, but has fewer immediate side effects. Long term, but tolerable side effects include overgrowth of the gums and the coat (leading the 'feathering' appearance). Long term, in very rare cases, the medication has been associated with cancers.
c. Apoquel. This medication blocks itch in a similar way as the others, but doesn't always stop infections long term. However, unlike steroids, it has no known long term side effects. It works in about 80% of dogs and can make a huge difference to the level of itch. It is dosed twice daily to start, but maintenance is ONLY once daily.
6. Allergy testing
The best tests we have available is skin tests or blood tests which can identify what allergens are causing the problem. They test over 90 allergens which are local to this area. This can help you a. avoid the allergen (if possible) and b. get allergy vaccinations that can desensitize the pet, minimize use of other drugs and very occasionally cure the allergy.
7. Cytopoint CANINE ONLY
This new injection blocks the inflammation using antibodies to bind the signals promoting itch and redness. They work within 3 days, and then are used once every 4 to 6 weeks during allergy season. Side effects include some mild lethargy the day of the injection, but otherwise little else.
The list is not exhaustive! Your vet will work with you to discuss the options and guide you through the steps to finding the combination that works for you pet!
Check out this LINK to Veterinary Partners Website with additional resources regarding Atopy.
1. Stay on top of fleas
Any allergic pet benefits from flea control, as even a low burden of the parasite may be enough to disrupt control of the other allergies. Nothing is more frustrating than a renewed itch after we had control!
2. Avoidance
If we suspect (or know- see below) what the allergen is, then avoiding it may be possible. Wash your pet after going outside, consider taking them for walks at new locations, or install hepafilters in the house. Dogs with dust allergies should be kept out of the bedroom.
3. Improving the coat
Strengthening the coat can help avoid some contact with the allergens.
a. Douxo offers shampoos, sprays and 'spot-on' therapies that build up the
barrier, improving the itch threshold and reducing the itch
b. Omega 3 fatty acids at 66mg/kg dosing daily reduces inflammatory reactions. This
takes over a month to be effective. Make sure it is EPA/DHA dosing (the bottle
should show the breakdown), a liquid and good quality
4. Antihistamines
About 25% of dogs will respond to antihistamines, so trying more than one type may be required. Ask us about dosing for over the counter antihistamines.
5. Drugs
Some medications are very powerful against Atopy, but come with side effects. In all cases, we aim to find the lowest effective dose (ie. the lowest dose we can use while still controlling signs). Please do not stop any medication unless directed to do so.
a. Prednisone (or prednisolone) is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is very effective. Common side effects are usually tolerable; increased appetite (so a penchant to gain weight), increased drinking and urination. Do not take the water away at any time when on this medication. More serious complications are rare but include incontinence, liver disease and idiopathic Cushing's disease. It is expected that steroid use chronically may shorten the life of the pet by a small amount, but quality of life can be maintained long term, with effective reduction of the itch.
b. Cyclosporin (Atopica). This immunosuppressant is more expensive than prednisone, particularly for large dogs, but has fewer immediate side effects. Long term, but tolerable side effects include overgrowth of the gums and the coat (leading the 'feathering' appearance). Long term, in very rare cases, the medication has been associated with cancers.
c. Apoquel. This medication blocks itch in a similar way as the others, but doesn't always stop infections long term. However, unlike steroids, it has no known long term side effects. It works in about 80% of dogs and can make a huge difference to the level of itch. It is dosed twice daily to start, but maintenance is ONLY once daily.
6. Allergy testing
The best tests we have available is skin tests or blood tests which can identify what allergens are causing the problem. They test over 90 allergens which are local to this area. This can help you a. avoid the allergen (if possible) and b. get allergy vaccinations that can desensitize the pet, minimize use of other drugs and very occasionally cure the allergy.
7. Cytopoint CANINE ONLY
This new injection blocks the inflammation using antibodies to bind the signals promoting itch and redness. They work within 3 days, and then are used once every 4 to 6 weeks during allergy season. Side effects include some mild lethargy the day of the injection, but otherwise little else.
The list is not exhaustive! Your vet will work with you to discuss the options and guide you through the steps to finding the combination that works for you pet!
Check out this LINK to Veterinary Partners Website with additional resources regarding Atopy.