WHICH ITCH IS THE WORST?

Which ITCH is the Worst?

Animal Doc AM Multi-Media
Dr. Don DeForge
07August2012

Have your allergies been bothering you? As you stop by the OTC area for allergy medicine at your local supermarket or drug store you will note that there has been a major run on allergy medicines this month.  People are sneezing, coughing, rubbing their itchy eyes, and complaining about sinus headaches.  What about our PETS?  Do they have the same allergies?

Yogi Berra once said, "A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore!"  The information to follow is definitely worth a dime because it can help your pet return to a normal quality of life.  Dogs, specifically, can have a multitude of allergy problems.  In the dog and the cat, the reactions to allergies are usually dermal [i.e. involving the skin] in nature.

Some of the signs you might see with a dog or a cat with allergies are:

1. Licking or chewing of the feet or pads
2. A reddened skin with crusty areas from secondary infections
3. Rubbing of the face
4. Scratching of the sides or belly
5. Rubbing the anal area
6. Pawing or rubbing the face and ears
7. Ear Inflammation and/or infections
8. Red irritated eyes

What causes allergies?  Consult with your LDVM about a referral to a Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist to find the cause of your pet's allergies.

There are areas of concern that the Dermatologist will address:

• Flea Allergy
• Seasonal Allergy
• Food Allergy
• Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections
• Thyroid Disease-Low Thyroid
• Other parasitic problems
• Immune Mediated Diseases

Common Seasonal or Inhalant allergies can be classified according to the allergen that causes the patient to be uncomfortable.  Some of the allergens are:

• Grasses
• Weeds
• Trees
• Fungi and Molds
• House Dust
• Wool-Cotton-Kapok-Tobacco Smoke-and cockroach

The Dermatologist eliminates these one at a time with either Allergy Blood Testing-[one system used in people and animals is RAST testing] or by Intradermal Skin Testing.  How these are utilized and which is the best testing system for your pet is explained by the Dermatologist at the time of your visit.

The Dermatologist may suggest Hyposensitization once the exact allergen[s] have been 

identified.  A vaccine prescription manufactured according to the Dermatologist's instructions by the Immunology Lab will attempt to retrain your pet's immune system to deal with future exposure to their allergens.  The final result of reducing the symptoms of discomfort is directly related to your pet's immune system..  Not all patients are helped with Hyposensitization.  Some are only partially helped; some receive minimal to no assistance; and others are dramatically resolved of their symptoms.

You must remember that Hyposensitization is an allergy management system required in most animals for life because allergies are a life long program.  Not utilizing the vaccine properly or not following the Dermatologist's recommendations will lead to failure.

Is your dog or cat itchy?  Call your LDVM today for a consultation appointment and listen to their recommendations.  Let them advise you about referral to a Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist.  Make the phone call today for the good of your pet!