ALLERGY  NEWS

Maybe we can help!!!!!!!!!!!!



Allergy Headaches!!!  Maybe we can Help:):)

Coping with an itchy pet can be an extremely frustrating.  Constant scratching and chewing by the pet can also result in self-mutilation  and infected wounds.  Below are some of the most common causes of itching and allergies in small animals.

According to VIN (Veterinary Internet Network) the major allergies in dogs are listed below:

Flea Allergy
Flea allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in dogs and cats.  For the flea allergic patient, 100% flea control is essential for the pet to remain symptom-free. 

You may not see them, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.  The allergy is caused by the flea's saliva, and it only takes a few bites to induce the problem.  Also, the itchy pet often scratches so much that adult fleas are removed, making them hard to find. 

In warm climates or in our homes, fleas may survive in low numbers year-round.  Because flea allergy is so common, we recommend that complete flea control be instituted before proceeding with diagnostics for other allergies and that year-round flea control be maintained for all allergy patients.

Food Allergy
Some pets develop specific hypersensitivities to components of their diets.  The allergen usually is a major protein or carbohydrate ingredient such as beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat, or soy.  Minor ingredients such as preservatives or dyes are also potential allergens.  The diagnosis of food allergy requires that we test your pet by feeding special strict diets that contain only ingredients that he has never eaten before. This is often achieved by feeding a prescription diet for a period of 10 to 16 weeks.  If the signs resolve, a challenge is performed by feeding the former diet and watching for a return of the itching.  If this occurs, a diagnosis of food allergy is confirmed. 

Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inherited predisposition to develop skin problems from exposure to variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances including the pollens of weeds, grasses and trees, as well as house dust mites and mold spores.  Diagnosis of AD is made based on the results of intradermal skin testing or by in vitro blood testing.  Evaluating the results of these tests helps us compile a list of allergens for a "vaccine" to decrease the pet's sensitivity.  Sometimes multiple skin and/or blood tests are necessary to accurately assess the patient's allergies.

Secondary Infections
Allergies are often the underlying cause of recurring skin and/or ear infections.  Bacterial and yeast infections, though secondary to the allergy, can cause an increase in your pet's level of itching. Long-term treatment with antibiotics and anti-yeast medications is commonly required, along with medicated bathing programs.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergy and it is usually a life-long problem. We seek to control allergies and improve the quality of life for both you and your pet.  We will formulate the best program of management that suits all involved with your pet's care. 

Can I have the Itching Treated without the Expense of Diagnostic Testing?

Symptomatic drug therapy can help to reduce itching.  Antihistamines and steroids, such as prednisone tablets in particular, are often employed to stop the itch.  However, without addressing the underlying cause, the itching will return.  Long-term use of steroids can result in many health problems.  This is the reason that we encourage diagnosis of the underlying cause of the allergy and more specific or less potentially harmful treatments.

Please visit our Pet Library  at www.tigertownvet.com for more information on this topic or a variety of other medical conditions.

:) Breaking News: Topical Allergy Treatments
DOUXO (Sogeval US) shampoos, sprays and gels

Just a quick note to let you know about some exciting new products !!!

Allergies are definitely a headache to both pet and owner.  In order to give the best care to our patients we constantly strive to provide the best information and products available.  Recently, some new topicals (shampoos, sprays, ear cleaners) have shown great promise in reducing the symptoms of allergies.  There are a variety of products and they can be customized for each pet.  These products are both easy to use and affordable. 

It is our hope that our patients with chronic allergies may benefit from these products and potentially reduce or eliminate the need and side effects associated with common long term oral allergy medications. 

Give us a call or stop by if you are interested or have any questions.