Allergic skin disease or “atopic dermatitis” is very common at this time of year. It is often seen as frequent scratching and chewing at the skin with skin quickly becoming red, sore and thickened.
Allergens in the environment trigger this reaction in dogs which are sensitized to them. This sensitivity is triggered through the pets own immune system.
Contact with these substances then triggers an allergic reaction in the skin causing heat and itch, skin damage and secondary infections.
This cycle is often then self-perpetuating as dogs further chew and scratch and the skin becomes more and more sore.
Diagnosis of allergic skin disease often has to be made through elimination of other possible causes of skin irritation.
Parasites such as fleas and mites must be ruled out initially.
Treatments applied can effectively ensure parasite elimination.
Secondary infections involving bacteria and yeasts can be treated through the use of topical shampoos or tablets tailored to the type of infection and the susceptibility of organisms involved.
Food trials can be used to find if your pet is sensitive to certain food types. In addition high quality foods can significantly help improve the quality of skin and hence the barrier function of skin to the allergens causing the itch.
Allergy tests can be simple to perform through a blood test and this will identify the exact allergens your pets is reacting to.
If these can be avoided, or minimised it is a simple solution to the problem.
Anti-histamines can help in 40 per cent of dogs with allergies to lessen the itch and control symptoms.
Essential fatty acids added to food significantly improve skin quality and hence protect from the substances causing irritation as they act as barrier to these.
Steroids are a very effective treatment option as they block the system of events going on in the body to trigger the allergic response and help to alleviate itch. They can be given in the form of tablets, injections or sprays.
Other treatments such as cyclosporin (“Atopica”) and “Apoquel” are a tablet form of medication which again act to block the allergic response and are extremely good at alleviating itch.
These have fewer side effects compared to steroids but are a lot more expensive.
Allergies cannot be cured but can be managed very successfully through a combination of treatments tailored to the individual needs of you and your pet.
Alder Veterinary Practice, 58 Bourne Road, Spalding, PE11 1JW. Call 01775 766646. Opening hours 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 10am alternate Saturdays. 24 hour emergency cover.
