If your pet is experiencing itchy skin, scratching, or any other symptoms, please consult your veterinarian, as this information does not replace the medical advice of the veterinarian, this information is for pet owners if your pet has been diagnosed.
Atopy is defined as the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. These diseases are due to a heightened immune response to common substances in the environment, which are also known as allergens.
Allergens can include but are not limited to, pollens, molds, and dust particles. These make there way to the skin and will gain entry through a defective skin barrier. The immune system then becomes reactive to the allergen, then inflammation, itching, and scratching, hair loss, redness of skin and even skin thickening happen.
Some breeds that are predisposed to develop atopy include but again not limited to, Dalmatian, Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzu just to name a few.
There are many causes for pets to itch such as, parasites(fleas), allergy to the flea bites, food allergy, and secondary infections. The list goes on.
Testing for atopic dermatitis is more a clinical diagnosis, which means that the diagnosis is made based on symptoms and findings. Allergy testing can be done by either a skin test or blood testing, but this is not a test for atopic dermatitis.
Treatment options can be frustrating when treating atopic dermatitis as it focuses on controlling the symptoms. Unfortunately, trying to find out what your pet is allergic to is not always possible and even if it is, pollens and such can circulate in the air for miles.
So some things to discuss with your pets doctor would be making sure that if there is any secondary infection going to get that cleared up first.
There is also Allergen Specific Immunotherapy(Hyposensitization). This is also know as the allergy shot, this is one of the better options for treatment of Atopic Dermatitis as it actually changes the immune system. With the allergy shot it can require approximately 6-12 months to begin working. In some cases 25% will require prednisone or some other steroid for at least some time. There is also the option if having trouble finding treatments to be referred to a veterinary dermatologist.
Other treatment option may include Oclacitinib(Apoquel). This medication works fast and is best for itching relief and blocking the symptoms. It does not address the inflammation in the skin, but will stop the itch sensation.
You could also discuss other options with your doctor such as cytopoint injections, omega 3 fatty acid supplements, antihistamines, or other flea controls.
Information for this blog was found on:
Veterinary Partners