treatment of an itchy dog...

Re: treatment of an itchy dog...

Celine — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:59:39 GMT

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Re: treatment of an itchy dog...

Bex Wilton — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:04:30 GMT

Hi Mark

Much appreciated.

I think there would be a lot of interest in a nutrition course, I for one.

Bex

Re: treatment of an itchy dog...

Mark Hedberg — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:45:04 GMT

Hi Bex!

Yes, the fish oil contains essential fatty acids (EFA's). I will check to see if I have the lecture at work...by the by, if there's a lot of interest in a nutrition course, I'll see what CAW can do... (no promises! ;) )

Re: treatment of an itchy dog...

Bex Wilton — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:28:38 GMT

Hey

Your JRT sounds very similar to my little monster, she flares around her muzzle, ears and feet.

She has recently turned 3 and was diagnosed as atopic last year. She had minor flairs when she was around 1yr old and this settled with antibiotics and steroids, she was also then put on Efavet (essential fatty acids) not sure if these are similar to the fish oil mentioned by Mark.

After confirming it wasnt mites (unlikely as use Advocate monthly) we went down the route of allergy bloods (not cheap at over £200), after the results came back (allergic to 20 different plant pollens) - I think I was mainly impressed with the allergy testing as they came back as positive, so I knew it was worth while. We also did a food elimination trial for a minimum of 8 weeks to ensure it wasnt diet related. We ordered in the vaccine to being as my Vet has never liked or had much success with Atopica.

In amongst all the various treatments I was bathing with Malaseb 2-3 times a week the itchy inflamed parts (mainly her feet). Cortanvance spray (steroid) to pin point treat any sore or inflamed areas - very useful. Long courses of antibiotics - usually 3 weeks at a time.

Unfortunately after 3 jabs of the immunotherapy she went an developed a cataract - I was assured this was not related and purely bad timing. Anyway for the surgery to go ahead on the eye the Opthamologist wanted her on Atopica, so we began that and so far this spring (touch wood) she has not had a flare (surgery was carried out in December). Atopica is also not the cheapest drug in the world and as I have run out of insurance I am not getting it off line.

As far as I am aware they are both life long treatments but both can be played around with and altered depending on how well the patient reacts.

Hope that has been of some help as to the kind of work up and treatment involved.

Bex

PS Mark, would love a copy of the Dermatology lecture if you have it as would be interested to read it. Thanks.

Re: treatment of an itchy dog...

Mark Hedberg — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:13:27 GMT

I personally found hydroxyzine (ucerax) more effective than piriton. Also, fish oil (dha and epa at least 10mg/kg) has been shown to have a positive effect in atopic dogs. Allergy and immune therapy is no longer recommended as widely (source: dermatology lecture at southern european vet conference) as a large chunk of dogs don't seem to have a significant responce to it - so should be done after other treatments, not first line. )

Atopica may be a good idea if atopy is diagnosed, but again, rule out other diseases first. The dose can be tapered if you get a response.

Rule out infection and parasites - i agree that feet are not a likely place but always better to rule it out instead of ignoring the possibility!

Cheers,
Mark