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Allergy is a disease in which the immune system reacts abnormally to substances such as pollens, mold spores and certain foods. The offensive substances causing allergies are known as allergens. Allergic reactions are usually caused by inhaling or ingesting the allergen. Food allergies comprise about 10% of allergic pets. Direct contact allergies are less common in our pets.
Allergic inhalant dermatitis (atopy) represents one of the most common skin problems in pets. Most affected animals react to a variety of in-haled substances, such as tree, grass and weed pollens, molds, house dust, house dust mites and dander. Whereas people with allergies often sneeze, allergic pets develop itchiness (pruritus).
Pets lick, chew and scratch, and have decreased resistance to infection. A common sign is chewing at the feet and the constant licking may stain the haircoat with a rust-like hue. Other itchy areas include the face, flanks, groin and armpits (axillae). The ears are also involved in many cases and the ear flaps (pinnae) may become reddened with the inflammatory process.
Atopy is the most common cause of recurrent ear infections.
Most pets with allergies inherit the tendency from their parents. Clinical signs become apparent after continual exposure to the offending allergens for months to years.
Allergies occur whenever the offending allergens are present. House dust mites, mold spores and food allergies will produce clinical signs year round, while allergies from plants that pollinate during warm months are apt to cause allergies only when they pollinate.
If your pet is persistently chewing its feet or scratching at its face, atopy may be a possible cause. Allergy diagnosis requires eliminating other causes for your pet’s clinical signs such as fleas, thyroid disease and skin infection.
We may recommend intradermal allergy testing (skin testing) to confirm the diagnosis. This is a procedure modified from that used in people. Because this is a relatively specialized procedure, your pet will be referred to a veterinary dermatologist. Blood tests are also available but are a less desirable option.
If the allergy is mild, control may be achieved by avoiding contact with the offending allergen. Strict flea prevention for the pet who has allergic flea dermatitis is an excellent example. Food allergies are treated by putting your pet on a hypo-allergenic diet. Most allergens, however, are virtually impossible to avoid, resulting in the need for alternative allergy treatments. A variety of medications are available, including:
Owners of atopic pets should be familiar with the medications used to treat atopy. Long-term use is usually necessary and potential side effects can occur-we will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns your might have about the use of these medications.
Atopy is a chronic, life-long condition. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) has the advantage of decreasing the need for drug therapy. The disadvantage is that it is a slow process, sometimes taking up to a year before improvement is noticed. Approximately 75% of pets are helped with immunotherapy regimens.