In recent years, there have been major advances in understanding how allergic skin disease occurs in dogs and cats, as well in treating the itching, pain, and infection.
Dermatological problems, including allergy-related itching and ear inflammation and infections, are the top reasons that dogs are taken to the veterinarian, and the fifth most common reason cats head for the vet clinic, too.
In recent years, there have been major advances in understanding how allergic skin disease occurs in dogs and cats, as well in treating the itching, pain and infection. At the recent Western Veterinary Conference, board-certified veterinary dermatologist Stephen Waisglass, D.V.M., MRCVS, CertSAD, Dipl. ACVD, gave an overview of the current state of managing the itchy pet.
In his presentation, Dr. Waisglass said the allergic reaction probably occurs because of a defect in the skin's cells, allowing allergens such as pollen to be absorbed and processed by the pet's immune system. He reviewed the following therapies:
- Control of bacteria, yeast and self-trauma
- Antihistamines
- Parasite control
- Topical ear treatments
- Diet
- Shampoo
- Immunotherapy
- Medications including corticosteroids, gabapentin, Atopica and the forthcoming janus kinase inhibitor Apoquel
- Spot-on products
The complete presentation and citations can be read online here. (PDF)
Also of interest:
M. Blaskovic, W. Rosenkrantz, A. Neuber, C. Sauter-Louis, R.S. Mueller, The effect of a spot-on formulation containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential oils on dogs with atopic dermatitis, The Veterinary Journal, Available online 29 October 2013, ISSN 1090-0233, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.10.024.