| Veterinary Dermatology Center Robert G. Buerger, DVM, DACVD Board-Certified Skin Disease Specialist 32 Mellor Avenue Baltimore, Maryland USA 21228 410-788-8130 FAX 410-788-9007 www.Vderm.com |
Your veterinarian will likely ask for a complete history regarding your
pet's skin problems and will need to perform a complete examination. A
few simple tests will likely be necessary as well to help rule out other
diseases that can look very similar to allergies (some of which are very
curable). If the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis is certain then long-term
control might be a complex process. The best response might involve
one or more of the following:
1. Allergy injections (desensitization injections) which are based on the results of
allergy testing. Please click on the Allergy Test Info button above for more
information.
2. Flea prevention (such as with monthly Frontline, Frontline Plus, Advantage, or
Advantix). All dogs and cats should ideally be treated. Refer to individual
products for instructions and precautions.
3. Regular weekly or twice-weekly shampoos. The doctor will prescribe the one
best for your pet's problems if this is appropriate. Shampoos may not be
recommended for cats. Always protect eyes and ears and follow the
instructions on the label.
4. Regular weekly or twice-weekly ear cleanings with products such as EpiOtic,
Oticalm, or Oticlense. This is particularly helpful if there are recurring ear
infections. If there is odor, discharge, swelling, or discomfort consult your
doctor as soon as possible.
5. Resolve secondary infections due to bacteria and/or yeast organisms when
present. This often requires antibiotics and/or anti-yeast medications given
by mouth for 4+ weeks. Pets with allergies are very prone to recurring skin
infections.
6. A strict hypoallergenic diet may be helpful. The doctor will recommend one if
it is appropriate.
7. Additional medication(s) such as...
-antihistamines.
-Atopica® (modified cyclosporine) capsules. This is an expensive drug.
Treatment for a 10 lb dog costs about $3 per day; for a 50 lb dog about
$6-9 per day; and for a 100 lb dog about $11-16 per day. Please note
that we usually treat for 4-6 weeks and then gradually wean this medication
as other steps are taken to control the cause of the allergy. If routine
vaccinations are due while this is being administered please have a
discussion with your veterinarian ahead of time.
-cortisone drugs (prednisone, Medrol) as a last resort. There may be
many side effects with this treatment, and these cannot be given with many
NSAID-type arthritis medications.
8. Physical barriers. Some dogs scratch less with a T-shirt on (use when
indoors).
9. Regular groomings. Keep the coat well-groomed and matt-free. Some
breeds who have long "skirts" or long fur on the paws (such as spaniels) do
better when these areas kept short.
Here are a few environmental factors to keep in mind:
1. For pollen and mold sensitive pets try to limit the time spent outdoors. Early
morning or late evening walks are better than mid-day.
2. Wipe paws (esp. between toes and pads), belly, face, and ears with baby
wipes after any outdoor activities.
3. For house dust mite sensitive individuals the goal is to reduce exposure
(permanent elimination from the home is not practical):
-remove carpeting where possible (bare floors of wood, tile, or linoleum are
better).
-leather or vinyl upholstery for furniture is better than fabric.
-cover mattresses, pillows, and dog beds with hypoallergenic plastic covers
(available in many department stores).
-wash bedding/linens, stuffed animals, and fabric toys in hot water weekly.
-use air conditioning as much as possible (it helps keep humidity low).
-clean/vacuum frequently when your pet is not present (since it stirs up
allergens).
-avoid damp areas in the home like basements and laundry rooms.
-remove house plants or limit exposure.
4. Prevent swimming. If this can't be prevented then clean the ears with an
appropriate ear cleanser and shampoo the body afterwards (ask your
veterinarian which shampoo is appropriate).
Very important:
Secondary infections are very common. Be alert for increasing licking,
chewing, scratching, or rubbing. If these are associated with increasing
odor, sores, patchy hair loss, or head-shaking then secondary infection
may be present. Secondary infection may cause much misery. Please
schedule an appointment if these are noted. Changes to the allergy
treatment may also be in order.
Increasingly dermatologists are seeing bacterial skin infections caused
by methicillin-resistant staph organisms (including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]). Such bacterial infections can be more
difficult and more expensive to treat, and there is potential for people to
be affected by these bacteria (esp. for people with less-than-optimal
immune function). If any family member has health concerns please
discuss them with your physician. A bacterial culture and sensitivity
will be recommended if infection in your pet's skin has failed to respond
to first-line antibiotics. We recommend treating infections aggressively
in order to decrease the possibility of antibiotic resistance. We will (1)
treat until infection has been resolved for at least two weeks (or a
minimum of four weeks); (2) include topical therapy with antiseptic
shampoos where possible; and (3) address underlying factors which
have predisposed the patient to infection. We must not under-treat
active infection. We will be washing hands thoroughly and/or using
antiseptic hand gels after touching patients. Pet owners should do the
same at home, and bedding should be washed at least weekly. If you
have any questions, please ask your veterinarian or Dr. Buerger during
your next appointment.
©2010
pet's skin problems and will need to perform a complete examination. A
few simple tests will likely be necessary as well to help rule out other
diseases that can look very similar to allergies (some of which are very
curable). If the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis is certain then long-term
control might be a complex process. The best response might involve
one or more of the following:
1. Allergy injections (desensitization injections) which are based on the results of
allergy testing. Please click on the Allergy Test Info button above for more
information.
2. Flea prevention (such as with monthly Frontline, Frontline Plus, Advantage, or
Advantix). All dogs and cats should ideally be treated. Refer to individual
products for instructions and precautions.
3. Regular weekly or twice-weekly shampoos. The doctor will prescribe the one
best for your pet's problems if this is appropriate. Shampoos may not be
recommended for cats. Always protect eyes and ears and follow the
instructions on the label.
4. Regular weekly or twice-weekly ear cleanings with products such as EpiOtic,
Oticalm, or Oticlense. This is particularly helpful if there are recurring ear
infections. If there is odor, discharge, swelling, or discomfort consult your
doctor as soon as possible.
5. Resolve secondary infections due to bacteria and/or yeast organisms when
present. This often requires antibiotics and/or anti-yeast medications given
by mouth for 4+ weeks. Pets with allergies are very prone to recurring skin
infections.
6. A strict hypoallergenic diet may be helpful. The doctor will recommend one if
it is appropriate.
7. Additional medication(s) such as...
-antihistamines.
-Atopica® (modified cyclosporine) capsules. This is an expensive drug.
Treatment for a 10 lb dog costs about $3 per day; for a 50 lb dog about
$6-9 per day; and for a 100 lb dog about $11-16 per day. Please note
that we usually treat for 4-6 weeks and then gradually wean this medication
as other steps are taken to control the cause of the allergy. If routine
vaccinations are due while this is being administered please have a
discussion with your veterinarian ahead of time.
-cortisone drugs (prednisone, Medrol) as a last resort. There may be
many side effects with this treatment, and these cannot be given with many
NSAID-type arthritis medications.
8. Physical barriers. Some dogs scratch less with a T-shirt on (use when
indoors).
9. Regular groomings. Keep the coat well-groomed and matt-free. Some
breeds who have long "skirts" or long fur on the paws (such as spaniels) do
better when these areas kept short.
Here are a few environmental factors to keep in mind:
1. For pollen and mold sensitive pets try to limit the time spent outdoors. Early
morning or late evening walks are better than mid-day.
2. Wipe paws (esp. between toes and pads), belly, face, and ears with baby
wipes after any outdoor activities.
3. For house dust mite sensitive individuals the goal is to reduce exposure
(permanent elimination from the home is not practical):
-remove carpeting where possible (bare floors of wood, tile, or linoleum are
better).
-leather or vinyl upholstery for furniture is better than fabric.
-cover mattresses, pillows, and dog beds with hypoallergenic plastic covers
(available in many department stores).
-wash bedding/linens, stuffed animals, and fabric toys in hot water weekly.
-use air conditioning as much as possible (it helps keep humidity low).
-clean/vacuum frequently when your pet is not present (since it stirs up
allergens).
-avoid damp areas in the home like basements and laundry rooms.
-remove house plants or limit exposure.
4. Prevent swimming. If this can't be prevented then clean the ears with an
appropriate ear cleanser and shampoo the body afterwards (ask your
veterinarian which shampoo is appropriate).
Very important:
Secondary infections are very common. Be alert for increasing licking,
chewing, scratching, or rubbing. If these are associated with increasing
odor, sores, patchy hair loss, or head-shaking then secondary infection
may be present. Secondary infection may cause much misery. Please
schedule an appointment if these are noted. Changes to the allergy
treatment may also be in order.
Increasingly dermatologists are seeing bacterial skin infections caused
by methicillin-resistant staph organisms (including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]). Such bacterial infections can be more
difficult and more expensive to treat, and there is potential for people to
be affected by these bacteria (esp. for people with less-than-optimal
immune function). If any family member has health concerns please
discuss them with your physician. A bacterial culture and sensitivity
will be recommended if infection in your pet's skin has failed to respond
to first-line antibiotics. We recommend treating infections aggressively
in order to decrease the possibility of antibiotic resistance. We will (1)
treat until infection has been resolved for at least two weeks (or a
minimum of four weeks); (2) include topical therapy with antiseptic
shampoos where possible; and (3) address underlying factors which
have predisposed the patient to infection. We must not under-treat
active infection. We will be washing hands thoroughly and/or using
antiseptic hand gels after touching patients. Pet owners should do the
same at home, and bedding should be washed at least weekly. If you
have any questions, please ask your veterinarian or Dr. Buerger during
your next appointment.
©2010
General Allergy Treatment Information for Dogs
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