Page 15 - Stuart Exposure - August '19

Stuart Exposure, Page 15

tip of tHe tAil

The Dreaded Allergies Treatment includes killing the adult fleas on the pet and also 12 weeks. If symptoms improve or resolve then food allergy
eliminating them from the environment. Pets must be kept on is the diagnosis.
a monthly flea preventative. The best flea control would be Canine atopy is a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled or
to use a product that sterilizes the flea eggs combined with a cutaneously absorbed environmental allergens. The dog’s
product that kills the adult fleas as well. This approach will immune system becomes stimulated in response to the
eliminate fleas from the environment over a few months allergen which leads to inflammation of the skin and ears
and any fleas around will die once on the pet. All pets in the and to itching. The normal protective defenses of the skin
environment must be on a flea prevention for the products to and ears become lost due to the inflammation. Once this
work, otherwise the fleas will live on those pets. If there is a occurs, the bacteria and yeast that normally live on the skin
flea infestation in the area, it may take two to three months and in ears can overgrow and cause infection. Canine atopy
to eliminate the fleas. can start as a seasonal problem but over time can progress
Canine food hypersensitivity is an adverse reaction to a into a year-round issue. Diagnosis of atopy is made by
food or food additive. It can occur at any age, from puppies ruling out other allergies such as flea allergic dermatitis and
to elderly dogs that have been eating the same dog food for food hypersensitivity. When we treat canine atopy, we are
years. Most dogs diagnosed with a food allergy are under 2 to treating both the secondary infections and the inflammation/
3 years old. Symptoms are nonseasonal and may not respond allergy response. As we know allergies are not curable.
There are three common allergies in dogs: flea allergy to corticosteroids as most allergies will. Pets may be very Luckily, we now have multiple medications that will treat the
dermatitis, canine food hypersensitivity and canine atopy itchy and develop secondary infections or they can only be inflammation and itch effectively and can be given long-term
(atopic dermatitis, environmental, pollen allergies). Here itchy when secondary infections are present. The skin will be with minimal side effects. Topical treatments with medicated
in Florida’s tropical climate we have near constant pollen red and inflamed. Diagnosing food allergy can be difficult. shampoos weekly along with oral fatty acid supplements will
production and fleas year-round. As a result, many dogs in The only reliable way is to put a pet on an elimination diet also help manage atopy. It is important to remember that
Florida suffer from canine atopy and flea allergy dermatitis. trial. This involves feeding the pet a prescription diet created there can be “flareups” when the allergen in the environment
Food allergies are much less common and are seen most often for this purpose such as a hydrolyzed diet. This type of diet overwhelms the medications. It is also important to remember
in younger dogs. is created by breaking the proteins down to make them that this is a long-term and often lifelong condition. It can be
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common cause of unrecognizable by the body as an allergen. Prescription diets easy to become frustrated if this is not understood.
dermatitis in dogs. Dogs that are allergic to fleas develop that are novel protein or contain only vegetable protein can In general dealing with allergies in dogs can be very
hair loss and sores along the back, around the tail and back also be used. It is important not to feed something the pet has frustrating. Frequent trips to the veterinarian, costs of testing
legs. These pets will be very itchy. Live fleas are most often had before. The pet cannot receive any other foods or treats and medications. Some pets can even have all three allergies
seen on the pet but sometimes only flea feces will be visible. on while on this diet. The elimination trial should last 10 to (fleas, food and atopy). It is important to work with your
veterinarian. As a team, we can get you and your pet where
you need to be with time and patience! Hang in there, we are
here to help!
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

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