Allergies

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

An allergy is simply a reaction the body has to a protein called an allergen.  Most allergens that affect pets are from pollen, other animal dander, plants and insects.  When the body is exposed to one of the many allergens, the immune system reacts or in most cases over reacts and causes a hypersensitive state.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

The most common causes for allergic reactions are the following:

• Flea allergies

• Inhalant allergies

• Contact allergies

• Food allergies

• Drug allergies

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Excessive itching and scratching
• Excessive grooming
• Mild to moderate rash on belly
• Watering eyes
• Scratching ears
• Rubbing face to itch eyes
• Sneezing
• Chewing feet
• All areas of skin become pink and inflamed
• Hair loss

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam.  Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

• Skin allergy panel - Your veterinarian may wish to perform this test if your pet has persistent skin allergies. This test usually requires that your pet be sedated. A patch of fur is shave on your pet’s side and a series of small injections of common allergens are put under the skin. Your veterinarian will then compare the reactions of these injections to a control to see which ones your pet is allergic to.

• IgE allergy test - Immunoglobulin E is a protein associated with allergic reactions that is found in small amounts in the blood. This test exposes your pet’s blood to common allergens, and measures the IgE reaction. Elevated levels usually indicate an allergy.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Treatment options will depend on the condition of your pet at the time of exam.  These options can range from intermittent doses of an over-the-counter antihistamine to a long-standing treatment plan of allergy injections.  Most common types of treatment include oral antihistamines and steroids, diet changes, flea preventive if flea allergy is noted, a bathing schedule with medicated shampoos, and allergy injections to desensitize the body to the allergens.

Long-term management of allergies can be achieved through medications and environmental changes.     

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

If your pet has specific flea allergies, the best prevention is monthly flea control.  If your pet has food allergies, the obvious prevention is a permanent diet change.  If your pet has environmental or seasonal allergies, the only real prevention is the use of allergy injections that will desensitize them to the environmental allergens and decrease reactions. 

• ALWAYS give your pet his/her medication(s) exactly as they are prescribed.
• Report any instances of vomiting, diarrhea, change in eating or drinking behavior to your veterinarian.

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