**We left off last week discussing allergy testing. Now we will focus on what to do after the testing is completed.**
If allergens are detected it is possible to start
immuno-therapy. This is exposing the pet to small amounts of the allergen to
help desensitize the pet to it. There are currently two forms of this therapy.
The first is an injections that are given at regular intervals. Typically we
start with loading doses then go to once monthly then as needed. It can take
anywhere form 6 to 12 months to see a response and even then not all patients
will respond. Many will still need medication to manage symptoms from time to
time. The other choice of treatment is drops that are placed under the tongue.
This option tends to be slightly more effected but requires daily (sometimes
twice daily) dosing which can become labor intensive for many owners. The goal
of these treatments is to minimize the response the body has to the allergens
and hopefully decrease the amount of other medications needed to control
symptoms.
When sudden flare ups of itching occur there are different
medications that can be used to control these symptoms. These can include a
antihistamines, steroids or cyclosporine. Each work in a different way to help
keep pets more comfortable. There are definitely side effects to any medication
and should be discussed with your veterinarian prior to starting any of these.
While frustrating, it is possible for us to manage the
symptoms of atopic dermatitis to help keep our pets comfortable. To find out
more information about allergies you can visit the following websites
here,
here and
here.
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