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PAGE 2Issue #7 Volume #2 |
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A Bargain at Twice
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The Itching ProblemProvided by the American Animal Hospital Association Diagnosing and Treating Allergies in Pets Is it eczema? That's what veterinarians thought until the 1970s when it was discovered humans aren't alone when it comes to the misery of allergies. Constant scratching and itching can signal an allergic reaction in your pet. Dogs and cats suffer from flea allergic dermatitis more than any other allergy, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The allergic reaction is caused from the saliva of the flea which uses dogs and cats for blood meal. "Veterinarians in the southeastern United States where the heat and humidity are breeding grounds for fleas see much more flea allergic dermatitis," explained Dr. Ellen Codner from the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Virginia Tech. It is not the animal with the largest number of fleas on its body that suffers the allergy most often; but the animal that has the greatest sensitivity to the flea saliva. Often, animals with the most severe signs of flea allergy dermatitis have only a few fleas. Treatment for flea allergy dermatitis includes ridding the animal and its environment of fleas. All pets in the household must be treated, not just the ones exhibiting symptoms. The pet's environment must be thoroughly treated the same day as the animal; usually every two weeks for three treatments, according to Dr. Codner. For each flea a veterinarian sees on an animal, there are 100 more not visible. Shampoos, powders, and sprays can be used to kill fleas on pets. Canine and feline atopy is another type of allergy. "This allergy is similar to hay fever that humans suffer," said Dr. Codner. "The animal reacts to inhaled particles such as mold, pollen, and dust" Whereas people sneeze and have watery eyes, an animal will scratch or bite its trunk, ears, paws, and face. Dr. Codner said the allergy is an inherited predisposition, like in human sufferers. If the signs of atopy occur for less than three months out of the year, oral medication (like cortisone) may be used to control itching. In more severe cases, pets are given a skin allergy test. This test will pinpoint what allergens the animal is sensitive to, and then injections of the allergic material are given in minimal doses to build up immunities in the system. Food allergies are seen less often by veterinarians. Any component of the pet's food may cause an allergic reaction that leads to itching, and in some cases diarrhea. Food allergy can occur in animals that have been eating the same food for a long time. Symptoms are controlled by feeding a hypoallergenic diet. Contact allergies are the least common type of allergy. This allergy is similar to a person's reaction to poison ivy. Dogs and cats are protected by their coats and thus don't come in direct contact with irritants. Contact allergy reactions have been caused by carpet cleaner, floor wax, and other household items. Once the cause has been determined, the animal should stay away from the area where the product is used. The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of more than 12,000 veterinarians who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, the association is well known among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care. |
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