Dermatology - to repeat allergy testing?

Re: Dermatology - to repeat allergy testing?

Rajat — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:09:44 GMT

Second what Martin said, though I have used Atopica with good results- I think topicals are often overlooked- worth also looking into Allerderm by Virbac has some excellent properties and sold out when it first came out because all the derms bought up the stocks- tells us how excited they were by it! it also has cermiades like the Douxo Martin mentioned

There is interesting info on it especially from the human side where it allows the epidermal barrier to be reformed and can be applied locally where the itch is or just like a spot on on the neck.

I've been using it in my atopic dogs and cats with some promising results

http://www.virbacvet.com/products/dermatology/allergicdermatitis/allerdermspotonskinlipidcomplex.aspx

Cheers

Re: Dermatology - to repeat allergy testing?

Martin Atkinson — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:27:39 GMT

Speaking as someone who has never had to put a dog on immunotherapy and uses minimal corticosteorids or Atopica, I think what Rajat and others are saying is very relevant. A lot of supposedly atopic dogs have additional stimulation of the immune system by other factors such as parasites, malassezia, bacterial dermatitis and food sensitivities. Good control of all these things plus an EFA supplement are usually enough IME. Also you may consider one of these new shampoos/sprays with pro-ceramides like Douxo which are supposed to improve the skin barrier to allergens, I have not had too much experience with them so far a couple of cases of success and one who reckoned it made the dog worse but it sounds like a good theory. If it is a localised flare-up then Cortavance spray is useful, some dermatologists are recommending this as primary therapy even in generalised cases.

Re: Dermatology - to repeat allergy testing?

Rajat — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:41:37 GMT

Hi Sarah

Before doing repeat testing I'd do tape strips and impression smear s to check for malassezia, maybe hair plucks +/-scrape to check for demodex and a Essential fatty acid trial if not already on it...If just a seasonal flareup maybe worth controlling w/topical steroids if only lasting a short while... and I'm sure you've checked but feet only could suggest neotrombicula..just some thoughts...

Re: Dermatology - to repeat allergy testing?

Hannah Wynne Richards — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:07:37 GMT

If it's got an allergic tendency-and it's some years since tested it's almost certain there's a few more allergies by now These cases can be both challenging and frustrating Good luck

Wynne

Re: Dermatology - to repeat allergy testing?

Stephen Courtney — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:38:09 GMT

It is certainly possible for allergies to evolve over time, and a repeat IDST might be helpful - after going back to basics - check for fleas and fox mange etc first. Consider a food trial - i have one dog that is atopic and food allergic - and consider starting atopica?

Re: Dermatology - to repeat allergy testing?

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:30:08 GMT

I would double check things like parasite control and changes in food first; that can kick the dog over the pruritic threshold.