Immunotherapy in cats

RE: Immunotherapy in cats

Judith Joyce — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:57:09 GMT

Agree with David but have a few extra thoughts

Anything that is used topically will be removed before it can be effective and won't persist as long as it should. The licking to remove it will add to the trauma

There will be little evidence of parasites or microbes on a skin that is licked continually. Some have advocated looking in faeces for evidence of fleas.

If there is contact with other animals inside or out parasites are on the list despite treatment

Food trials are notoriously difficult to conduct strictly in cats - impossible if they go outside

Addressing the initiating cause may not be enough to rreverse the skin changes without effective anti-inflammatory treatment several weeks beyond resolution (including hair regrowth).

RE: Immunotherapy in cats

david godfrey — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 12:30:19 GMT

Hi,

some thoughts for you

is she having an isoxazoline for parasite control? I would give this to hopefully totally rule out demodicosis as a possible cause. And environmental flea control? And I would run the food trial for eight weeks as a minimum. I would rule out dermatophytosis. I would also think about any possible underlying pain in her lower back, hips - how is her agility? I might trial analgesics. And could any stresses be playing a part? Stress as the sole cause of this issue is very unlikely (in my opinion) but it would worsen the signs of one of the underlying conditions. Environmental enrichment can be useful.

Assuming all these other differentials were ruled out then a diagnosis of feline atopic syndrome is probably justified and ASIT can be tried but may take a year to help. You would only use the mite allergens.

I would suggest some short-term anti-itch therapy, oral prednisolone or Medrone daily to gain control then reduce according to effect. This is probably safer and more adjustable than a long-acting injection. If medicating is a problem then nearly all cats will accept injectable short-acting dexamethasone given in food - start daily then try to reduce to it being given every third day. Other treatments for medium/long-term control could be ciclosporin, Cerenia or Apoquel all with their pros and cons.

RE: Immunotherapy in cats

niamhjl — Mon, 24 May 2021 19:48:51 GMT

Also, wanted to add an additional question - does anyone know if there is a cytopoint equivalent in the pipeline for cats?? It would be really useful here if so!