Allergy Client Presentation 1 2 3 Allergens are normally harmless substances that don't cause an issue to other animals, however, in pets with allergies, they cause an abnormal response. 4 Bacteria and yeast can act as allergens too - in these cases the clinical signs/reaction can be disproportional to the number of organisms on the skin. 04/2018
5 Get everyone in the room to stand up. Now ask just over one half of the room to sit down. Statistically, if this room represents the population of the UK everyone left standing would have an allergy. Get half of those left standing to sit down. This now represents the number in the UK population who have more than one allergy. Refs: Source AllergyUK website Feb 2018. ▪ 6 Imagine your pet is this empty bucket and all the things they are allergic to (allergens) are liquids ▪ Every time your pet comes in contact with the allergens, the bucket starts to fill up ▪ This doesn’t cause any problems until you reach the top of the bucket or the ‘threshold’, at which point the liquid spills everywhere ▪ Your pet could have lots of different allergens adding a little amount to the bucket, or one in particular that’s like a tsunami! ▪ However, it happens, once they ‘spill over’ the threshold you see symptoms associated with allergy 7 All dogs itch and for many, having a good ear scratch from time to time, seems to be one of life's pleasures! However, when dogs start to itch or chew at themselves frequently, it could indicate problem. If you have ever had midge or mosquito bites you will appreciate just how unpleasant the constant need to itch can be. 8 Dog Symptoms Secondary Bacterial & Yeast Infections Skin Problems 04/2018
9 Dog Symptoms cont... Paw Chewing Ear Problems 10 Cat Symptoms Behavioural Respiratory Signs 11 Gut Symptoms in cats and dogs Gastrointestinal signs 12 Did you know, the only way to diagnose a skin allergy is by ruling out all of the other reasons they might itch first? This can make it seem like a long process to work out why they are itchy, BUT once you know the root of the problem your vet can then discuss the very best, long-term, specific solutions This is why even the very best dermatologist cannot solve a complicated case in 1 consultation i t’s going to take a few steps STORE BLOOD – Your vet may suggest taking a blood sample when they are first suspicious an allergy maybe involved before doing other tests. This is because your pet is symptomatic at this point and has not been on any medication. The laboratory can store the blood fo r free so you don’t have to pay for the test unless you need it 04/2018
13 It can be difficult for your vet too. Dogs can be itchy for very different reasons but will often just look the same. The things on the steps – bacteria, yeast, mites, fleas, pollens, fungus – are all things that could make your pet itch. It’s important to work out which one of these reasons, or combination of them, is the culprit to get the right treatment. The 5 differences – 1. R leg shadow, 2. spots on muzzle, 3. white dot in eye, 4. hair on head, 5. eyebrow hair 14 Bacteria and yeast infections could be the reason your pet is itchy OR they can occur because of an underlying reason like allergy, either way, they need to be treated. Taking samples from the skin, allows us to see the number and identify the type of bacteria or yeast which helps with treatment Repeating these tests once they look better is important to check the infection is really resolved. Bacteria and yeast can act as allergens too. 15 Fleas and lice may be detected by your vet by inspecting the hair coat. However, flea dirt is often all you will find in flea infestations so your vet may take some scurf and place it on damp cotton wool to see if a red ring appears round it. This is the blood in the flea faeces leaking out. Some dogs and cats have a severe reaction to the flea saliva (spit) in which case even a few bites from the fleas can set them off itching, to rule out this problem your vet may give different flea treatment to normal. The mites we are trying to rule out at this stage are different to dust mite allergy problems. At this point it is mites which actually live on the pet we are wanting to rule out as causing the symptoms, not mites in the home environment. These mites include; Sarcoptes, Cheyletiella, Demodex and Trombiculae (harvest mites or berry bugs). The allergy to dust mites is different, it the dust mite faeces found in household dust that causes the problem which we will come to later. 16 Although it’s a big ask to run a proper dietary trial, if your pet has a food allergy, avoiding that food can stop them itching and avoid the need for a lifetime of medications 04/2018
✓ The diet is selected by using your pet's dietary history and food allergy blood test results to either: 17 ▪ select a novel protein and carbohydrate source to feed (ones they have not had before) ▪ choose a veterinary prescription diet ▪ This new diet and water are all that is fed, don’t give anything else, including supplements or flavoured medications, without discussing it first with your vet. If feeding treats is a must, ask you vet on what to use for this period ✓ If the symptoms improve, the original diet must be fed again to check it was the dietary change, not a coincidence, that caused the improvement ✓ Make sure everyone who helps care for your pet knows the rules! 18 1. Blood allergy testing - a blood sample is taken by the vet and sent to the laboratory, where it analysed and the results returned to the practice. The results are interpreted by your vet taking into account your pets history and symptoms 2. Intradermal skin testing – small amount of allergens are injected into the skin while the animal is sedated and the amount of reaction is measured, this procedure is carried out by a specialist veterinary dermatologist 19 Yes, because now you: • have a diagnosis so know what’s going on can d iscuss with your vet the best long- term treatment options based on what’s causing the allergy But remember: • allergy is a life-long condition, in many ways the diagnosis is just the start • animals with skin allergies are more prone to infections and will have flare-ups - keeping your vet up to date with how your pet is doing is key 20 HOLES IN THE BUCKET These treatments reduce the symptoms after the allergen has triggered your pet’s immune system. Effectively taking some of the water out of the bucket before it spills over. For example; steroids, cyclosporin, Apoquel, Cytopoint TURNING OFF THE TAP Alternatively, you can either try to change the way your pet responds to the allergen, so the immune system no longer overreacts when coming in contact with it or reduce exposure to the allergen. This means the bucket doesn’t fill up. For example; immunotherapy and allergen avoidance measures. 04/2018
21 For example, taking one common allergen - dust mites and storage mites Ways of reducing levels of mites (and also tackles flea pupae): Chemical methods • Insecticides for the home Physical methods • Regular vacuuming • Hot wash pet bedding • Hot wash/freeze pet toys • Use smaller bags of food • Wipe pets muzzle after feeding • Good household ventilation The Avacta website has lots of detailed specific information about different allergens and what you can do to reduce exposure – the address is on the last slide for you to note it down at the end 22 1. Sticking to the dietary trial 2. The use of shampoos/topical treatments if advised 3. Vacuuming regularly areas the pet spends its time to keep dust mite levels low if these are a trigger 4. Wiping feet / body after a walk if allergens such as pollens are a trigger 5. Being the vet’s eyes and ears 24/7 and reporting back to them when there is a problem to get advice before any flare-up take hold 6. Medicating as your vet has advised to keep the condition under control More info on the dedicated pet owner website – www.avactaanimalhealth.com 23 There is no ‘quick fix’ for allergies Allergies are life-long conditions, so taking time to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan at the start is critical Using a combination of therapies is considered the best approach by most veterinary dermatologists 24 Any questions? www.avactaanimalhealth.com 04/2018
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