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Allergies…the Bigfoot in veterinary medicine and pet parent care.

Very difficult to diagnose, well, unless it’s obvious…which it can be, but for the most part it is a very elusive, difficult to pin point condition.

Roswell, Georgia, well all of Georgia, is known for its terrible allergies for both furkids and humans. Here at Chattahoochee Animal Clinic we see both environmental and food allergies almost every day. 

Thank goodness for new technology in veterinary medicine, we have so many options to help diagnose, treat and maintain our comfort level…cures are hard to come by, but do exist in some cases.

The 3 main reasons for allergies are:

  • Environmental – comes and goes, not consistent, unless it is in the home
    • Mold
    • Seasonal; pollen, grasses, rag weed, etc
    • Cleaners
    • Fabrics
    • Shampoo’s, sprays, contact allergies      
    • Plastic/rubber bowls, toys, etc
    • Fleas
    • Cigarette smoke
  • Food – consistent
    • Corn
    • Certain proteins
    • Grains
  • Underlying medical issues that display themselves as allergies - consistent
    • Did you know that underlying thyroid issues display themselves as allergy symptoms?
    • Cushing’s disease

What do allergy symptoms look like?

  • Hair loss
  • Chronic itching
    • Reoccurring skin infections
  • Chew & licking of paws
  • Anal gland issues
  • GI problems
  • Reoccurring ear infections
  • Sneezing, coughing, hacking, runny/goopy eyes
  • Snoring due to inflammation

Well now what? What is the solution?

Generally we take these cases in baby steps. Here are few options to start with:

  • Full comprehensive exam and bloodwork, which includes a thyroid panel
  • Skin exam and cytology to check for fleas, mites, yeast and infection
  • Temporary relief
    • Antihistamines
    • Immunomodulating medication like Cytopoint or Apoquel
    • Steroids if serious enough
    • Antibiotics for skin infections
    • Topical histamine sprays
    • Flea prevention
    • Nutraceuticals – essential fatty acids supplement

Once we have an idea as how the system is working and that organ function is normal or not we proceed accordingly:

  • If the diagnosis points towards environmental allergens, then we can
    • Treat only symptomatically
    • Send off allergy panel to find out exactly what we are allergic to and possibly get allergy immunotherapy vaccines
  • If the diagnosis points towards food allergies, then we can
    • Start a strict food trial
    • Send off allergy panel to find out exactly what we are allergic to

All and all, the diagnosis and treatment of allergies is a trial of several options and see what works best.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about possible allergies in your furkid, please feel free to contact us. We certainly can help.

Until next time

Dr Marcus Smith

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Chattahoochee Animal Clinic

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Chattahoochee Animal Clinic

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed