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Inhalant and contact skin allergies are certainly aggravating for numerous pet owners. Symptoms of allergies may include chronic itchy feet, face and ears, as well as secondary infections leading to enhanced client discomfort. In years past it was often only prescription Prednisone that provided these animals significant symptomatic relief. However, the use of long term Prednisone or cortisone can result in unwanted side effects including:
– Suppressing the immune system and thus the development of secondary infection
– Thinning of bones
– premature aging
– Predisposing animals to diabetes if used long term.
Pets may also develop enhanced thirst, appetite and urination, as well as unwanted behavioral changes. several years ago Atopica came on the market and provided animal guardians a Prednisone alternative that really worked, and without all of the side effects.
The main ingredient cyclosporine has a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effect. Side effects do occur in roughly one third of treated animals and many typically includes digestive upset and vomiting. in some cases giving Atopica with a meal and/or with other prescription medications to avoid vomiting can help with this side effect.
Another major issue of clients is the high cost of using Atopica long term. Some veterinarians will prescribe the antifungal Ketaconazole at the same time as Atopica, which can help reduce the dose of Atopica needed. There is also a generic now available, however, I have not found results consistent with the less expensive generic.
I have found Atopica affective in roughly 65% of treated pets, and often the dose can be tapered after several weeks to help lower the cost for those allergic animals who need allergy medication long term. using supplements such as omega 3 fatty acids may also help lower the dose of Atopica needed to control medical signs.
Allergies