Prednisone for flea allergy dermatitis. Flea Allergy Dermatitis
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Flea Allergy Dermatitis: What Your Clients Need to Know | Today's Veterinary Nurse |
Prednisone for flea allergy dermatitis
The problem is that I have never seen a flea on him. Is this diagnosis correct? Flea allergy dermatitis FAD is the leading cause of itching in dogs. Fleas do not stay on the dog except for when they are feeding. When they feed they inject a small amount of saliva into the skin.
Proteins in the saliva are the usual allergen, and cause an intensely pruritic or itchy response. In fact, a single flea bite can cause itching for up to a week. Clinical signs often give the first clue that your pet may suffer from FAD. Sophisticated skin and blood tests that will detect a specific flea allergy in your pet are available.
However, if the animal has a parasite hypersensitivity, pruritus can be moderate to severe causing alopecia and excoriations, which can lead to the development of secondary skin infections.
Having a pruritic pet can be frustrating, stressful, and concerning; it is a common reason for clients to seek veterinary care. Pets with parasite hypersensitivities will often be itching and restless in the exam room and clients can be emotional and desperate for help when providing the history. For patients exhibiting this level of pruritus, parasites can be suspected and the staff notified to start disinfecting protocols. It is important for technicians to use their soft skills consisting of listening, patience, and empathy.
Canine — caudal half of the body has alopecia, lichenification, and serous crusting. The prevalence of flea allergy dermatitis FAD depends on geographic location and ranges from one of the most commonly diagnosed allergic dermatoses seen in both dogs and cats or not occurring at all in areas that do not have fleas.
FAD also known as flea bite hypersensitivity is an allergic reaction to flea saliva injected by the bites of fleas. Clinical signs can be either a seasonal problem or can be year-round depending on environmental conditions BOX 1.
Although clinical signs can develop at any age, many dogs are diagnosed as young adults often by the age of 5. There is no breed or sex predilection. Generalized distribution can occur. Chronic cases may develop seborrhea, alopecia, crusting, lichenification, acral lick granulomas, and pyotraumatic dermatitis FIGURE 3.
Canine — erythema and alopecia on the ventral abdomen. There is no breed, age, or sex predilection. Pruritus can be constant and intense. Skin infections are less common than in dogs. Unless fleas or flea dirt flea feces are found on the pet, it may be difficult to convince owners that their pet may be dealing with FAD.
Although intradermal allergen testing IDAT can be useful in dogs with a positive reaction to flea extract, demonstration of hypersensitivity does not alone justify a diagnosis. IDAT is not as helpful in cats and results can be difficult to interpret.
History, clinical signs, exclusion of other differentials, and response to a therapeutic trial is the only way to confirm the diagnosis. Helping clients understand that in some cases it only takes a few flea bites to evoke a hypersensitivity reaction will help convince them of the importance to perform a therapeutic trial. Since the clinical signs can be very similar to the other two most common differentials being AD and CAFR, ruling out parasite hypersensitivity is warranted in achieving a diagnosis of these pruritic dermatoses as well.
The goal is to use the lowest dosage of corticosteroids as possible, as infrequently as possible, preferably on an alternating-day basis. If your dog has developed a secondary bacterial skin infection because of the scratching, antibiotics may also be necessary.
This site requires JavaScript to function properly. Please enable JavaScript in your browser and reload the page. Need help? How to enable JavaScript in your browser. Are only certain dogs allergic to fleas? FAD can affect any adult dog although some breeds appear to be more prone than others are.
How is flea allergy dermatitis diagnosed? What does treatment involve? What about steroids or other drugs?
❿Prednisone for flea allergy dermatitis.Need to book an appointment?
Hi there! Prednisone is a very powerful anti-inflammatory drug. Prednisone temporarily blocks the symptoms of allergies in dogs and cats. The more allergens your pet is exposed to, the more prednisone she will need to take up to a prescribed maximum, obviously , to block the symptoms caused by those allergens.
Your body makes its own prednisone all the time. You must slowly wean them off the drug. There are two potential pitfalls of this kind of prescription. One, if you give too little prednisone and there are still a bunch of allergens around, your pet will still be itchy. Then you drop to half of a tablet every 24 hours, and your dog still feels great, and is showing fewer side effects from the prednisone. Then you drop even further, now only giving half of a tablet every 48 hours, and you start to notice your dog itching again.
This means your particular pet wants you to go back up to the once a day dosing for a while longer! The second potential pitfall of a prescription of prednisone is that some clients stop the pills too early. Prednisone is not a CURE for allergies, merely a temporary fix.
Forgive them! Long term, prednisone has the potential to cause intestinal signs, weakness or fatigue, thin hair coat, and rarely more serious metabolic problems that you should discuss with your veterinarian. Prednisone is not a drug we use willy-nilly, because it does many powerful good and potentially bad things. Skip to Content. Prednisone and Allergy Treatment for Dogs and Cats.
❾-50%}Prednisone for flea allergy dermatitis
Then you drop even further, now only giving half of a tablet every 48 hours, and you start to notice your dog itching again.
This means your particular pet wants you to go back up to the once a day dosing for a while longer! The second potential pitfall of a prescription of prednisone is that some clients stop the pills too early. Prednisone is not a CURE for allergies, merely a temporary fix. Forgive them! Long term, prednisone has the potential to cause intestinal signs, weakness or fatigue, thin hair coat, and rarely more serious metabolic problems that you should discuss with your veterinarian.
Prednisone is not a drug we use willy-nilly, because it does many powerful good and potentially bad things. Skip to Content. Prednisone and Allergy Treatment for Dogs and Cats. Proteins in the saliva cause an intensely itchy response to sensitive dogs.
Dogs with FAD do not have to be infested with fleas to be itchy. In fact, a single fleabite can cause itching for days.
Clinical signs often give the first clue that your pet may suffer from FAD. Intradermal allergy tests skin tests or specialized blood tests IgE blood tests can confirm flea allergy in your dog. Since the injection of flea saliva causes the allergic response, it is important to prevent fleas from biting your dog. Strict flea control is essential. Even though you have not seen fleas on the dog, it is important that you continue rigorous flea treatment and maintain environmental control.
Outdoor dogs pose a particular challenge. They often bring about miraculous relief from the itching. However, there are significant potential side effects to steroid use. The long-term use of corticosteroids can ultimately result in more harm than good. Steroids can be safely used for short-term relief while flea control is being implemented. The goal is to use the lowest dosage of corticosteroids as possible, as infrequently as possible, preferably on an alternating-day basis.
If your dog has developed a secondary bacterial skin infection because of the scratching, antibiotics may also be necessary. This site requires JavaScript to function properly. Please enable JavaScript in your browser and reload the page.
Shilo started her veterinary technician career at a general practice clinic in In Shilo started working with at specialty clinic with the ophthalmology and dermatology services. In she became a licensed veterinary technician. In June she received her veterinary technician specialty certification in dermatology.
Many dogs and cats can harbor ectoparasites such as mites, lice, and fleas and are not bothered by their presence unless parasitic numbers are causing mechanical irritation. However, if the animal has a parasite hypersensitivity, pruritus can be moderate to severe causing alopecia and excoriations, which can lead to the development of secondary skin infections. Having a pruritic pet can be frustrating, stressful, and concerning; it is a common reason for clients to seek veterinary care. Pets with parasite hypersensitivities will often be itching and restless in the exam room and clients can be emotional and desperate for help when providing the history.
For patients exhibiting this level of pruritus, parasites can be suspected and the staff notified to start disinfecting protocols. It is important for technicians to use their soft skills consisting of listening, patience, and empathy. Canine — caudal half of the body has alopecia, lichenification, and serous crusting.
The prevalence of flea allergy dermatitis FAD depends on geographic location and ranges from one of the most commonly diagnosed allergic dermatoses seen in both dogs and cats or not occurring at all in areas that do not have fleas.
FAD also known as flea bite hypersensitivity is an allergic reaction to flea saliva injected by the bites of fleas. Clinical signs can be either a seasonal problem or can be year-round depending on environmental conditions BOX 1.
Although clinical signs can develop at any age, many dogs are diagnosed as young adults often by the age of 5. There is no breed or sex predilection. Generalized distribution can occur. Chronic cases may develop seborrhea, alopecia, crusting, lichenification, acral lick granulomas, and pyotraumatic dermatitis FIGURE 3.
Canine — erythema and alopecia on the ventral abdomen. There is no breed, age, or sex predilection. Pruritus can be constant and intense. Skin infections are less common than in dogs. Unless fleas or flea dirt flea feces are found on the pet, it may be difficult to convince owners that their pet may be dealing with FAD. Although intradermal allergen testing IDAT can be useful in dogs with a positive reaction to flea extract, demonstration of hypersensitivity does not alone justify a diagnosis.
IDAT is not as helpful in cats and results can be difficult to interpret. History, clinical signs, exclusion of other differentials, and response to a therapeutic trial is the only way to confirm the diagnosis. Helping clients understand that in some cases it only takes a few flea bites to evoke a hypersensitivity reaction will help convince them of the importance to perform a therapeutic trial.
Since the clinical signs can be very similar to the other two most common differentials being AD and CAFR, ruling out parasite hypersensitivity is warranted in achieving a diagnosis of these pruritic dermatoses as well. Canine — alopecia on the caudal half of the body with lichenification at the base of the tail. Whether FAD is suspected or has been confirmed, the goal is the same: avoid flea bites as much as possible, treat the pruritus when flare-ups occur, and prevent secondary skin infections.
Corticosteroids are the most effective therapy for controlling the intense pruritus associated with FAD and oral administrations is preferred over injectable due to the ability to taper the dosage. Since corticosteroids also reduce inflammation in the skin, they help prevent secondary infections associated with bacteria or yeast overgrowth. Cats, more so than dogs, may require treatment with corticosteroids for longer periods of time.
Feline — alopecia on the caudal body and left shoulder. For every adult flea on the host there are many eggs, larvae, pupae, and newly emerged adults in the environment. In most cases, the life cycle is complete in weeks; however, it can be shorter or longer depending on environmental conditions BOX 2. Within 24 to 36 hours after the first blood meal, the female flea starts producing eggs, and can lay up to 50 eggs per day.
A good analogy of this life cycle is to think of the animal as a salt shaker. Feline — indolent ulceration of the rostral maxillary lip. Ideally the FAD affected pet needs treatment with a product that eliminates adult fleas adulticide and inhibits growth of the immature stages insect growth regulator.
The time between dosing is commonly reduced during a treatment trial or when flare-ups occur from monthly to every 14 days for applications.
All in-contact animals, whether indoor or outdoor pets exotic animals includedneed to be treated or the life cycle will continue. Other in-contact dogs and cats can be treated following the product labeled instructions, which is usually monthly administration. There are numerous flea products available including topical, oral, and injectable formulations.
Some target the adult fleas adulticidesothers target the immature stages insect growth regulatorsand some products are both an adulticide and an IGR. Product labels need to be read carefully and pet owners made aware that many products for dogs cannot be used on cats and some exotic pets especially those containing pyrethroids.
This is especially important if clients are purchasing over-the-counter products OTC. Topical spot-on medications need to be applied to dry skin and bathing is prohibited for a period of time after application depending on the product used. A good rule of thumb is no bathing 2 days prior or after application of a topical product. Excessive bathing and swimming should be avoided. Some oral medications need to be administered with food for best absorption.
Environmental control measures may or may not be required depending on the severity of the infestation. Treating all in-contact animals is the most important environmental aspect and should eventually lead to elimination of the fleas; however, it can take up to months due to the different life stages that may be present BOX 3.
There are things clients can do to speed up the process with the goal being to reduce preexisting life stages. Since it can be a daunting task, having clients make a list of the areas their pets spend most of their time can help pinpoint the areas to focus on when it comes to cleaning, laundering, vacuuming, and the application of environmental insecticides. Areas of concern include: pet bedding, under or on furniture, closets, carpeting, underneath porches, shaded areas outside such as bushes and shrubs, dog houses, kennels, sheds, and even the family vehicle.
Depending on how many pets are in the household treatment can be a significant financial burden for clients. Providing estimates on the different flea products available is essential and will help with owner compliance. Many flea products protect against other ectoparasites such as mites, lice, and, ticks as well as internal parasites such as heartworms, and roundworms.
Prognosis for pets with a confirmed diagnosis of FAD is good if there is effective client compliance and flea bites are prevented. A team approach with the veterinary technician and the client consisting of patient updates and communication can help ensure a successful outcome for pets with FAD.
Peer Reviewed. Dermatology Parasitology. Issue: Spring Read Articles Written by Shilo Anderson. Hypersensitivity Disorders and Parasitic Skin Disease. Louis, MO: Elsevier;,, Flea Bite Allergy. In: Veterinary Allergy. Start My Subscription.
Corticosteroids, 'cortisone' or 'steroids' are widely used to treat FAD. They often bring about miraculous relief to the poor pruritic patient. However, it. "Corticosteroids are widely used to treat acute (sudden) episodes of particularly itchy FAD." Fortunately, due to very effective newer technologically advanced. Cats, more so than dogs, may require treatment with corticosteroids for longer periods of time. The Flea Life Cycle. FIGURE 4. Feline – alopecia. Prednisone is not a CURE for allergies, merely a temporary fix. If your dog is still itchy at the end of your prescription, don't stop, call me and tell me. When strict flea control is not possible, corticosteroids (or "cortisone" or "steroids") can be used to block the allergic reaction and give relief. This is. Within 24 to 36 hours after the first blood meal, the female flea starts producing eggs, and can lay up to 50 eggs per day. In: Veterinary Allergy. Corticosteroids are the most effective therapy for controlling the intense pruritus associated with FAD and oral administrations is preferred over injectable due to the ability to taper the dosage. What does treatment involve? Although clinical signs can develop at any age, many dogs are diagnosed as young adults often by the age of 5. Since the injection of flea saliva causes the allergic response, it is important to prevent fleas from biting your dog.This form is currently closed for submissions. Please click here to schedule. After a recent series of tests and I was told that he has flea allergy dermatitis. The problem is that I have never seen a flea on him.
Is this diagnosis correct? In an allergic reaction, the immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to a substance that it would normally tolerate.
Flea allergy dermatitis FAD is the leading cause of itching in dogs. Adult fleas require a blood meal in order to reproduce. However, they do not usually remain on the dog except when they are feeding. When they feed, they inject a small amount of saliva into the skin. Proteins in the saliva cause an intensely itchy response to sensitive dogs.
Dogs with FAD do not have to be infested with fleas to be itchy. In fact, a single fleabite can cause itching for days. Clinical signs often give the first clue that your pet may suffer from FAD. Intradermal allergy tests skin tests or specialized blood tests IgE blood tests can confirm flea allergy in your dog. Since the injection of flea saliva causes the allergic response, it is important to prevent fleas from biting your dog. Strict flea control is essential. Even though you have not seen fleas on the dog, it is important that you continue rigorous flea treatment and maintain environmental control.
Outdoor dogs pose a particular challenge. They often bring about miraculous relief from the itching. However, there are significant potential side effects to steroid use. The long-term use of corticosteroids can ultimately result in more harm than good. Steroids can be safely used for short-term relief while flea control is being implemented. The goal is to use the lowest dosage of corticosteroids as possible, as infrequently as possible, preferably on an alternating-day basis.
If your dog has developed a secondary bacterial skin infection because of the scratching, antibiotics may also be necessary. This site requires JavaScript to function properly. Please enable JavaScript in your browser and reload the page. Need help? How to enable JavaScript in your browser. Are only certain dogs allergic to fleas? FAD can affect any adult dog although some breeds appear to be more prone than others are.
How is flea allergy dermatitis diagnosed? What does treatment involve? What about steroids or other drugs?
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