Make allergies dog gone

EVERY now and then something new comes along but rarely do we see a real breakthrough.

This month, however, sees the launch of a new product that may revolutionise the way we treat atopic dogs.

These poor individuals, who have multiple allergies, have one thing in common. They scratch. And often they scratch so much that their quality of life is severely affected.

The chain of events is simple, really. Allergens enter via the skin, often because the top layer is abnormal.

The immune system responds unnecessarily to the allergens, priming it to release itch and inflammation chemicals called cytokines.

The dog responds by scratching, further increasing inflammation and damaging the skin, making it even more vulnerable to allergen penetration. It is a vicious cycle that is hard to stop, especially when animals have little concept of self-harm.

For many years, medical treatment involved attempting to identify the allergens (commonly pollens, moulds, house dust mite and storage mite) and limiting them where possible, along with the use of glucocorticoid steroids to reduce the inflammation.

Unfortunately, about 30 per cent of patients experienced side-effects, including excessive thirst, urination and appetite and cystitis.

Recently, a tablet medication called oclacitinib (apoquel) has been used to great effect to treat atopic open show in Lanark Agricultural Centre at 9.30am, together with Scottish Pug Dog Club of Scotland’s championship show at 10am. Future Shows November 5 ■ Scottish Border Collie Club’s championship show in Lanark. Schedules from Fosse dogs – but it has to be given daily and not all dogs tolerate it.

Now things might be about to change with the launch of a new monthly injection that is as effective as other treatments but is not a drug.

It has no restrictions on its use where other disease is present. It has no known drug interactions, so can be used, for example, with anti-arthritic medication.

It places no burden on the liver and kidneys and has no age restriction.

The treatment is called cytopoint and it is a monoclonal antibody which targets and neutralises the most important cytokine involved in sending the itch signal to the brain.

As it is a protein, it is naturally degraded in the body, minimising side-effects.

Definitely worth a chat with your vet. Date Systems Ltd, 4 Mitchell Court, Castle Mount Way, Rugby, Lancashire, CV23 0UY. Tel 01788 860960. Entries close October 6. ■ Waverley Gun Dog Association’s open show in Ecclesmachan. Mrs Klein-Woolthuis. Tel 0131 663 5832. Entries close October 6.