CiTiVET

Presented by : Dr. Peter van der Merwe

The desire to scratch, lick, rub, chew and nibble at skin surface in response to chemical stimulus. Itchiness causes discomfort and decreases pets quality of life. Usually living with a frustrated owner An itchy pet is an unhappy pet

External parasites : Fleas Mange mites Lice

Allergies: Atopy (hayfever) Caused by interaction of abnormal Skin barrier genes Immune function genes Exposure to allergens & pathogens Allergens incl house dust, dust & storage mites, pollens, moulds Characterised by initial seasonal occurrence & flare ups Flea bite allergy Abnormal response to flea saliva Often worse in atopic individuals Food Itchy skin sometimes with digestive upsets Usually non seasonal -> ears, rears, paws Contact allergies Very rare,

Skin infections Staphylococcus Streptococcus Yeast (Malessia) Bacteria

Flea control Adulticides on pet e.g Frontline, Advantage, Practic Capstar Enviromental control pyrethroids and methoprene Sprays -> Flego, Ultrum Duration Treatment of mange mites Revolution Advocate Amitraz dips such as Amitrax, Triatix Control skin infections Bacteria – Anti bacterial shampoos and wipes Antibiotics Yeast – Shampoos Anti Fungals (eg Ketazol)

Allergic skin disease – Atopy Cant be cured, only controlled Multimodal approach is essential First control parasite & microorganism infections High quality diet especially fish based -> hypoallergenic formulations are best Omega 3 supplementation Barrier treatments – Allerderm – decreases secondary infections, less effect on itchiness – Shampoo – best is Allermyl but physical action of washing is most important, bath 1-2x weekly Topical -> new cortisone spray Cortavance

Corticosteroids Best given as short acting tablets eg lenisilone Many side effects including weight gain, urinary tract infections, increase risk of skin infections, decrease in bone and muscle strengths Safe annual dose calculated as 30x dogs body weight in milligrams of steroid i.e. 10 kg dog can take 300 mg of steroid over a year

Cyclosporin New drug being launched today Long term control not for use in controlling acute flare ups Side effects – Very Expensive – Vomiting in approximately 30% of patients – Hriutism, gingival hyperplasia, urinary tract infections – Rare s/e unmasking systemic infections e.g. fungal infections and Toxoplasmosis – In humans may increase risk for lymphoma (cancer) – not proven in dogs

Antihistamines – Only work in 10% of patients – Generally safe and used with other treatments especially cortisone. – Main side effect is sedation but should be used with caution in animals with glaucoma, heart disease, urinary bladder problems

Immunotherapy – Based on blood tests of IgE levels – Problem ->approximately 30% of atopic dogs do not have raised IgE levels – Test does not indicate if raised IgE is causing symptoms, merely that IgE level is high – HOWEVER immunotherapy is the only treatment that allows us to reverse part of the pathology, works for majority of patients, reasonable cost

If all else fails – Gabbapentin -> acts on nerve endings – Maropitant (Cerenia) -> substance P – Pentoxfyline – Prayer

Diet trail essential for diagnosis, blood tests are inaccurate Diagnosis confirmed by provocative exposure List of common food allergens include – Beef, lamb, chicken – Soya – Maize, rice, wheat avoid all protein treats, faeces (cat poop!!) Commercial diet trail foods are superior to home cooked diets Treatment -> avoid offending foods

Thanks once again to all our client who continue to support us Genna van der Merwe Tamsen Maritz Royal Canin Afrivet Citivet staff

Itching to get answers??