Dear Dr. John,
My dog is now over 10 years old, and developed a lot of skin problems at a young age, likely due to allergies. He was managed by my vet for a few years with antibiotics, steroids, and Atopica but when his skin got raw and inflamed, he referred my dog to a veterinary dermatologist. Things have been maintained quite well for many years now with allergy shots weekly but a recent trip to the groomer triggered a raw tail that my dog chewed incessantly. Is this common?
My vet prescribed antibiotics again and it cleared things up, but I made an appointment to see the dermatologist. My dog also takes an NSAID called Rimadyl for arthritis. Can that also help with the skin issues? The recent trip for the derm consult proved to be good and my dog is to continue with his ASIT injections. I’ve even spaced them out to every two weeks, and he is doing pretty well. Should I be concerned about long term allergy shots? E.G.
Dear E.G.,
It sounds as if you have an atopic dog, one with allergies typically brought on by pollens in our part of the world. Dust mites and food proteins are also a potential case but the condition usually has a genetic component as well. Canine atopic dermatitis is manifested by itching, red and inflamed skin, loss of hair, and thickened rough skin. It is known to affect 10% of all dogs. A successful treatment regime beyond antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, shampoos, and more includes ASIT or allergen specific immunotherapy. I know of no time frame that puts a limit on how long it can be continued for.
Regular monitoring by your veterinarian or your veterinary dermatologist is wise. The Rimadyl can also help with keeping any inflammatory skin problems under control. Hopefully, you shared the fact of the injections being given every two weeks instead of weekly but any additional skin issues might require you to go back to weekly injections. Atopy can be a miserable condition for dogs to live with and I am glad that you have had success in controlling it for your dog.
Dr. John de Jong is President of the World Veterinary Association. He owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic and can be reached at 781-899-9994.
