Paws-itive Press
Skin Infections and Allergies in Dogs and Cats
By Mark Planco of Planco Veterinary Care
Skin infections in dogs and cats are caused by disorders that compromise the natural barriers and immune system in the skin. Most infections start after an itching episode. The most common reason for itch in dogs and cats is allergies. The cells that people have in our eyes and nasal passage are found in animal’s skin. Allergies cause these cells to react and create itch. This itchy reaction also compromises the skin’s natural protection and makes it susceptible to infection. The majority of skin infections are caused by the normal bacteria that live on skin. The allergy breaks down the defense mechanisms causing normal bacteria to become pathogenic.
Determining the cause of the allergy is sometimes challenging. It can be an external parasite, inhalant allergens, contact allergens or ingested substances in their diet. To determine the cause sometimes requires diagnostic tests and sometimes a response to treatment. The best way to treat is to figure out what an animal is allergic to and avoid it. There are many safe and effective medications to eliminate external parasites. In the case of inhalant allergies, avoidance is impossible (dogs and cats don’t do well in a “bubble”).
Treatment options for allergies include: antihistamines, steroids, antihistamine/steroid combinations, hypo-sensitization, change of diet or immune suppression.
Antihistamines– Totally safe for long term use. They’re only 30-50% effective and take trial and error to determine the best product and dose. All antihistamines may work for your pet or none.
Steroids– Have side effects, short term or long term. Short term is an increase in thirst and appetite. Long term increase in thirst and appetite shouldn’t be an issue. If your pet needs too much steroids too often than long term side effects may occur and your veterinarian should choose a different treatment.
Antihistamine/Steroid combination meds provide the best of both together. Small doses of steroids that will be safe long term added to an antihistamine. Safe and usually effective.
Hypo-sensitization requires allergy testing and administering a specific serum made for your animal’s specific allergies. This can be done by injection or sub-lingual (under the tongue). Usually 70- 95% effective.
Food trials may be tried if your pet is allergic to ingredients in its diet. To be effective you must use a limited ingredient diet with a novel protein or use a hydrolyzed protein diet. Must be strictly used for 4-6 weeks to know if effective.
Immune suppression– These are products that suppress the immune system and are used as a last resort. Effective in 75% of patients. Side effects result from immunosuppression since they decrease the entire immune system.
Controlling allergies will control skin infections. When infections accompany the allergies antibiotics are necessary with one of the allergy treatments to eliminate the infection. Infections can also itch.
Dr. Mark Planco’s compassion for animals has been a lifelong labor of love. He earned both his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Florida. Dr. Planco has treated small and large animals since 1991, and has been in Palm Beach County since 1994. Dr. Planco is a member of the Palm Beach Veterinary Society, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. Visit PlancoVetCare.com for further information or call 561-795-9507.
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Disclaimer: This column is not intended to provide information on which you should use to diagnose or treat a medical condition or delay seeking medical attention. This column is of no value with respect to any medical condition that needs prompt attention. If you have a question that needs an immediate answer, you should call your own veterinarian or emergency animal hospital, especially if you are confronting a medical emergency!
Furthermore, we urge you to always seek the advice of your own veterinarian, and you should not disregard, discount, or delay seeking the advice of your veterinarian because of any response posted in this column.