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Post by melonie on Dec 4, 2013 17:01:04 GMT -5
maddiesinstitute.typepad.com/chewonthis/2013/12/help-for-itchy-pets.html12/03/2013 Help for itchy pets Bigstock-Chihuahua-scratching-against-w-39472012Dermatological problems, including allergy-related itching and ear inflammation and infections, are the top reasons that dogs are taken to the veterinarian, and the fifth most common reason cats head for the vet clinic, too. In recent years, there have been major advances in understanding how allergic skin disease occurs in dogs and cats, as well in treating the itching, pain and infection. At the recent Western Veterinary Conference, board-certified veterinary dermatologist Stephen Waisglass, D.V.M., MRCVS, CertSAD, Dipl. ACVD, gave an overview of the current state of managing the itchy pet. In his presentation, Dr. Waisglass said the allergic reaction probably occurs because of a defect in the skin's cells, allowing allergens such as pollen to be absorbed and processed by the pet's immune system. He reviewed the following therapies: Control of bacteria, yeast and self-trauma Antihistamines Parasite control Topical ear treatments Diet Shampoo Immunotherapy Medications including corticosteroids, gabapentin, Atopica and the forthcoming janus kinase inhibitor Apoquel Spot-on products The complete presentation and citations can be read online here. (PDF) Also of interest: M. Blaskovic, W. Rosenkrantz, A. Neuber, C. Sauter-Louis, R.S. Mueller, The effect of a spot-on formulation containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential oils on dogs with atopic dermatitis, The Veterinary Journal, Available online 29 October 2013, ISSN 1090-0233, dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.10.024. Here is the link for the PDF: www.wvc.org/images/session_notes_2013/2013_SA81.pdf
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Post by suziriot on Dec 4, 2013 20:57:12 GMT -5
Good info! Lebowski and Otis have majorly itchy sensitive skin.
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Post by melonie on Dec 4, 2013 22:46:20 GMT -5
Winston is doing pretty good this year. He didn't get itchy until I closed the house up and turned the furnace on. I've suspected it's something in the house, despite what his allergy test showed. Looking forward to ditching my carpet, that should help a lot.
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Post by sugar on Dec 5, 2013 16:36:09 GMT -5
Chubby is such an itchy boy, but I think that comes from a yeast problem he has. Giving him probiotics helps somewhat, and cleaning his ears with Zymox (with 1% hydrocortisone) also helps a good deal. Also as a spot treatment I use Allercaine and it stops him from excessively licking the tops of his front paws or nibbling on his knees.
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Post by melonie on Dec 5, 2013 22:51:40 GMT -5
I usually resort to medication once a year, hoping this year we avoid it. Winston has had issues with yeast in the past too. Management and keeping on top of it all is so important!
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Post by sugar on Dec 6, 2013 9:22:07 GMT -5
Melonie, what do you do to help with the yeast problem. Sometimes he's ok and sometimes he smells straight up fermented and gets super itchy!
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Post by melonie on Dec 6, 2013 20:44:17 GMT -5
Winston doesn't have it that bad. I keep his ears clean and check every couple of days scent wise. If they look funky or start to smell, I call the vet and she gets me this stuff for his ears. I can't recall the name of it right now. I give him acidolphus and fish oil every day though. I bathe him with either Vet Solutions Aloe & Oatmeal shampoo and conditioner or Botanical Dog Skin therapy system. I also have another shampoo from the vet for when he's more yeasty but I don't have the proper name for it. She just filled a bottle and gave it to me. But it's a vet solutions one, it's antifungal and antibacterial. I also swear by Vetericyn. If his paws start looking red, I treat them with it. I also use it anywhere there is a bump, redness or a sore. He also wears a t-shirt from time to time.
Wrinkles was my stinky fermented dog though. She has so many allergies and issues. Maryellen recommended a few things to me, and I bought the botanical dog skin care system and also Solid Gold SeaMeal Powder. I really think that powder made a difference. She also got 2x acidolphus, 2x fish oil, and any redness treated with Vetricyn. I also gave her plain yogurt. When I got her she had been on Ketoconazole for awhile, as well as prednisone, I think she was at 30 to 40 mg a day, allergy shots, two eye drops and royal canine allergy food. I weaned her off of all her meds except 25 mg of prednisone. If I went lower she would begin to scratch too much and cause damage to herself. I bathed her once a week, but I probably could have bathed her more often and gotten better results on less meds. I also gave her benadryl. When it seemed like she was scratching more than usual.
So the list of stuff: Vetericyn Botanical Dog Skin Therapy system (has shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner, and a spray) Vet Solutions Aloe & Oatmeal shampoo/conditioner Vet Solutions green shampoo that is antibac and antifungal Acidolphus, fish oil Solid Gold SeaMeal Yogurt
I think I'm going to order some more seameal and give it to Winnie. See how that works on him.
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Post by maryellen on Dec 6, 2013 21:08:36 GMT -5
Add organic cold pressed coconut oil too- it works wonders on itchy skin and smells great, im using it on sierra along with salmon oil and vit e and temaril p pills to get her itching under control. I feed her the coconut oil and rub it in her fur and on her bald spots. I really need to buy the sea meal too
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Post by maryellen on Dec 6, 2013 21:10:01 GMT -5
Also try icelandic organic kelp i used to use it and it worked great i got mine off ebay from a place near oregon
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Post by melonie on Dec 6, 2013 22:57:11 GMT -5
I forgot about the coconut oil. I used that mainly in places she couldn't lick, and in her food. Does wonder for our hair as well
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Post by maryellen on Dec 7, 2013 10:46:12 GMT -5
Wolfcreek ranch has the kelp i cant find it on ebay
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Post by suziriot on Dec 7, 2013 11:05:55 GMT -5
We tried the kelp for Otis but didn't really see any changes. But we think his problem has more to with low immunity to bacterial infections. The coconut oil works really well for all the dogs. We also put a little spoonful in plain kefir fir their dessert.
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