That prominent seasonal yellow film of pollen has once again enveloped our beloved state bringing about itchy eyes and runny noses for people aplenty. I am fortunate that this deluge of tiny irritants minimally affects me, however, others at this time, can become quite significantly indisposed. These tiny particles, termed pollen granules, are actually microscopic little spores – one can only imagine how many of them have to congregate together for us to see them with our unaided eyes. Our home’s porches and our poor cars temporarily change color this time of year when the great North Carolina pollen explosion takes place.
Now, a large percentage of our canine companions also suffer from seasonal allergies as well. The manifestation of allergies in dogs is a little different than the typical presentation in people. In the canine patient, dermatological symptoms usually predominant. Now, what I mean by this is the incessant thumping of the back paw on the floor from the ceaseless scratching, the smack, smack, smack of perpetual foot licking and itchy, uncomfortable ear disease. We call the sequela of allergies in pets atopic allergic dermatitis or atopy. Typically, this condition is an inherited tendency of the body’s immune system to overreact to certain environmental allergens resulting in clinical symptoms of intense pruritus or itchiness. These environmental allergens, like pollen, can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. When theses tiny particles are inhaled, or come in contact with the skin, the immune system produces a substance referred to as IgE. This substance then triggers Mast Cells in the tissue to release histamine – among other various chemicals – resulting in an exaggerated allergic response. Atopy is a very common allergic skin disease and affects a large number of pets on a regular basis.
Canine atopic allergic dermatitis usually first becomes apparent in pets between the ages of one and three. Typical clinical signs, in addition to itchiness, are secondary skin infections, chronic ear infections, infections of the paws, discoloration of the skin due to chronic inflammation and hair loss. Affected pet’s paws can become so itchy that they will lick them for hours on end. Ear infections can become quite severe and may be the sole manifestation of this allergic skin disease. Common breeds affected are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, certain terrier breeds, Dalmatians, Poodles, Boxers, Bulldogs, Irish Setters, just to name a few. Not only are pure bred dogs affected but also mixed breeds as well.
The main offending culprits are pollens, however, other substances are frequently implemented as well. For the seasonal sufferer, it all begins in early spring – the tree pollens begin in March and April. Grass pollens follow in May, June and July. And not to be left out, the weed pollens arrive in late summer and fall. Now mind you, pets can also be allergic to certain fabrics, rubber and/or plastic, certain foods, dust mites, molds and the dreaded flea. Interestingly enough, the majority of dogs with canine atopy are allergic to fleas as well.
Allergic dermatitis usually cannot be cured, however, it often times can be effectively managed – so there is hope. Cornerstones of treatment involve resolving the secondary infections with antimicrobial therapy – skin, paws and ears. Symptomatic management of the rampant inflammation, with anti-inflammatory medications, is also important for the comfort level of the patient. Often times topical soothing medications, such as therapeutic shampoos, are also utilized. Seasonal medical management can be effective, but frequently, clinical signs progress to being year-round, often necessitating year-round therapy. Symptomatic therapy, on occasion, can adequately control symptoms – the regular use of prescription antihistamines or anti-inflammatories. If symptomatic therapy alone does not effectively control the clinical signs, then the need for immunotherapy arises. Immunotherapy is a targeted treatment for your pet’s specific allergies. The goal of immunotherapy is to retrain or desensitize your pet’s immune system to their allergies – so when your pet is naturally exposed to what they are allergic to, their body does not respond with the exaggerated response – but with a more appropriate or normal response. The components of immunotherapy are actually what your pet is allergic to, but given in small amounts over time, desensitizing them to their specific allergens from repeated exposure.
We identify exactly what your pet is allergic to through allergy testing. By identifying the specific allergens through testing, we can help to avoid exposure to certain ones, and when needed, desensitize for others through immunotherapy. Immunotherapy can be administered as injections or by an oral route. Pets treated for allergies usually see marked improvement, however, most require lifelong therapy. The good news is that there is hope and comfort right around the corner. Allergies are itchy, but thank goodness, they are medically manageable.
Dr. Patrick McCrory, Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital.
