Allergies And Atopica

[alyzoe]

Hi everyone ,

I know this story has been said many times before but i do have a dog with allergies that is getting worse with time but its now getting to a point where it is crippling here life . I have tried many , many things from diets , bathing , homeopathy , nautropothy , convention medication , thyriod tests and so on and so on on . Nothing has really helped her and apart from steriods which I have only used on her a handfull of times throughout her nine years . I have become exhausted with trying to make her life comfortable with the use of natural approaches but none have helped . So I have come to a point where I am thinking that the drug ' atopica ' is her only hope . This is the path that I have avioded for so long as I know that it will suppress her immune system and eventually cause other medical problems .

I am wondering if any one has used this drug , had any success with it and more importantly heard of any negative consequences from using it .

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated .

Thanks .

[peigirl]

Hi Alyzoe

This topic has come up a few times but I'm not sure anyone here has their dogs on atopica.

You might like to PM Rappie who is a vet and may be able to offer some advice.

Best of luck

[LhasaApso]

Hi,

We have a 16 year old Lhasa Apso who has been on Atopica for about a year now. So far the results appear quite good. Lenny has had severe atopic dermatitis all his life and he is pretty much allergic to everything that is in a typical test. He responds well to corticosteroids (prednisolone) during bad flare ups but these are not for long term use as you have probably already encountered. He has also had the desensitisation vaccine which also helped immensely. He also responds to symptomatic treatment with antihistamines (Polaramine) but mainly when the flare up is not too severe.

The atopica was prescribed by Dr Sharon Bryden at Murdoch University Vet Hospital, she is a specialist dermatologist who has had some initial success using atopica to treat bad allergies. So far it is working really well and he is down to 1 tab every other day (originally 1 tab per day). Like the desensitisation vaccine there is a chance your dog will respond and also a chance it won't. Depending on your financial circumstances we would say it is worth a go and if possible consult with a specialist dermatologist like Dr Bryden. (get a referral letter from your vet) Atopica costs quite a bit though.. I think it works out around $10 per dose, not including the costs of specialist consults etc

My understanding is that in the doses currently being trialed for allergy treatment long term immune system effects can usually be controlled. Your dog will also need to have the associated tests to confirm that it isn't being put at risk on long term cyclosporin (the active ingredient in Atopica)...

So far we'd say it's been worth it for Lenny. Hope that helps.