Itch location question

[sandgrubber]

I suspect contact allergies when itching is in paws, belly, throat and chest.  (My itchy boy dives into green thickets that may well contain Tradescantia). 

 

Base of tail, I think fleas.

 

Food allergies,  not sure.   Ears, paws, everywhere?

 

Thoughts?

[Rebanne]

My vet said that food allergies are more likely to upset things internally then externally. 

We were discussing my itchy girl and the vet had not long done a 12 month course, I think it was, and that was the latest thinking. 

 

 

 

[_PL_]

On 14/01/2023 at 4:14 AM, sandgrubber said:

 

 

Food allergies,  not sure.   Ears, paws, everywhere?

 

 

Yes, I've found ears and paws. Propensity to ear infection.

As well as pawing at the corners of the mouth until really irritated, and chewing around the groin. Primarily treated with courses of steroids (like a lot of itchy things), but I've found cutting out poultry and malaseb for secondary yeast really helps.  

[Mairead]

From The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult:

Food Reactions

(Dermatologic)

Nonseasonal pruritis [itch] of any body location

Poor response to antiinflammatory doses of glucocorticoids suggests a food hypersensitivity

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Excessive borborygmus [bowel sounds], flatulence, and frequent bowel motions

 

Food elimination diet as diagnosis. More details if you want them.

 

[~Anne~]

Definitely contact is paws, underbelly. Flea is also definitely base of tail. 

 

From my personal experience when running my rescue, food or environment allergens (dust mites etc) was typically chest and anywhere on the body with limbs being the last to show skin issues. Most food allergens also resulted in hot spots and ear issues, whereas environmental didn't.

 

In addition - demodex typically starts on the face (eyes and muzzle), whilst sarcoptic mange was in creases first (groin, elbow) and quickly spreads.