Treatments
Treatments For Atopic Dermatitis In Dogs
Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease. Sometimes multiple treatments are used to provide effective symptom control.
Immunomodulator
A specifically developed medication available from veterinarians. It targets the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction, providing long-term control of the allergic response in a dog's skin. This medication has been proven in extensive trials to be very effective and well tolerated. It may also reduce the need for add-on medications. This treatment may be given lifelong if necessary.
Immunotherapy
This involves injecting the dog with increasingly large doses of allergens identified during a skin test. This lets the dog build resistance. Injections are usually given at home, and the animal may take up to 9 months to respond. This therapy may prevent flare recurrence, but often needs to be administered for life.
Steroids
While steroids are generally effective at reducing or eliminating itching, they may also be associated with a number of short- and long-term side effects. Some patients develop an insatiable appetite. Others, excessive thirst and urination. Hair thinning, liver damage, and skin and urinary tract infections may also be associated with prolonged use. Hence, steroids are better used for short-term itch control. Provided they are used appropriately (i.e. at the minimum dose, after other complicating diseases have been controlled), side effects can usually be minimised.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines may help control itching, especially in conjunction with other treatments. However, they rarely provide enough control on their own. Also, since dogs respond differently to different antihistamines, several types may have to be prescribed in an attempt to find an effective one.
Food supplements
There are several veterinary products containing essential fatty acids which have been found to help reduce itching in some dogs. They have few side effects so are often used as a supplementary treatment.
Topical therapies
Topical therapies, consisting of shampoos, rinses and anti-itch solutions offer immediate, but short-term relief. However, they are often used effectively in conjunction with drug therapies.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are often used to fight secondary infections, and are usually given as tablets.