b'Examples of tests would be a skin cytology to test for yeast and For many dogs, Apoquel and Cytopointbacteria, skin scrapings to look for mange mites, fungal culture to have been miracle treatments and providerule out ringworm, skin biopsy (depending on severity and duration so much relief for the itchy symptoms ofofclinicalsigns)toruleoutautoimmuneandcancerousskin allergies.Ive had great success, inconditions,urinalysis, thyroid profile along with complete labs, andallergy testing to determine the underlying allergen predominately most dogs, using one or both of thesecausing the issues. products.Let me share a little aboutThese tests are very important to indicate how we should be each of these.Dr. Timothy Hodgetreatingyourpetandthecauseoftheallergysymptoms.Often,treatment is an ongoing process. And once your pet is diagnosed with Apoquel - can be used for long-termallergies (depending upon which type of allergy they have, sometimes maintenance or short term therapy forwith multiple issues) it can be an ongoing lifestyle maintenance issue.Flea allergies will go away if the source is removed and no more dogs over 1 year of age.It starts to pro-fleaexposureoccurs.Beingonamonthlypreventativeisvery vide itch relief in as little as 4 hours andimportant and the treatment would be to avoid the pet from being controls it within 24 hours.It is givenexposed to fleas. twice a day for 14 days, then reduced toFoodallergieswillworkthesameaswithfleaallergies. once a day thereafter.Apoquel works byAvoidance of the offending allergens is needed.Food allergies are inhibiting certain enzymes that arediagnosed by using an elimination prescription diet. This cannot be involved with itch, inflammation and aller-accomplishedwithanyover-the-counterdiets,astheyhavecross gic reactions.Apoquel works inside thecontaminationofingredients.Thisisadietprovidedbythe cells, and is a very safe drug. It does haveveterinarianandisselectedtorestrictallergiccomponents.Apet some important safety issues that shouldmust be fed this diet and this diet alone for 3-4 months to rule out be discussed with your veterinarian.foodallergies.Manypetscanhavecombinationfoodand Routine lab testing at least once a year isenvironmental allergies, so if the diet doesnt control the issues fully, advised for all dogs on Apoquel (and thismore tests are needed. is just good medical advice for all dogs).Environmental allergies/atopy is diagnosed based on the clinicalsigns and presenting complaints. The specific allergen, to which the Cytopoint - is considered a sister medica-pet is allergic, is diagnosed via a blood allergy panel or skin prick test(performed by a veterinary Dermatologist).Our hospital utilizes the tion to Apoquel, but works with a differentblood allergy panel.Regardless of the method of testing performed, mechanism of action.Where Apoquel is aonce the allergen(s) are known, specific immunotherapy is used.pill that must be given daily, Cytopoint isImmunotherapy is the administration of very small amounts of an injection that can be given once everythe items to which the pet is allergic. These can be administered via 30+ days.Apoquel works inside the cellsinjections under the skin or via drops administered under the tongue. while Cytopoint works outside of the cells.The veterinarian will discuss what is the best treatment option for Cytopoint works like your dogs ownyour pet.Immunotherapy is designed to train the immune system to immune system to target and neutralizebe less reactive.Science tells us the is the best long term therapy as one of the main proteins that sends itchit addresses the actual underlying cause, but will most likely be for signals that trigger scratching, licking andthe life of the pet. And, this is the most holistic of treatment options.chewing.Cytopoint is a monoclonal anti-Environmental allergies require more maintenance and can be a body, like the one the dogs body naturallyyear round concern. Other than allergy immunotherapy, here areother options and best practices: makes.By giving the injection, we are1)Frequentbathingusingmedicatedshampoosandthose giving more of these antibodies to bindwith ingredients to help repair the skin barrier such as ceramics and with the itch-stimulating protein.Oncephytosphingosines.Thesemedicatedshampooscanhelpcontrol bound, these proteins can not inducebacterialandyeastinfectionsandremovescabsandcrustysores. the inflammatory/itch cascade. CytopointMany times, these baths are twice weekly, weekly or bi-monthly. is safe for dogs of any age and has2) Using ear washes to reduce waxy debris and dry the ear canal virtually no side effects.However, it isto lessen the growth of yeast and bacteria. There are also ear cleaners still advised to discuss this option withthathelptocontrolbacteriaandyeastgrowthusingenzymesor your veterinarian.micro-doses of anti-infective ingredients.Continued on next page gwww.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER 81'