PETS :: JUNE/JULY 2008
Why Is My Pet Itchy?
Pruritus, or itch, is one of the most common skin problems that clients bring their pets to the veterinary clinic for. Itchiness can be caused by many things and range in severity from occasional scratching to constant scratching, biting and chewing of the skin. The more common causes of pruritus in dogs and cats include atopy (allergy to environmental stimulants), food allergy, flea bite hypersensitivity, mite infestation, and/or secondary skin infection with bacteria or yeast.
When animals scratch, for whatever reason, it can make the skin more susceptible to secondary infection. In veterinary medicine, we see this most often as bacterial and/or fungal (yeast) infections. What type of secondary infection a pet has can be determined by performing skin cytology. This entails taking samples from the skin surface with a slide and evaluating them under the microscope for yeast and/or bacterial organisms. Once the infection has been identified and successfully treated, the reason behind the initial itch can be investigated.
Food allergy, atopy and flea bite hypersensitivity are all common allergic responses causing pruritus in our pets. Determining whether an animal is food allergic is comparatively much simpler than identifying exact environmental allergens. Food allergy is diagnosed with a strict food trial. There are two choices for a food trial diet. The first is a prescription novel protein limited ingredient diet that contains a protein that the animal has never eaten before. Alternatively, a hydrolyzed diet that consists of enzymatically digested protein (broken into tiny pieces) can be fed. Either way, the diet should be exclusively offered to the pet during a trial period of 3-6 months. If the animal’s itchiness subsides during this trial period, food allergy is highly suspected and can be confirmed by dietary challenge with the old diet and treats. During the dietary trial all treats, rawhides and flavored medications must be discontinued.
Atopy (environmental allergies) can be further investigated by performing specific blood and skin (intradermal) allergy testing. The goal of these tests is to identify the components in the animal’s environment (dust mites, pollens to grasses, trees, weeds, molds, etc.) the animal is allergic to and to formulate an allergy vaccination aimed to desensitize the animal to those allergens. Vaccination protocol is strictly regimented and, if successful, usually administered for life.
Fleas and mites can be identified either by the naked eye or by performing skin scrapings. There are many reputable products available that effectively treat infestation of the pet and its environment. Flea allergy is the most common allergy in pets and therefore maintaining strict flea control is critical in all animals.
Treatment of pruritus depends on the underlying cause. Fleas should be treated with flea control. Symptomatic treatment of itchiness includes antihistamines (benadryl etc) glucocorticoids (steroids), omega-3 fatty acids, and/or topical treatments like shampoo.
Dr. Hilary Metz is an Associate Veterinarian at Windcrest Animal Hospital. She graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. Dr. Metz has a special interest in radiology and small mammals. Her love of animals inspired her to become a Veterinarian. As a child, she loved science and medicine so a career as a Veterinarian is a perfect fit! Being surrounded by lovable pets and their loving parents is the most rewarding part of her job. Dr. Metz's hobbies include reading, cycling, working out and watching movies. Her pets include Olive, a lab mix; Nona, a domestic short haired cat; and a collection of fresh water fish. Dr. Metz also volunteers at PACCA to do spays and neuters.
WINDCREST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
3705 Lancaster Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19805
(302) 998-2995
24 Hour Emergency
TALLEYVILLE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
3001 Concord Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19803
(302) 478-0648
HOCKESSIN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
643 Yorklyn Road
Hockessin, Delaware 19707
(302) 239-9464
