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Pet Health Watch
with Dr. Main
L
ate summer and early fall can be a difficult time of the
year for many pets especially canines. Both humans
and dogs suffer from allergies this time of year, known
as seasonal allergies (atopy). Atopy is defined as the
genetic predisposition to respond allergically to certain
environmental particles called allergens. Allergens
generally are things like pollen, molds, dust mites, and the
like. Pets that have atopy cannot help that their bodies
respond allergically.
Zoetis, formerly known as
Pfizer, did the research on this
and have now developed an
injectable medication with the
antibodies. This medication is
ultra safe because it is nonsteroidal, and very targeted or
selective in it’s action. In fact
there are no known side effects
with this injectable therapy.
During the allergy season atopic pets become very
uncomfortable. Their symptoms include intense itchiness
and redness of the skin often involving the front legs,
feet, and ears. Often this itching leads to sores on the skin
which in turn can get infected with bacteria and yeast.
This itching licking cycle can be intense and in many cases
pets open sores on their skin with in just an hour or two.
A few select veterinary practices
across the United States,
including West Suburban Veterinary Associates (WSVA),
my practice in Westmont, now have this therapy. The
injection is safe, 90 percent effective, and lasts in the
allergic pet for approximately 5 weeks.
Through years of research veterinary scientists now
understand the allergic response at a microscopic
and chemical level. It turns out a chemical known as a
cytokine and more specifically named interleukin 31 is
the major mediator of the allergic reaction in the dog.
The next question for researchers was “what to do about
interleukin 31?” In other words how to block this chemical
from inciting the allergic response.
My own dog Cowboy, a 10 year old Maltese, is a chronic
allergy patient. He received the new allergy injection
about 3 weeks ago, and has never been better. Thus far
our experience with the new therapy, at WSVA has been
exceptional; and with out side effects.
Again this is a revolutionary new therapy using cutting
edge technology (monoclonal antibody therapy), to stop
the suffering of pets from allergic skin disease.
In one of the biggest breakthroughs in veterinary medicine
in the past 25 years, scientists solved the problem of
this cytokine. This problem was solved by developing
specific antibodies against interleukin 31. These antibodies
effectively bind up the cytokine and therefore prevent and
stop the allergic response in the dog.
Send questions and suggestions for Pet Health Watch to:
Dr. Main, WSHS, 1901 W. Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515
Email: [email protected]
Emails and Letters from Adopters
It’s been seven years this week that my daughter and I adopted Marley (formerly Curtis).
He was with her through the last year of high school and even went away to college with
her (he really was the big man on campus). Everyone loved him and gave him so much
attention. Here is what my daughter had to say on Facebook recently:”It’s national dog
day as well as the anniversary of the day I brought my little booger home. He saved my
life seven years ago and it’s something I will never be able to repay him for. He drives me
up the wall sometimes but I couldn’t ask for a better pup…IDK what I’d do without him.
Those who say money can’t buy happiness never paid an adoption fee. #happyanniversary
#adoptdontshop #nationaldogday”
I also have a disabled uncle who is home bound and Marley keeps him company. They are
best buds! Thank you West Suburban Humane Society for all that you do. You are making a
difference in animals and peoples’ lives every day!
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