2005 was an unusually itchy year for many household pets in Townsville. Fleas, ticks and allergies seem to have been unusually bad since Christmas time. There is one particular type of itchy/scratchy dermatitis condition that has been outstanding in terms of incidence and severity in recent times. This is an allergic dermatitis thing called atopy.

In dogs, it is the second most common form of allergy with an estimated 10% of the dog population is affected. Atopic dermatitis is a genetically inherited and normally lifelong disease, the first sign of which can occur any time between 6 months and 3 years of age. The main sign of atopic dermatitis is itching. Atopic dogs will chew on their feet, rub their face, scratch their skin and break out in bacterial and fungal skin infections. Once the dreaded itch – scratch – itch cycle begins, it is a grim story of misery and torment for those affected.

There are several treatments available for dogs to control the signs of atopic dermatitis, such as corticosteroids and antihistamines. But unfortunately, these medications do have limitations and because atopy is an inherited (genetic) disorder, it has to be managed because it can not be cured.

In recent times an entirely new atopy treatment has become available for those really chronic cases for which the other options are not proving satisfactory. This new medication works by inhibiting the function of cells responsible for the dog’s allergic response. As a result, it provides dramatic relief from the signs of atopic dermatitis, controlling itching and reducing skin inflammation and lesion. The improvement and tolerability seen with ATOPICA (this new treatment option) is similar to or better than that of corticosteroids and it has the added major advantage of not having those severe long-term side effects associated with corticosteroids. It is deemed safe on vital functions and organs such as the kidneys, liver and adrenal glands.

There’s no mistake about the cost of ATOPICA as a remedy for many of those chronic allergy cases. It is expensive! However, it is also good, it does work, it is safe and we are treating a good many pets with it already.