Thursday, November 4, 2010

Itchy Dog - Steroid Use

Veterinarians are pressured to fix an itchy dog first time every time. 
This has brought tremendous pressure to use and sometimes over prescribe corticosteroids such as prednisolone. 
Many clients of itchy dogs get frustrated and change from one vet to another searching for a miracle cure to their dogs' allergic skin disease. 
This pressure to deliver results sees veterinarians reach for the steroids as a frontline treatment for all allergic skin disease.

Steroids do work for allergic skin disease such as atopic dermatitis. 
Steroids do not work so well for adverse food reactions like allergic skin disease from food allergy. 
All itchy dogs should have an elimination food trial to rule out food allergy.

Side effects to steroids are common. 
These include dependence can lead to life threatening Addisonian crisis upon withdrawal. 
The drugs cause an increase in thirst and urination. 
Long term use can lead to hepatic disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and pathological fracture. 
Other side effects include skin disease such as calcinosis cutis and an impaired immune system that may lead to infections such as cystitis and pyoderma.
Demodex mange is also a feature of immunosuppression caused by steroids. 
Hair loss and a pendulous abdomen is a feature. 
Cataracts and diseases of the cornea can also be a side effect of impaired lipid metabolism. 
Pancreatitis may also be a complication of long term treatment with corticosteroids.

Recent developments in the understanding of atopic dermatitis have opened up new ways for treating these dogs with natural treatment. 
Dogs with atopic dermatitis have an impaired skin barrier. 
This is the modern focus for treatment

For your FREE "Home Diagnosis Manual to the Itchy " go to http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com 
For more information on treating the itchy dog with natural treatments and therapy go to http://www.scratchingdoghelp.com/treating_itchy_dogs.html

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