May 5, 2008 - For several years I have tried to find a decent solution to Eli's seasonal allergies. The itching becomes intense the beginning of April, as it does for many of my clients' dogs with seasonal allergies. This year was particularly bad. His ears became very, very inflamed, swollen, oozing yellow stuff. He developed a large hot spot under his chin where the tags on his collar hit. These responded quickly to topical application of hydrocortisone cream. I gave him a 20mg Prednisone tablet which led to excessive water drinking (4 large bowls per day rather than the usual less-than-one-bowl. He urinated often, including in the house.
Throughout the previous years, I've controlled Eli's itching with Benadryl using anywhere from 1/2 tablet to 2 tablets, depending on the season. Weaning him completely off resulted in intensified scratching.
By the end of April, he had returned to 'normal' - 'normal' for the season, 'normal' for Eli. Discussing this with long-time client LA Flynn - she also lives with an allergy plagued dog - she invited me to see her vet, Dr. Debra Mayo. Dr. Mayo injects Bow periodically with an 'allergy cocktail'. I groom Bow every other week and notice the difference.
Eli was injected with 3cc of Vetalog/1cc Depo. He was prescribed Chlorophenamine: 2 tablets SID.
Vetalog
Vetalog (Triamcinolone) is an injectable steroid
with many uses. Triamcinolone is the active ingredient. Steroids can be used for
inflammatory conditions, immune suppression, pain, etc.
Common uses include treatment of shock, allergies, disk disease, skin
conditions, cancers, autoimmune diseases, etc. Side effects are also varied and
can include increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, panting,
delayed wound healing, liver damage/disease, gastrointestinal irritation.
What is DEPO-MEDROL?
METHYLPREDNISOLONE (Depo-Medrol®, Solu-Medrol®) is a corticosteroid (glucocorticoid). The ready-prepared suspension is for relief of swelling, inflammation, redness, itching, and allergic skin conditions.
How? Scientists don’t understand completely yet. But they believe that corticosteroids work by blocking certain cells and chemicals your body makes when a joint becomes inflamed. Blocking these cells and chemicals can reduce inflammation.
Chlorophenamine
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine used in the treatment of contact, inhaled or drug induced allergies in dogs and cats. Chlorophenamine is one of the older (first generation) remedies for hayfever. This isn't to say it's worse, but studies have shown that it takes the longest time to take effect, and is likely to cause more drowsiness than those above. If buying it, don't confuse Piriton and Piriteze; the latter's active ingredient is Cetirizine Hydrochloride (like Zirtek). Also, it's the most likely to react with other medicines, so if you're planning to combine it with other tablets consult a doctor first.