Atopy in Dogs

Atopy or atopic dermatitis is a very common disease of dogs. It is apparently on the increase. It is characterised by a very itchy dog (pruritus), with skin inflammation (dermatitis), hair loss (alopecia), pigmentation, sleeplessness and distress. Superimposed on this, dogs often have signs of side effects of steroid treatment (corticosteroid - cortisone).

It is by far the most common reason for owners calling our referral practice, seeking help from holistic medicine and homeopathic treatment. It can affect any breed of dog but is very commonly seen in West Highland White Terriers (Westies), Labradors, German Shepherds, Spaniels, Retrievers, Pointers, Jack Russell and other Terriers etc.

It is generally not in any way life-threatening but can be so distressing and so constant that euthanasia may be considered in desperation. Happily, relief can often be found by pursuing the route of holistic treatment, usually with homeopathy (using a constitutional or individualised prescription) and a natural diet.

The disease must be distinguished from Sarcoptic Mange., which is another very itchy disease.

The cause is generally attributed to allergy but targeting materials in a dog's diet or environment that may act as triggers will not cure the disease. Common environmental 'culprits' that are blamed are: grass, pollen, dust, house dust, mites and fleas.

The fundamental problem, however, is a deep immune disturbance, resulting possibly from virus infection or vaccination.

The fact that a large proportion of cases show the first signs within three months of a vaccination event is a strong indicator that vaccines may play a large part in causing the immune disturbance. We find that most cases start itching within the first six months of life. This cannot be a coincidence.

In conventional medicine, allergy testing and treatment with steroids is a common procedure. The use of steroids will often provide temporary relief but further doses will be required, often eventually requiring perpetual dosing to suppress the signs The risk of side effects and serious damage to the body is high. Immunotherapy rarely results in a worthwhile outcome.

In holistic medicine, the common approach would be to try to stimulate a return to more normal immune balance and function, using homeopathic constitutional prescribing, accompanied by holistic diet, environment and lifestyle improvements. A fresh diet should always be recommended and herbs (herbal medicine) may offer support.

Common homeopathic medicines that have been used with success, prescribed according to the patient's individual characteristics, personality, demeanour and constitution are: Agaricus, Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Bacillinum, Calcarea carbonica, Graphites, Medorrhinum, Morgan, Natrum muriaticum, Psorinum, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Thuja and Tuberculinum but there are others.

A first homeopathic consultation may last anything from 30 minutes to an hour, in order to glean all the necessary history and information upon which to base a prescritption. Follow-up prescriptions are devised according to the patient's responses.

Atopy is a form of generalised allergy.

Trying to identify and eliminate a supposed allergen is extremely unlikely to offer a cure. Likewise, immunotherapy rarely provides much relief.

Steroid treatment will provide relief, while levels are present in the body, along with a large risk of side effects.

Homeopathic treatment and holistic management has often resulted in cessation of the problem.

The author is independent of commercial interest or sponsorship and cannot endorse any products or advertising material attached to this lens.

For more information on holistic treatment of animals, visit: http://www.alternativevet.org/

Chris Day - holistic vet - runs the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre (AVMC) in Oxfordshire, UK.

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