Atopica allergy treatment

[Joflump]

Further to my last posting about Billy constantly licking his feet, we have just had his allergy tests back from the vet and he has come up positive for grass, weeds, tree pollens etc. All highly unavoidable when you live in the countryside! Long story short, the vet has recommended that we start him on a course of something called ATOPICA which is a non steroid oral medication. I have done a bit of research on the internet and it sounds like a real "wonder drug" for dogs with allergies. Anybody out there had any experience with this? I am praying that it works for the little fella as he is getting really fed up with wearing socks every day!

[Noweia]

Hi Joflump,

Atopica is a relatively new drug and is often, as you say, described as a wonder drug for dogs with allergies. It has all the benefits of traditional steroid treatment without many of the the side effects. The only downside is that it is quite expensive (although the price has very recently come down and may come down furher in the future).

It does have some side effects but these are not very common - these include gastrointestinal upsets (eg vomiting) which are usually mild and which go away, coat changes, slightly swollen gums or muscle weakness.

The data sheet for the drug can be found here:
http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Novartis_Anima l_Health_UK_Ltd/Atopica/-27788.html

Hope this helps!

[ProperBoPeep]

Your dog has a fairly typical allergy pattern and as you have already commented - unfortunately unlikely to be completely unavoidable.

Atopica contains a drug called cyclosporin, which "limits" the part of the immune system responsible for the over-reaction that is an allergic reaction.

It is a good drug but as Noweia has already commented, is expensive (particularly with larger breed dogs). It has less side effects that steroids, and often starts to work very quickly too.

I have had some really good results with this drug, but also a couple of dogs who simply can't tolerate it.

It may also be worth while considering the desensitisation vaccines (made up on the base of the allergy results), although I have to admit these results are often disappointing.

Best of luck.

[Joflump]

Thanks so much for the info. We are starting the treatment tomorrow so fingers crossed. It has been a nightmare the last few weeks and Billy has made a real mess of his feet with all the licking and chewing. He is used to wearing his boots and "lampshade" collar now but it is really upsetting knowing that you can't make it all better for him. Will keep you posted. X

[wolf63]

what about buying him bootees - that should limit the problem a bit.

If you do that you could buy him a dinky outfit to match!

[Joflump]

Just picked up the tablets from the vets...... �108.00 for 20 days worth!!!!!!!!!! This better work or the dog's going on ebay!! (Just kidding - he's worth every penny). Thank god he's insured. Going to have a stiff drink now!

[happy_face]

JESUS!!!!
That is expensive. My girl gets the desensitisation vaccines and that's �135 for a vial which last around 6 months. I thought that was expensive but that's nothing in comparison

[sallybb]

Check out Hyperdrug com. You may find their prices for ATOPICA a little less. For any other products like Drontal, Frontline, Equine wormers I save a small fortune !

[pmjblue]

vet uk and pet medics are even cheaper, and they dont charge p & p
http://www.vetuk.co.uk/

http://www.petmeds.co.uk/?source=webgains&site id=15911