Itchy dogs and atopica

[cazzmags]

Hi has anyone had a doggie with allergies who has been put on atopica? I know it's a pretty 'hard core' drug used when other options haven't worked . I'm worried about potential side effects so would be grateful of any replies. Thx

In my experience it is actually quite rare for dogs to suffer from serious side effects with Atopica. It is often very very effective and is preferable to steroids, which are sometimes the only alternative in a severely atopic dog. Talk to your vet about it in detail - they should be able to put your mind at rest.

Have you thought about immunotherapy? It's been brilliant for my dog.

We've done the immunotherapy for 2 years and thought it helped a bit, however a recent deterioration resulted in our specialist recommending we stop it.

I have discussed atopica with the specialist and she has been honest and helpful but I was hoping someone may comment whose dog has been taking it for a while. I guess as it's a bit of a last resort drug it's not used that commonly.

Thanks for your replies

IME it's not used that frequently because it's so expensive! I know a number of dogs who have been on it for years and are very well and living normal lives of excellent quality.

I have had some really excellent results with atopica. However, I have found that dogs with bad atopy that only responds a bit to immunotherapy only respond a bit to atopica.

Piriton?

Thanks again for your replies.

We have tried piriton, no good I'm afraid . I know Atopica is very expensive and we're no longer covered by our insurance but if he needs it we'll find a way. The immunotherapy was quite expensive as we had to have two lots because he's allergic to so many things! I'm a little worried that dogs who don't do well on the jabs don't do great on atopica but I think we're going to give him a try on it and see how he goes. Not doing anything isn't really an option as the current course of steroids aren't doing enough.