Help for the
Chronically Itchy Dog? Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common diagnosis in veterinary dermatology, affecting as much as three to 10 per- cent of the canine population. Though many treatments cur- rently exist for AD, many have drawbacks, and none are uni- versally effective. In dogs with atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts inappropriately when the dog comes in contact with allergens such as food, grass, pollens, dust. Many dogs have a genetic predisposition to develop allergies. Once the dog starts to damage the skin by scratching and rubbing, secondary bacterial and yeast infections usually will develop. Dogs with atopic dermatitis may also commonly have recurring ear prob- lems. Central Animal Hospital in St. Petersburg is seeing some amazing results with ASIT or allergen-specific immune-thera- py that dogs are taking orally. “I’m so pleased with the results we’re having with our own little guy, Ollie a Boston Terrier,” said Nancy Brown.“He’s terribly allergic to outdoor pathogens, but he’s pretty much cleared up, and his skin is so much better now. It must be pretty tasty too, because we administer two pumps under his tongue twice a day. He sees us coming with it and holds still. It’s very easy to administer,” she added. U
Microchips & Found Pets. Did you know that 10 million dogs and cats are lost each year? According to the American Humane Society, without microchips, the rate of return is only 10 percent. Dr. Steven Lewis of Davis Island Animal Clinic is a big proponent of microchipping pets. “In the month of June alone, we scanned four lost dogs and one cat. Thankfully, all of the pets were returned to their homes. The cat was found on Davis Island. Its home is in Town and Country, more than 10 miles away.” A microchip is a small electronic chip enclosed in a glass
cylinder about the size of a grain of rice. The chip is implanted under the skin using a sterile hypodermic needle, and is acti- vated when a hand-held scanner is passed over it. “I prefer to do the implants when young dogs and cats are in for routine surgery such as spaying and neutering,” said Dr. Lewis. “It can be implanted while in the exam room without the means of an anesthetic.” U
YOUR HOMETOWN VETERINARIAN.
STEVEN C. LEWIS, DVM
225 E. Davis Island Blvd., Tampa Open 6 Days a Week with Convenient Hours. In-House Laboratory, Radiology, Laser Surgery, Dental Cleaning and More.
Call for an appointment 813.251.4384 FAX: 813.251.4398
www.DavisIslandAnimalClinic.com “Yup...you’ve got ‘em alright. And they brought their circus, too.”
www.TheNewBarker.com
Accredited by the USDA for all health certificates, interstate and international. Follow Us On FACEBOOK for More Health and Behavior Tips.
Summer ~ 2013 THE NEW BARKER 73
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