Allergy & Atopica
"Sam", 3 year old, male neutered, yorkie cross
On 8/1/08 "Sam" presented to us as a new puppy with minimal concerns. On 8/12/08 "Sam" returned with a sudden onset of coughing which started about 2 days prior, we treated with antibiotics, recommended chest x-ray if not resolving. The coughing continued for the next month. The chest x-ray was unremarkable. We tried different antibiotics and steroids with little help. On 9/4/08 "Sam" came back for a recheck exam, and now "Sam" is itching. We started "Sam" on a novel protein diet of rabbit and potato. The owner fed this food exclusively for 60 days. 30 days into the food trial the owner said the itching was better but the coughing was still there. On 12/3/08 we did a food challenge where "Sam" was put back on his regular food, owner reported the itching was not any worse. Through 2009-11/2011 we tried different antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines, and different foods. In 12/2011 we decided to try Atopica. Atopica is a cyclosporine, immunosuppressant drug. As of today "Sam's" owner reports there is no itching or coughing since starting the Atopica. "Sam" has an underline allergy which response well to Atopica at this point.
"Kula" 6 year old, female spayed, Golden Retriever
"Kula" has had a life long history of ear infection, and skin infections. Her treatments over the years have been antibiotics, topical ear medications, and steroids (for inflammation). On 11/2011 we recommended that "Kula" be tested for seasonal allergies. Her owner's agreed. We did a blood serum test by HESKA. While we waited for test results, we treated with short term steroids, and antibiotics. But we also started on Atopica. The owner's did about 2 months of Atopica and noted a decrease in "Kula's" itching. The allergy test results came back positive to dust mite, mold mite, and fungus. We recommended the owners start "Kula" on allergy injections. The owner's agreed and while we started the injections the owners continued on Atopica to continue some relief for "Kula". In 1/2012 "Kula" has discontinued Atopica and solely on allergy injections, the owner's have noted no sores, occasional licking at feet but no itching and ear infections.
ATOPICA contains Cyclosporine A, an immunomodulator. Cyclosporine has anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic activities in atopic dermatitis. Treatment of chronic manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in dogs and is caused by allergens such as house dust mites or pollens which stimulate an exaggerated immune response in atopic dogs. The disease is chronic, recurrent and requires lifelong management. Cyclosporine selectively acts on the immune cells involved in the allergic reaction. Cyclosporine reduces the inflammation and itching associated with atopic dermatitis. (Novartis.com)