• Home
  • About Us
  • READ Online
    • READ Online
    • March-April 2019
    • January-February 2019
    • 2018 Issues
      • 2018 Issues
      • November-December 2018
      • September-October 2018
      • July-August 2018
      • May-June 2018
      • March-April 2018
      • January-February 2018
    • 2017 Issues
      • 2017 Issues
      • November-December 2017
      • September-October 2017
      • July August 2017
      • May – June 2017
      • March – April 2017
      • January-February 2017
    • 2016 Issues
      • 2016 Issues
      • November-December 2016
      • September-October 2016
      • July-August 2016
      • May-June 2016
      • March-April 2016
      • January-February 2016
  • Distribution
  • Events
  • Contact Us

  • Home
  • About Us
  • READ Online
    • March-April 2019
    • January-February 2019
    • 2018 Issues
      • November-December 2018
      • September-October 2018
      • July-August 2018
      • May-June 2018
      • March-April 2018
      • January-February 2018
    • 2017 Issues
      • November-December 2017
      • September-October 2017
      • July August 2017
      • May – June 2017
      • March – April 2017
      • January-February 2017
    • 2016 Issues
      • November-December 2016
      • September-October 2016
      • July-August 2016
      • May-June 2016
      • March-April 2016
      • January-February 2016
  • Distribution
  • Events
  • Contact Us
HomePaw PrintsSTOPPING THE ITCH

STOPPING THE ITCH

  • March 7, 2014
  • 0 comments
  • Osceolawoman2017
  • Posted in Paw Prints
  • 0

dr-borgman-kissimmee-animal-clinicBy Dr. Gary A. Borgman, Kissimmee Animal Hospital, Inc.
When I was in veterinary school, many years ago, I was emphatically told by my professors that all dogs have fleas and all dogs itch. Unfortunately there was a lot of truth to that assertion but fortunately these statements no longer need to be true. External parasite control has advanced to a position whereby nearly all domestic dogs and cats can be virtually flea free! Since fleas have been the number one cause of itchy dogs and cats, especially in Florida, we now have various safe and very effective flea control products which greatly enhance the quality of life of our pets. Unfortunately, fleas are still very common among feral cats, many outdoor dogs and of course many wildlife species. Year round flea control measures are very important to prevent new infestations of fleas and ticks for pets that spend even a little time outside.
Fleas are no longer the primary cause of itching and secondary infections for those dogs and cats who are flea free. Still many dogs still itch. Atopy is a defective skin barrier against environmental factors, including pollen, dust mites, plant juices, etc resulting in biochemical reactions leading to itching, inflammation, and secondary infections. Sometimes it is necessary to administer a corticosteroid for quick relief. Unfortunately, corticosteroids have undesirable side effects. We now have a new product which is even more effective than injectable or oral corticosteroids and it is safe with no side effects!
Apoquel was introduced in January 2014. Apoquel has been thoroughly tested and it is truly a blessing for those patients who need it. It is an oral medication given twice a day for two weeks and then once a day. Concurrently, any skin infections are treated with oral medications. Apoquel is safe for long term use.
One very common dermatology presentation to veterinarians is acute moist dermatitis or “hot spots” which literally can and do occur in a matter of a few hours and are exacerbated by patient self trauma. Hot spots are very responsive to a steroid injection but now Apoquel will be a better choice for short term use because of lack of side effects.
Apoquel has not been approved for cats or use in dogs less than one year of age at this time.
The veterinarians and staff at Kissimmee Animal Hospital (Tel ) and Poinciana Pet Clinic (Tel ) are available to answer any questions you may have about treating itchy dogs with Apoquel or about any other pet health issues. We are here to help and to serve.

Related Posts

0 comments
Life & WorkPaw Prints

HORSES AND ZEBRAS

Read more

0 comments
Life & WorkPaw Prints

Rabies: I Thought We Eradicated It?

Read more

0 comments
Life & WorkPaw Prints

An Invitation for Questions

Read more

Share this

About author

Osceolawoman2017

Related Posts

0 comments
Life & WorkPaw Prints

HORSES AND ZEBRAS

Read more

0 comments
Life & WorkPaw Prints

Rabies: I Thought We Eradicated It?

Read more

0 comments
Life & WorkPaw Prints

An Invitation for Questions

Read more

0 comments
Life & WorkPaw Prints

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF a practicing veterinarian

Read more

Tags

  • flea control
  • fleas
  • kissimmee animal hospital
  • osceola woman newspaper
  • osceola womna
  • pets

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Mailing Address


St. Cloud, Florida 34770

Call us:


Copyright © 2017 Osceola Woman Magazine Disable responsivity