What is canine Chronic hypersensitivity dermatitis and what treatments are available?

Question

My dog, Lady keeps having recurring outbreaks. The diagnosis was made by a lab from samples taken from the vet. Treatments with Prednisone 10mg have given some relief. After treatment Lady may stay cleared up for a couple of weeks but soon has a relapse. Of course with the treatments of Prednisone she inflates like a basketball and it causes her to be unable to control her bowel and bladder. Hair loss, and itching are prevalent prior to treatment. She has been on this current treatment at least 3 times but continues to have outbreaks.

Answer 1

Skin conditions in dogs can be a real bear to combat. There are literally hundreds of factors that can contribute to generally itchy or unhealthy skin - things eaten, things breathed in, things layed upon... it's a very frustrating problem, and I understand your desperation with your dog's condition, as one of my greyhounds suffer some of the same problems.

This condition is often referred to as "atopy". In short, it's a predisposition to become allergic to normally innocuous substances, like pollens, molds, dust mites and other environmental allergens. It's estimated that only 3-12% of dogs have this condition.

I'm assuming the diagnosis was made via skin biospy performed at your vet's office. It's unusual that the lab or your vet wouldn't then try to identify the irritating agent more in depth - often times they run a series of allergy tests to determine what steps should be taken to avoid contact with said irritants. The condition is rarely in remission and cannot be cured; it's simply a matter of maintaining as healthy a state as possible.

Prednisone is the most common used form of controlling the discomfort associated with atopy, and sometimes you won't see a response for 3-6 months after starting, but if you're interested, there are some more natural methods that may help keep things under control. Sometimes, supplementing your dog's diet with essential fatty acids can help promote healthier skin and coat. Frequent bathing in shampoos labelled "antipruritic" can be beneficial. There's a great company based out of Wisconsin called Animals Apawthecary - they make a stellar formula called "Detox Blend" made specifically for chronic allergy sufferers that's manufactered with herbal remedies like burdock, dandelion, milk thistle and red clover.

Best of luck with your dog - I really commend your effort to become more educated and do the best you can for her. I hope this response wasn't too long!

Answer 2

Hi ! My 12yr. old Male dog has this same problem while the prednazone is helping my vet also recommed I Bathe him aleast Once a week with a moisterizing shampoo / Medicated also this has helped my Dog tremendously It's merely an allergy to something in the environment that they get as they get older not all dogs get this but there are the unlucky few just make sure after shampoo you rinse extremely well then a final rinse of cool water . OH! and follow the directions on the shampoo( you can get this from you vet.)

Answer 3

That is doctor speak for a severe, ongoing, skin allergy.
It's more than likely caused by the food you are feeding her. Read the label, it should NOT contain: corn or wheat products, animal-by-products, or animal digest. If you can't pronounce every ingredient, consider changing brands.
Read "Foods Pets Die For" by Ann N. Martin for all the gruesome and shocking details.
Look into Innova EVO. That is getting rave reviews from allergic dog owners. California Natural (they have a skin and coat supplement that works wonders), Artemis, Canidae, and Wellness are really good too. Look them up on the internet.
You should consider a different vet. I think he is using big words to convince you that your dog needs treatments that she may not need.