Using Atopical for chewing/itching problems

[Pam Bohen]

Our doodle Dexter has had continuing chewing/itching problems this year.  We have tried benedryl and claritin with some success with the Clariitin but haven't been able to control it.  Dexter is almost 2 and did not experience this last year.  Our vet has suggested trying Atopica and I have been reading some reviews that are both excellent and bad.  I was wondering if anyone could provide some advice that many be familiar with the Atopica treatment,  I understand it is expensive but am mostly concerned with Dexter's health. Thanks for any advice.  Dexter's Mom, Pam

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Pam, please request membership in our Atopic Dermatitis Support Group. Here's a link:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/atopicdermatitissupportgroup
We have quite a bit of info in the group on Atopica.
I strongly suggest you see a veterinary dermatology specialist. Atopica is a very powerful immunosuppressant, originally developed to prevent organ rejection in human organ transplant recipients. The generic name of the drug is Cyclosporine, (Atopica is just a veterinary brand name for it) and besides being extremely expensive, it has some significant side-effects, including cancer. It is not often used in dogs over 30 pounds.
My regular vet originally recommended this drug to me when my labradoodle was first suspected of having Atopic Dermatitis. I was unable to find much information on-line from anyone who had used it. I was referred to a specialist, who recommended against using Atopica for several reasons, one of them being the side effects. In addition to the risk of cancer, the dog's immune system is so suppressed that they are open to all kinds of opportunistic infections, and also require modified forms of their routine vaccines.

We are treating Jack with immunotherapy, which has been pretty successful and is much less dangerous than Atopica. We will go to the drug if the immunotherapy stops helping but so far, so good.
Bottom line, the regular vets recommend Atopica because they are not allergy apecialists and may not be aware of the alternatives. Also, I hate to say it, but they are the ones who sell the drug and therefore make the profit if you use that instead of doing allergy skin testing and trying immunotherapy.

[F, Calla & Luca]

OMD, cyclosporine, major toxin. Good when you need it but not for allergies.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Are you using Evening Primrose Oil. I think it greatly reduces Calla's scratching.