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Dog Suffering from Allergies: A Case Study

Dog Suffering from Allergies: A Case Study

Case Study: A Dog Suffering from Allergies

Allergies in pets, particularly in dogs, are common yet often complex to diagnose and treat. They can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from food allergies to environmental sensitivities, and even reactions to parasites.
In this case, a dog has been experiencing recurring symptoms of redness, sores, and skin irritations for several months. This detailed history traces the dog's background, treatments applied, care administered, and tests performed to identify the underlying cause of its allergies.

I. Issue Encountered: Recurring Redness and Sores

Since July 2024, the dog has suffered from recurring redness on various parts of its body. These red patches are accompanied by intense itching, and when the dog licks or scratches, sores appear. Each time a sore heals, another emerges elsewhere on the body, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort for the animal. Despite the treatments, these symptoms persist, prompting the owners to seek a more specific solution.

II. Medical History and Previous Allergies

1. Flea Infestation: Winter 2019 and Summer 2024

The first significant event in the dog's medical history occurred in the winter of 2019, when a flea infestation affected the home. Although the infestation was difficult to eradicate (lasting two months), there were no serious consequences at the time other than itching and redness. However, in the summer of 2024, a second, more persistent flea infestation was noted, and parasitic treatments were intensified in response to this new threat.

2. Consultation for a Hotspot in Late 2022

In November 2022, the dog had consulted a veterinarian for a "hotspot," a localized skin infection often associated with severe itching. This was the first sign of what seemed to be a recurring trend of skin problems, preceding the symptoms observed in 2024. 

III. Treatments and Antiparasitic Measures

1. Indoor Treatments

  1. To combat the flea infestation, several preventive measures have been taken in the house since July 2024:
  • Foggers: A monthly spray of Beaphar foggers has been used to treat the indoor environment.
  • Intensive cleaning: The floors were thoroughly cleaned with a steam cleaner, and dozens of laundry loads were done to remove any trace of fleas.
  • Diatomaceous earth: A diatomaceous earth treatment was applied throughout the house, including certain outdoor areas where other animals were present, to eliminate parasites.

2. Treatments for the Animals

The antiparasitic treatment on the dog and cat was intensified:

  • Monthly pipettes of Advantix and Advantage were applied to protect the animals from fleas and ticks.
  • Shampoos: Soothing shampoos for sensitive skin and anti-itching shampoos were used.
  • Antiparasitic Sprays: Various natural preparations were used, including hydrosols for the cat and mixtures based on apple cider vinegar, essential oils, and vegetable oils for the dog, as well as 4 thieves vinegar.

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3. Brushing and Skin Care

After each outing, the dog undergoes meticulous brushing, followed by the use of a pulsator to eliminate any remaining parasites from its coat.



IV. Local Care for Sores and Irritations

To treat the sores and skin redness, several treatments were applied:
  • Aloe Vera and coconut oil were used to soothe the small redness.
  • Shaving the affected areas and disinfecting with products like Cothivet or sprays based on plants like Bobos Stop.
  • If there was a reaction to Calendula, alternative products were used, such as colloidal silver or a cod liver oil ointment, which proved highly effective.

V. Measures to Prevent Licking and Scratching

To limit the impact of licking and scratching on the sores, pajamas were put on the dog when the owners were absent, along with socks on the rear legs or a collar to prevent self-mutilation.

VI. Diet and Supplements

  1. BARF Diet The dog follows a BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) diet six days a week. This diet mainly consists of animal proteins (chicken meat, lamb liver, poultry hearts) along with vegetables, fruits, and rice. It also benefits from dietary supplements:
  • Oils: Rapeseed oil, hemp oil, salmon oil, and coconut oil, alternated each day.
  • BARF Complex: A blend of herbs and ingredients like nettle, fennel, brewer's yeast, and parsley.
  • Tic-Off: A supplement aimed at combating internal and external parasites.
  1. "Light" Meals and Treats The dog follows a "light" meal plan once a week, consisting of rice, egg yolk, goat or sheep yogurt, spirulina, and other supplements like salmon oil. Occasional treats include duck fillets or beef pieces, dehydrated.

  2. Specific Cures Due to the recurring sores, a grapefruit seed extract cure was administered, followed by the introduction of turmeric paste and the TopCoat supplement by Hilton Herbs. A natural dewormer is also ongoing.

VII. Tests and Analysis Conducted in Summer

Food and Environmental Sensitivity Tests In addition, hair samples were tested in a laboratory in the USA to identify food and environmental allergies. The results showed high sensitivities to several foods, including corn, kangaroo, duck, as well as environmental elements like mosquitoes, dust mites, and pine.
In response to these findings, certain foods and products were removed from the diet, including bananas and Calendula.
There is a blood test available in France, but it is quite costly and only covers 85 possible causes, exclusively environmental. Hair analysis in the USA has therefore been prioritized for now, as the laboratory tests 450 possible causes, both environmental and food-related. However, this test is not validated in France because it is considered less reliable than a blood test.
You will find all the information for sending your dog’s hair to the USA in the following article.

VIII. Analyses Conducted in Autumn

A blood test revealed normal results, with no signs of systemic illness. However, tissue samples revealed the presence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in blisters on the dog's skin, which could explain the appearance of new sores and skin infections.
These findings are crucial for adapting local treatments and possibly strengthening the fight against bacterial infections.
Since these results, the dog has been on prolonged antibiotic treatment under veterinary supervision.

Precautions to Take When a Dog is Positive for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Lives with Other Animals and Humans

When a dog is diagnosed with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a bacterium commonly responsible for skin infections in animals, it is essential to take several precautions to prevent the spread of the infection to other household animals, humans, and any animals in contact with the dog. While S. pseudintermedius is generally animal-specific, it can occasionally be transmitted to humans, particularly those with a weakened immune system or who are in direct contact with infected wounds.

Here are the main measures to implement:

  1. Isolation and Monitoring Although S. pseudintermedius is not highly contagious to humans, it is prudent to isolate the affected dog in a specific area of the house, especially if there are purulent wounds present.

This will help limit direct contact between the dog and other animals, as well as family members, particularly if open sores are present. Temporarily isolating the dog will reduce the risk of transmission of the bacterium while promoting healing.

  1. Strict Hygiene Strict hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of the bacteria:
  • Regularly wash hands after contact with the dog, its wounds, its accessories (collars, leashes, etc.), or its immediate environment.
  • Disinfect the surfaces in the house where the dog spends time, particularly its bedding, toys, and resting areas. Use a disinfectant effective against bacteria to clean potentially contaminated areas.
  • Washing Accessories: All items used by the dog, such as blankets, cushions, bowls, and toys, should be regularly washed at high temperature to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination, and steam cleaned for optimal effectiveness.
  1. Wound Care and Treatment Infected wounds should be carefully treated to prevent worsening or spreading:
  • Apply topical medications (antibiotics or antiseptics) prescribed by the vet to the wounds, strictly following recommendations. Ensure the animal does not lick the treated areas, using methods such as a collar or protective pajamas.
  • Regularly check the condition of the wounds and consult the vet if signs of worsening appear (increased redness, pus, or new lesions).
  1. Managing Relationships with Other Animals The dog affected by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius should be kept away from other animals, particularly other dogs and cats, until the infection is fully controlled. Direct contact with other animals can promote the spread of the bacteria, although it is not always systematic.

Avoid group play or walks with other dogs until the infection is resolved.

For cats or other animals in the household, veterinary follow-up is recommended. If signs of skin symptoms (sores, redness) appear, consultations will be necessary to detect any potential infections.

  1. Precautions with Humans Although the bacteria is rare in humans, precautions should be taken, especially for immunocompromised individuals, young children, or the elderly.
  • Avoid direct contact with the dog’s open sores, and if necessary, wear gloves during care (wound cleaning, medication application).
  • Monitor for signs of infection in humans, including redness, pain, or blisters on the skin in contact with the animal or its secretions. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
  1. Regular Medical Follow-Up Close veterinary follow-up is essential. The vet may:
  • Perform additional tests if necessary to ensure the infection is completely eradicated.
  • Prescribe an appropriate antibiotic treatment, and sometimes conduct sensitivity tests to ensure the antibiotics used are effective against the present bacterial strain.

VIII. Recent Observations and Evolution of the Dog’s Condition

Since the addition of a coat for each outing, a notable improvement has been observed, with no new redness appearing. This suggests that skin irritation may be partly linked to environmental factors, such as weather conditions or contact with external elements.

Conclusion: A Complex Case of Allergies and Chronic Infections

This dog's history illustrates the complexity of managing allergies and recurrent skin infections. A multimodal approach has been implemented, combining antiparasitic treatments, topical care, adapted diets, and specific supplements.
Despite these efforts, the lack of a precise cause for the persistent sores underscores the importance of in-depth diagnostic tests to identify underlying factors.
The dog's condition shows positive signs of improvement, but continuous follow-up and adjustment of treatments will be crucial to improving the animal's quality of life.
Dog Suffering from Allergies: A Case Study

Instinct Vagabond

on nov. 19, 2024

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