Dr. Oldenhoff sets the record straight about pet allergies and some of the myths around them.

Like humans, pets suffer from all sorts of allergies. And like in human medicine, allergies in pets are not a black and white area.There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to diagnosing, testing, and treating allergies. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. William Oldenhoff set out to get the record straight and debunk some of the myths about allergies.

Myth 1: All animals with skin disease have allergies

The primary manifestation of allergy is itch. But it can also be caused by parasites or infection. The only way to diagnose allergy is to rule out all other causes of itch. If treating infection or parasites resolves the itch, then allergy is not present.

Myth 2: Pet allergies can be diagnosed with an allergy test

A common misconception about allergy testing is that its results can be used to avoid the relevant allergens. Allergy testing never gives a simple answer about what can be avoided by the pet. Its primary use is for formulating allergy shots or allergy drops. Allergy testing should be done ONLY in animals that are definitively known to have allergy through the clinical process of elimination other causes (parasites or infection).

Myth 3: Symptomatic therapies can replace immunotherapy

Symptomatic treatments like Apoquel and Cytopoint help with the allergy symptoms but don’t address the underlying problem. They do not replace immunotherapy. Rather, they are symptomatic treatments to be used while immunotherapy starts working. The goal of immunotherapyis to reduce or eliminate the need for these symptomatic therapies.

Myth 4: Immunotherapy doesn’t work

Immunotherapy is a natural product with a proven history of safety and efficacy, and it’s an effective method to treat allergies if performed properly. In the hands of a trained dermatologist, the typical response rate is between 66-75% response to immunotherapy. But it is a long-term commitment that typically requires 6-10 months to START working. This means that no patient who starts immunotherapy should have it discontinued before one year of treatment. In animals who have had good response, the immunotherapy should be continued, often indefinitely.

Myth 5: Symptomatic therapies can’t be used together with immunotherapy

All of the symptomatic therapies available (Atopica, Apoquel, Cytopoint, even steroids) can be given at the same time as immunotherapy. These medications do not interfere with the ability of immunotherapy to start working. They should be continued for the first several months of treatment until allergy shots or drops start working.

Allergy cases can be complicated and veterinary dermatologists are a valuable resource to primary veterinarians in managing these cases. Here are a few helpful tips on how to prepare a patient for a successful referral appointment along with information on how to perform a hypoallergenic diet trial.

To find out more, please contact William Oldenhoff, DVM, DACVD at:

(818) 887-2262

ACCESS – San Fernando Valley
20051 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364

 
Our South Bay hospital teamed up to do the Paws Fur Pink walk in February. This wonderful charity helps fund breast cancer and canine cancer research, and our team was all smiles knowing they were helping the greater good!
 

Please follow this link for a memorial honoring Sydney.

www.patrickmahaney.com/animal-treatment/memorial-for-sydney-the-goldendoodle/

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital – San Fernando Valley

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital – Los Angeles

PJ, a lovable two-year-old Pit Bull, was at home in his yard when his owners heard a loud pop at 4:30am, then heard PJ run into the side of their house. His owners immediately rushed to check on him and were horrified to find that he had a large wound on his muzzle—PJ had been shot in the face.

PJ and his family rushed to the ACCESS LA emergency room and met with Dr. Nicole Skilling, who administered fluids and pain medication with his owner’s approval. Radiographs confirmed everyone’s suspicions— a fragmented bullet (see below) was in PJ’s face. Dr. Skilling was able to clean the wound and remove the fragments and even checked PJ’s eye and throat to make sure there were no further injuries. Luckily, other than a bullet in his snout, PJ was healthy.

After the procedure, Dr. Skilling closed the wound with stitches and PJ was sent home with antibiotics, pain medication, and a snazzy new cone to keep him safe and healthy.

We were overjoyed to see PJ back a few days later for his recheck. He greeted everyone in the lobby and gladly accepted pets and snuggles from our staff while he was in our treatment area! His stitches were examined and found to be healing well and as for his eyes—they’re perfect! PJ will return to the hospital in a few days to have his stitches removed once he is fully healed and is thankful for the quick actions of his owners.
Unfortunately, no one knows who did this to PJ or why, but the authorities have been notified and are investigating the case.

Please report any suspected animal abuse to your local taskforce.

LA County | ANIMAL CRUELTY TASK FORCE
24-hour notification hotline 213-486-0450
“Animal cruelty includes any activity that causes injury, disability, or death. Examples of animal cruelty are kicking, hitting, choking, punching, hanging, stabbing, shooting, setting on fire, or electrocuting.”

 

This week we celebrated our owner, Dr. Rich Mills’ birthday!

We are lucky to work in a place where we’re able to help animals and make meaningful connections; and that is all because of Dr. Mills. We’re thankful for him every day and we’re excited to celebrate his big day with him!

 

What could one of our criticalists, Dr. Joyce Lee, be doing?

Caring for her smallest patient of the day– a hummingbird!