It's Spring Again.....

    IT'S SPRING AGAIN...

    Today the sun has brought an early promise of spring.  Gloomy wet overcast days have given way to brisk clear blue skies washed clean of atmospheric dust. Enjoy them while they last for our senses will soon be smothered in the sights and smells of flowering plants. For most of us this is to be relished but others find this physical assault overloads immune systems and sets up a familiar pattern of seasonal allergies. Skin and breathing are the most commonly assaulted portals.  Asthmatic changes are uncommon in our animals but atopic dermatitis (AD) is much more prevalent. Seasonal flare-ups cause everything from crusty noses to itchy bums, red ears and stained well licked feet.  There are so many potential allergens around that it can be overwhelming.  Often we simply have to resort to symptomatic suppression of the body signs until the 'season' passes.

    A systematic approach can win but requires determination and persistence.  Start with basics.

    1) Get rid of all parasites!  Mites and fleas especially.  Treat regularly all year and do all animals.

    2) Rule out food allergy.  Use a novel protein source ( a protein not eaten before) EXCLUSIVELY for 6 weeks without prior drug use for 6 weeks - this is tough, and you need plenty of support and a freezer full of novel protein  food……………  then

    3) AD (atopic dermatitis).  Now we can work on this but…..
              
    I have run out of time.  More on this topic in the future.......

    If you want to know now, give us a call.
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