|
Statistics
Members: 237
News: 1054
Web Links: 17
Visitors: 640399
|
|
An Excellent Treatment for Atopy in Dogs |
|
|
|
2007-07
Atopy is an allergy that is triggered in dogs by certain things a dog inhales or comes in contact with via the skin. A similar allergy in people is often referred to as hay fever. Symptoms in people usually include itchy eyes and runny nose with lots of sneezing. In dogs, the symptoms usually include red and itchy skin often on the face, paws, abdomen and armpits. The ears and eyes are also often involved.
Atopy can affect a dog year round if it is allergic to something like the dust mite. It can also be seasonal if, for instance, grass pollen is the inciting cause. Until recently, the most common treatments included antihistamines, omega fatty acids, and the dreaded corticosteroids. Corticosteroids seem to be most effective but are often accompanied by a plethora of undesirable side affects including weight gain, muscle atrophy, liver enlargement, increased thirst and urination, and a predisposition to skin and bladder infections. Another option available to treat atopy has been immunotherapy….i.e. desensitization thru injections. This is often at least partially effective but may require weekly injections for the rest of the dog's life.
In Canada, a drug has recently been approved for use in dogs for atopy. The brand name is Atopica and the active ingredient is cyclosporine. It is initially given once daily but after 30 days of treatment many patients often do just as well on a dose given every other day. Side affects are uncommon and are minor when the medication is used correctly. It is an excellent alternative to corticosteroids and a decent option to immunotherapy.
If you have a dog suffering from the symptoms of atopy, ask your veterinarian about Atopica. The biggest drawback is that it is more expensive than corticosteroids. However, the benefits that result will outweigh the cost in many cases.
Okanagan Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu Rescue Society
The Society was formed in 2003 after Wendy McIntyre brought her experience from B.C. Cocker Spaniel Rescue to found the Okanagan Cocker Spaniel Shih Tzu Rescue Society (OCSSRS) in Kelowna.
Governed by a Board of Directors of nine women, the group has managed to save the lives of a few hundred dogs since the rescue group started. The Society started with puppy mill dogs that were destined for death after spending two years of their lives in a barn providing puppies for market. A real good lesson for all of us to know where puppies come from!
OCSSRS takes in dogs for a variety of reasons. The dogs are completely vet checked, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and provided with whatever medical treatment they need, including dentals. Many need emotional treatment as well and some end up in palliative care because they have behavioural problems or medical issues. Often the dogs are referred from the SPCA or veterinarians. Some dogs that need to be rehoused even stay with their families until those new homes can be found by OCSSRS.
OCSSRS utilizes foster care for their dogs and when assessed as ready to be adopted, the dogs are placed on Petfinder (www.petfinder.com) Just click on Rescues and Shelters and key in the word "Okanagan" and the Society name will come up. Home and family requirements vary from dog to dog. At this time, OCSSRS are looking for homes for 5 dogs and they would welcome inquiries about people wanting to be good, long term foster homes as well, as the needs and requests do change daily.
Everything they do to help dogs costs money and OCSSRS can issue tax receipts, as they are a registered charity. The group has just had their 3rd Annual Puppy Party where money is raised through Silent Auction as well as just having a plain, good old time! Memberships can be purchased at any time of the year and people who share their lives with dogs can purchase dog beds at some of their public venues. They have a program in place where financial fostering is possible which includes a photo and write-up of the dog in addition to the tax receipt. In Lake Country, Winfield Return-It Centre will put your bottles into the OCSSRS account! Donations do not nearly cover the costs of expenses so all fundraising efforts are really valued and appreciated.
If you, or somebody you know, is thinking of adopting a small rescued dog, there are protocols in place that have been developed in the best interests of the dogs. People are then required to complete applications and OCSSRS looks for the best match for that particular dog. Sometimes, an overnight visit may be the positive factor in making a decision to adopt and sometimes it just does the opposite. Either way, OCSSRS will do what's best for the dog and consider the human element second.
We would encourage you to check out their website on Petfinder. It's important to read about their success stories as well. If you don't have email (
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
), by all means call Vice-President, June at 717.3655.
|
|
Subscription
Special OfferOrder 12 ISSUES of the CHOICE for family and friends for only $12.00 plus gst (Canada only). Send your name and address and a cheque to Seniors Choice at Box 41075 RPO South, Lake Country, BC V4V 1Z7
MYRA CANYON KELOWNA BC
SILVER STAR VERNON BC
|
