Atopic dermatitis is a type of skin allergy in dogs, similar to the skin condition in humans. In dogs, it is the second most common form of allergy: an estimated 10% of the dog population are affected. A genetically inherited and normally lifelong disease, the first sign of atopic dermatitis usually occurs between 6 months and 3 years of age. Atopic dermatitis occurs when hypersensitive dogs come in contact with common allergens such as house dust mites, pollens and moulds. The main sign of atopic dermatitis is itching. Dogs will chew on their feet, rub their face on the carpet, and gnaw and scratch at their skin. These actions, in turn, worsen skin inflammation, and cause lesions, hair loss and dry, flaky skin. The situation is often further complicated by secondary bacterial and fungal infections. There are several treatments available for dogs to control the signs of atopic dermatitis, such as corticosteroids and antihistamines. But unfortunately, they have limitations and there is no cure.
ATOPICA is the first medication specifically developed for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. ATOPICA is an oral medication (capsule) that has been proven safe and highly effective through the largest veterinary dermatology trial in history.
ATOPICA works by inhibiting the function of cells responsible for the dog's allergic response. As a result, ATOPICA provides dramatic relief from the signs of atopic dermatitis, controlling itching and reducing skin inflammation and lesions. The improvement and tolerability seen with ATOPICA is similar to or better than that of corticosteroids, regarded until now as the most effective drug for atopic dermatitis.
Extensively tested, ATOPICA has been proven to control atopic dermatitis without the potentially severe long-term side effects associated with corticosteroids. ATOPlCA is deemed safe on vital functions and organs such as the kidneys, liver and adrenal glands. The most common side effects seen with ATOPICA are occasional vomiting and diarrhoea, which are normally mild and transient and do not require cessation of treatment.
Improvement of the signs of atopy can be expected within 4 weeks after beginning full-dosage treatment with ATOPICA. Once a satisfactory clinical improvement is seen, the dosage may be tapered depending on how well your dog is responding.
You can greatly help your veterinarian in assessing response to therapy by observing the changes in your dog's scratching behaviour from the time of the first treatments with ATOPICA.
Since atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease, unfortunately, relapses may occur. However, ATOPICA-treated dogs have lower relapse rates than dogs that have been treated with corticosteroids. If a relapse occurs after ATOPICA treatment has been stopped, a new round of treatment may be necessary.
ATOPICA's cost can best be determined relative to the use of alternative, complementary treatments. Individual medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, topical shampoos and essential fatty acids may be less expensive but the cost of any combination of various medications and supportive therapy, as is usually required, can be offset by the use of ATOPICA alone. Moreover, if your dog responds satisfactorily, the dose and thus the cost of ATOPICA will be reduced over time. Your veterinarian will determine the treatment regime that is best for you and, more importantly, best to manage your dog's chronic disease.
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