Hyposensitization Treatments

Now that your animal has been tested for what has been triggering the allergic response, we can start treatment. Hyposensitization works on the same principles as "allergy shots" for humans. The idea is to initially expose your pet to dilute amounts of the allergen, then increase the strength in order to properly stimulate the immune system. These are done by injections that you do at home according to the attached schedule. The goal is to minimize itchiness and less face rubbing, feet chewing and generalized scratching and thus improve your pet's quality of life. As with everything in life, results of treatment may not be 100% but most will show some degree of improvement. It is important to remember that this is a long-term treatment. It does allow you to address your pet's underlying problem, rather than just treating the symptoms as with anti-histamines and steroids. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to continue with these medications to keep your pet comfortable until the injections take effect. Usually, hyposensitization takes 4-6 months to see signs of improvement and treatment should be continued for at least a year and often is needed for life. TREATMENT SCHEDULE According to the attached schedule, you will notice that while you start with injections every other day at a low volume (i.e. 0.2 mls etc), the quantity increases to 1.0 mls and the frequency of the injections decreases so that after day 25, you give injections once every 10 days, then every 14 days, then every 20, then 30 days... As with humans, the frequency of treatment can be variable and must be varied according to the individual. Some animals do better at the 10 days interval injections and thus may need to continue longer at this frequency before tapering them further. Other animals do quite well on the 20-30 days intervals until the height of the allergy season when they may need their injections more frequently, for example, every 10-14 days intervals before tapering again. And some animals require injections every 14-20 days intervals all year long and worsen when tapered to less frequent than this. And some, after a year of no signs during treatment, can be tapered and discontinued. REACTIONS After giving an injection, animals will sometimes show a reaction which can vary in intensity. You should notify your veterinarian if your pet shows a possible reaction. If moderate itchiness follows an injection, you can: 1) Decrease the dose (i.e. if 1.0 mls was given, then decrease to 0.8 mls) and continue at the lower dose a bit longer before trying to up it again 2) Pre-treat with an oral antihistamine beforehand (i.e. benadryl or atarax)- some animals may be on this throughout the course of treatment 3) Draw up the dose to be given and allow to come to room temperature before giving the injection If more serious signs develop (i.e. hives and/or intense itchiness), the pet may need to hospitalized for observation after giving an injection and may need a lower dose for longer before trying to increase the dose again Very rarely, anaphylaxis can be seen, that is, an acute onset of vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse. This can occur immediately but anywhere up to 45 minutes after giving the injection. If this occurs, call your veterinarian or the emergency clinic immediately. ITEMS NEEDED You have been given your allergen kit which has been especially formulated for your pet. Remember that this must be refrigerated. If it is accidentally kept out of the fridge for a short period of time (but not in direct sunlight or near a heat source), it's still ok. When you start to run low, contact your veterinarian to obtain more allergens (allow 10-14 days for ordering these). You will obtain tuberculin syringes (less than 1.0 cc/mls) and 3 cc/mls syringes as well as 22 gauge needles (with a blue cap) or 25 gauge needles (with a red cap) from your veterinarian who will show you how to safely use these. After using the needles, save all the used needles and return them to your veterinarian for disposal. APPROXIMATE COSTS Allergens cost about $100-150/vial; this is approximately a 4 month supply, depending on the quantity and frequency of injections needed Syringes and needles, depending on quantity needed, is about $30-35 for a 4 month supply Rechecks with your veterinarian are important in monitoring your pet's response to treatment. IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.