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.