Carly Rosa was a healthy and happy pug who had been coming to Centrepointe Animal Hospital for her regular checkups.  She had a few ongoing health issues which were all being properly managed and under control; however, in the fall of 2012, Carly Rosa encountered a new issue. Skin lesions appeared on the three year old pug’s abdomen and she began scratching herself and rubbing her belly and rear end on the ground. Dr. Theoret performed skin and blood tests and a course of antibiotics was prescribed for the lesions, which helped decrease the itchiness. However, the itchiness did not completely subside; therefore, allergies were suspected.

Carly Rosa was prescribed a veterinary exclusive hypoallergenic diet with hydrolyzed protein.  This type of diet is designed avoid allergic reactions by breaking down the proteins at a molecular level to such a tiny size that the body does not recognize it as an allergen.  She was also prescribed additional medications to ensure that she was not in discomfort until the diet had time to generate a response.

While on the diet, Carly Rosa showed some improvement with the itchiness.  However, she began to lose hair on her abdomen from rubbing the dry skin on her belly.  In a few cases, dogs with adverse food reactions may still react to a hydrolyzed protein diet. In these cases, a feather hydrolyzed protein, which is scientifically proven to have no allergens, is the next option. Since Carly Rosa had some improvements with the first food trial, a food allergen was still suspected and she was then placed on a veterinary exclusive anallergenic diet.

Within less than a month on the new diet, Carly Rosa’s condition finally started to show major improvement.  Her hair loss slowed, her chronic itching subsided, and her skin was looking much healthier.  Allergies can be a struggle for both owners and pets.  There are many different symptoms, from ear infections to skin lesions.  It can take time, patience and dedication, but it is possible to find a manageable solution to bring comfort to both you and your pet.

Allergies in pets can be caused by environmental or food allergen and, in some cases, both.  It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of the allergies.  The first step is often a food elimination trial which cuts out all potential food allergens for several weeks which is exactly what Carly Rosa was instructed to do.

After a long and trying battle with allergies, Carly Rosa and her owner finally found a solution that worked for her.