Allergies: One Tough Problem

by Dr. Ron Rompala

Allergies can cause big problems for pet owners. Allergies can be manifested from minor annoyances as an itch to more severe maladies as hot spots, diarrhea or asthmatic panting. Controlling allergies is essential for keeping pets comfortable and healthy. So it seems simple, just find the cause and eliminate it. However, finding the cause of the allergy is no easy task because one factor is rarely the sole source of the problem.

Allergies result from abnormal metabolism generally initiated by a misguided immune system. Under ideal conditions, the immune system is at a low or resting state of activity. When the animal is th reatened by a pathogen, or by some other foreign invader, the immune system level of activity is elevated. Several changes occur in the metabolism of the animal to make conditions favorable for the immune system to combat the invaders. The degree of response by the immune system depends on the perceived strength of the invader. Most of the time the immune system correctly identifies an invader and makes the proper adjustments in metabolism. Sometimes the immune system identifies a harmless foreign entity as possibly life-threatening. A miscommunication between the immune system and the rest of the body occurs causing subsequent alterations in metabolism that show up as allergies.

Allergies can be manifested in various ways depending upon the changes in metabolism. The symptoms of the allergy and the severity are affected by several factors in cluding the agent causing the allergy, genetics, nutritional state and exposure to other allergy causing agents. Most common factors that cause allergies a re:

• Flea Bites
• Environmental Inhalants (mold spores, pollen, pesticides)
• Food
• Vaccines

An allergy can be cause d by a combination of agents. Each agent alone may not be harmful to the animal. However the additive effect of more than one agent can cause an allergic reaction. A dog may be perfectly fine eating a given type of food. However, exposure to tree pollen in the spring may cause the developm ent of hot spots. Often just changing to a food with different protein sources eliminates the problem. It is possible that several agents can cause small i ncremental increases in the sensitivity of the immune system but not enough to show symptoms of an allergy. The addition of one more agent can push the immune system over the threshold and result in allergic reactions. The blame for the problem is often attributed to the food because it is the most conspicuous factor.

Many allergies are initiated when recently weaned animals are placed on food. At this tim e, the immune system may be hyperactive readily characterizes a harmless protein as dangerous. Subsequently, the animal can show allergy signs whenever exp osed to that protein. On the other hand, it is possible that the allergy may not appear until years later which makes it difficult to determine the cause. Sometimes allergies can be confused with thyroid problems or other disorders. It is easy to understand how attempts to eliminate allergies can lead to confusion and frustration.

Consequently, it can be difficult to completely cure a pet from allergies. The best treatment involves eliminating factors that can potential agents. Antigen testing is costly and most of the time inconclusive. Trial and error invo lving addition and elimination is probably the best means for testing and alleviating allergies. Nutritionally, there can be some adjustments to the diet t o help pets that are prone to allergies.

• Change the food to one with a different meat source. If the pet is eating a beef based food, change to one with poultry.
• Use a food with no soybean pro ducts.
• Feed a food that has a good and balanced source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These nutrients can aid in keeping inflammatory problems under control.
• Feed foods with a good source of vitamins and minerals. An active immune system can deplete these essential nutrients from the body. Chelated trace minerals, vitamin E and vitamin C can be especially beneficial.

© April, 2000. Blue Seal Feeds, Inc.

© Blue Seal Feeds – April, 2000