Cetirizine for cats. What to give your cat for allergies: options for antihistamines

However, before you begin to treat your pet, you should confirm or, conversely, refute this diagnosis, as well as establish the reason for its appearance, since there are quite a lot of irritants that provoke allergic reaction.

As a rule, allergy medications for cats contain completely different active ingredients depending on the type. pathological reaction pet's body. That is, in one case, only steroid injections will help cope with the existing problem, while milder forms of allergies can be effectively treated with the usual antihistamine Suprastin. For cats, the dosage should be completely different than for humans, and this nuance must be taken into account when using medications used to treat people. And although the package insert usually states that grams or milliliters of the drug correspond to one kilogram of the patient’s weight, it is better not to experiment and consult this issue with a qualified specialist.

Typically, treatment, and even more so the dosage of the medications used, is prescribed only after diagnosis, which includes special intradermal testing (a blood test is also allowed). For determining irritating factor, without the elimination of which it is impossible to carry out full treatment, it is recommended to gradually remove it from environment expose your pet to potential irritants, carefully observing his reaction over several weeks. Typically, such an experiment takes up to 3-4 weeks, because even if you immediately remove the component that provoked an allergic reaction in the cat, there will be no immediate improvement and the recession will occur gradually. If this is not done, then further treatment will be meaningless, so the negative symptoms will return.

In addition, when deciding what to give a cat for allergies, his owner must remember that the most effective is A complex approach To existing problem, which, in addition to avoiding stimuli and receiving antihistamines includes taking strengthening agents and local therapy.

Local therapy means compliance with certain hygiene procedures, and in particular washing the animal special shampoos, the use of ointments and products containing hydrocortisone (in consultation with a veterinarian). These measures, of course, are not capable of completely defeating the disease, and they regular use comes down only to the temporary elimination of such negative symptoms in the affected areas, such as itching and pain. Concerning general strengthening, then Omega-3 fatty acids are most often used for these purposes, since they help restore the animal after prolonged allergies with extensive damage skin And profuse hair loss wool At the same time, in no case is it recommended to use any other groups of these fats, since they can give a completely opposite effect, only increasing allergic manifestations.

When choosing what to give a cat for allergies, many owners often stop at antihistamines, which are capable of providing positive impact on the course of the disease in 70 percent of cases. At the same time, it is not possible to recommend any one specific drug, since something that is completely ineffective for another is suitable for one animal and vice versa. Besides, great value There is also a dosage of allergy tablets for cats, which depends not only on the weight of the animal, but also on the degree of its damage. Concerning active ingredients(V in this case antihistamines), then similar medicines in most cases they contain diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, clemastine fumarate or chlorpheniramine.

Steroids are usually used in the most extreme cases when the strongest is present inflammatory process or almost non-stop itching that brings for a pet unbearable suffering, and all because such means very often give the strongest side effects.

Usually steroid drugs suitable for oral, subcutaneous and intramuscular use, although injections are most often used, which are capable of giving the most effective result. Concerning potential complications, then cats are much less susceptible to them than dogs and this point should be taken into account when prescribing treatment.

Race Foster, DVM. Article from the section on hair loss in cats.

Veterinarians who specialize in treating cats believe that the most common skin problem is, by far, allergies.

Allergy symptoms.

The most common symptoms of allergies in cats are:

• Hair loss
• Miliary (Papulocrustous) dermatitis
• Linear granulomas (long, thin, red lesions)
• Hair loss
• "Nervous" skin
• Disfigured Skin

Cats that are allergic to something often experience itching and other skin problems. It seems logical that if a cat has an allergy to something it inhales (atopy), such as pollen from some plants, the cat will have a runny nose; If your cat has a food allergy (food allergy), such as beef, she will vomit; If you are allergic to insect bites (hives, rash), swelling may develop at the site of the bite. In reality, such signs are rarely observed. Instead, the cat develops mild to severe itching all over its body and may develop various lesions skin.

Allergy skin lesions are often caused by your cat licking, biting, and scratching itchy areas. Cats lick their fur excessively, often to the point of complete hair loss in some areas of the body. Their skin may become sensitive and twitch frequently. The lesions on their skin can vary from very small scabs to large red oozing spots. This often leads to secondary diseases caused by bacterial infection.

Allergens.

When a cat has allergies, its body reacts to certain molecules called “allergens.” The source of such allergens can be:

• Trees
• Grass
• Pollen
• Fabrics such as wool or nylon
• Plastic and rubber materials
• Food and nutritional supplements, such as certain types meat, grains, dyes
• Dairy
• House dust and dust mites
• Flea bites

The body's reaction to allergens.

Without going into too much detail, the reason all of these allergens cause itchy skin in cats is that when the allergens are inhaled, eaten, or come into contact with the body, the immune system causes the body to produce a protein called IgE. This protein attaches to cells connective tissue (mast cells, mast cell), located in the skin. When IgE is attached, it causes the release of various irritants chemical substances, such as histamine. In cats, cells of this type are present in significant quantities only in the skin, where such chemical reactions.

Genetic factors and timing of allergy onset.

It is clear that for an allergy to occur, contact with the allergen must last for some time. An exception is an allergy to insect bites, which develops after several bites, since the cat’s body must “learn” to react to the allergen. This special reaction of the immune system is genetically programmed and can be inherited to future generations.

Allergies in cats usually develop between the ages of one and three years. In some cases, the allergy appears at the age of 6-8 years, but in more than 80% of cases, the allergy begins earlier. Moreover, with age, allergies to additional substances usually develop, and the reaction to any allergen becomes increasingly severe.

Diagnosis of allergies in cats.

Most allergies relate to inhaled substances and are seasonal (according to at least at first time). For three weeks a year, a cat may show signs of allergies caused by pollen from certain plants growing in the area. Final diagnosis and determining that an animal suffers from an allergy can only be established in one of two ways:

• Allergy testing (intradermal or blood)
• Consistently removing “suspicious” substances from the cat’s environment until the source of the allergy is identified (this method is most often used when a food allergy is suspected)

In some cases, there is no need to identify a specific allergen, troublesome. For example, if every year, in the same month, a cat begins to lick itself excessively and scabs form on its head and body (miliary dermatitis). In this situation, the veterinarian will prescribe treatment (tablets or injections) that suppresses allergy symptoms for 3-4 weeks. After a couple of days, the cat returns to normal and lives quietly until next year, until the problem appears again.

Unfortunately, things are not always resolved so simply. A more common scenario is that cats, especially older cats, develop eosinophilic plaques. The affected areas may grow and shrink, but never completely disappear. Even after multiple visits to different veterinarians and use various methods Treatments cannot completely solve this problem.

Treatment of allergies in cats.

Evasion.

This is very important stage fight against atopy. Although it is usually impossible to completely eliminate all probable allergens, their number can be significantly reduced with with minimal effort by the cat owner. For effective evasion therapy, allergenic agents must be identified by intradermal testing. Avoidance rarely completely avoids allergy symptoms, but is effective when combined with other treatments.

Local therapy.

Local therapy consists of washing the cat with shampoos and rinses, as well as the use of anti-itch medications. Topical therapy provides immediate but short-term relief. Cats can be washed and many of them are much more relaxed about bathing than is commonly believed. When washing, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic shampoos or shampoos with colloidal additives that relieve itching. You can also use shampoos containing hydrocortisone.

Preparations containing hydrocortisone slightly improve the cat's condition. Their use is most justified in the treatment of itching localized in small areas. Cats tend to lick these medications off, so they are most effective when applied to areas that the cat cannot reach, such as the top of the head. After applying the drug, it is recommended to distract the cat with something to prevent it from licking the treated area. Medicines used for local therapy, is very poorly absorbed into the blood, and, when used in in moderation, do not cause long-term side effects or problems associated with injections or oral steroids.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Fatty acids have been recommended for many years to improve coat quality and shine. Recent research has shown that certain Omega-3 fatty acids are also very beneficial in treating allergies in cats. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the side effects that occur when skin is treated with histamines and other allergy chemicals. Although not all, many cats improve and some are even completely cured. Most cats need daily omega-3 supplementation for several weeks or even months before improvement is significant. Omega-3 fatty acids are very safe and rarely cause side effects. Research shows that using Omega-3s in combination with other treatments, such as antihistamines, can often reduce or even eliminate steroid treatment. Fatty acids for treating cats should be obtained from fish oil. Other types of PUFAs (such as Omega-6) may have the opposite effect, making allergies worse. Omega-3 supplements are often recommended fatty acids combined with reducing the amount of fat in the cat's diet.

Antihistamines.

Antihistamines are widely used in the treatment of both humans and animals. Most antihistamines for cats used by veterinarians were originally developed for humans. Antihistamines are effective in controlling allergies in 70% of cats and 30% of dogs. When used in combination with fatty acids and evasion methods, the percentage positive reaction cats is increasing significantly.

Each cat may respond differently to a particular antihistamine, so it is often necessary to try several treatment options before finding the right one. Each antihistamine has a different dose and can cause different side effects. Antihistamines should only be used on the advice of a veterinarian. The most common side effects include lethargy, hyperactivity, constipation, dry mouth, and decreased appetite. Suitable drug V correct dosage should not cause unexpected problems. For cats suffering from severe itching, decreased activity can be considered a positive side effect.

Antihistamines are divided into groups that block various receptors. H2 blockers (Claritin, Seldane and Hismanal), while very effective in treating allergies in humans, do not work well in cats and are therefore not recommended. There are many H1 blocker medications on the market, but veterinarians typically use only a few of them.

Cyclosporine.

Cyclosporine, in a medicine called Atopica, is used very successfully in the treatment of atopy in dogs, Off-label is also used in cats (Off-label - used in medicine in practice, but is not licensed for this. Studies on the effectiveness and safety of the product have almost always been carried out, but the manufacturer didn’t check everyone necessary procedures lengthy licensing process). Side effects most often include diarrhea and nausea. Treatment does not work quick results, but after 3-4 weeks the effect becomes noticeable. The drug can be used for a short period of time seasonal allergies or long-term with year-round atopy.

Steroids.

Steroids are extremely effective in relieving severe itching and inflammation. Unfortunately, if used incorrectly, they cause many short-term and long-term side effects. Therefore, they must be used with great care and to a minimum effective doses. Steroids are used as last resort if everything has been tried possible ways treatment.

Steroids are used in injection and tablet form. These are medications classified as corticosteroids, not the anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders. Anabolic steroids belong to a completely different group of drugs and are not used in the treatment of allergies in cats. There are many corticosteroid medications on the market, varying in duration and strength of effect.

Steroid injections. Betamethasone, dexamethasone, flumethasone, methylprednisolone and triamcinolone are used in injection form. These drugs are usually administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly for one week to six months, depending on the product, dose and individual characteristics cats.

Oral administration allows you to more accurately select an individual dose for a cat, but in some situations injections may be preferable. Injections are preferable for cats that are very difficult to administer tablets to, or when immediate assistance is needed. Once the injection is completed, it is impossible to “undo” it and prevent possible complications.

Oral steroid use. As previously noted, this method is simpler and allows you to select an individual dose of the drug in tablet form. Typically, treatment begins with daily dosing for 3-5 days, then the dose is gradually reduced. If treatment continues for more than two weeks, the dose is reduced twice a week until the minimum level that gives therapeutic effect. When using any steroids, it is important to use the lowest dose possible to relieve allergy symptoms. The use of this approach to treatment can reduce and even eliminate side effects.

Complications. Complications occur much less frequently in cats than in dogs. Side effects may occur regardless of the form of the drug and the duration of treatment. The reaction of cats to treatment is individual. However, the number and severity of complications directly depends on the dose and duration of treatment. Most complications that occur when taking minimally effective doses of the drug quickly disappear when treatment is stopped. Most often, complications manifest themselves in the form of increased water consumption, increased urination, increased appetite (and weight), depression, and diarrhea.

At long-term use there is a risk of developing permanent or more severe consequences. Possible decrease in resistance to infections, deterioration of skin and hair, suppression of immunity, diabetes, suppression of adrenal function, as well as liver problems. Potential problems can be very serious, however, it should be emphasized that their occurrence depends on the dose of medications taken. Despite possible side effects, steroids can be effective and safe if the dosage schedule and dosage are carefully followed. However, due to the availability of safer and effective methods treatment, the use of steroids is not recommended until all other treatments have been tried. Some studies show that if fatty acids and antihistamines are treated simultaneously with steroids, the amount of steroids needed to achieve results can be significantly reduced.

Treatment of concomitant infections.

Since cats with allergies are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal skin infections, it is important to treat these conditions promptly. Fungal infections are treated antifungal drugs. Skin tests and fungal cultures are performed to prescribe appropriate antibiotics. In addition, the use of special shampoos is useful to combat fungus.

Allergies in cats are a common phenomenon that must be dealt with promptly and treated.

The following factors contribute to the development of allergies:

All this leads to disturbances in the immune system, which is responsible for susceptibility to certain foreign substances.

Allergy symptoms in cats

The main symptoms of allergies are:

• dry skin;
• not a very pleasant smell emanating from the cat’s fur and mouth;

They may also be accompanied by:

• sores or scabs on the skin;
• armpits become moist;
• the cat quite often rubs against pieces of furniture and walls, scratching the ulcerated areas of the body more strongly, intensively tears its nose with its claws, and can gnaw its paws;
• in some cases it develops, frequent sneezing, wheezing, with foamy discharge white, light liquid flows from the nose;
• on bare areas (chin, lower abdomen, auricle) red skin, rash, blisters, and thickening of the epidermis are clearly visible.

Not all signs appear at the same time; there may be two, three or more.

In this situation, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian as quickly as possible to establish a diagnosis.

To heal food allergies appointed special diet, in which allergenic ingredients are completely excluded.

As preventive measures You should carefully monitor your pet: clean the apartment and sleeping place, store chemicals in an inaccessible place, regularly treat with ointments against ticks and fleas, feed only quality food and fresh products.

By strictly adhering to the rules prescribed by your doctor, your cat will be cured of allergies and will be absolutely healthy.

Similar articles:

Dandruff in cats: causes and treatment Allergy to cats: symptoms, treatment Distemper in cats (panleukopenia): symptoms, treatment

"Diazolin" is an effective antihistamine for cats. It quickly eliminates itchy skin. However, not all cats tolerate this medication well. It is often observed in animals increased salivation, discharge Young kittens may experience symptoms resembling those of panleukopenia (distemper). It is very difficult to calculate the required dose of this medicine. Sometimes even after taking small quantity"Diazolina" occurred in cats unwanted effects. Therefore, it is better to choose a more gentle drug to treat your pet.

Second generation drugs

These antihistamines for cats for allergies do not affect the central nervous system. nervous system and do not cause drowsiness or apathy. However, they can adversely affect the heart, liver and stomach. Such drugs are strictly prohibited from being used in conjunction with antifungal medications, as this leads to cardiac arrest.

It must be remembered that not all medications from this group can be used for People often take Gismanal tablets for allergies. But this drug is not suitable for treating cats, as it is an H2 receptor blocker.

People are well aware of the drug "Fenistil", which quickly eliminates itching after insect bites. It can be used to treat cats and in the form of drops for internal reception, and in the form of a gel for application to the skin. It is better to give your pet children's Fenistil. However, we must not forget that when local application This product dries out the skin, so you should not overuse it.

The drug "Loratadine" is often used in veterinary practice. It is less cardiotoxic than other drugs in this group and is less likely to cause side effects. Pets usually tolerate this remedy well. Many pet owners consider Loratadine one of the best antihistamines for cats. Photos of the packaging with tablets can be seen below.

"Kestin" is shown as skin manifestations allergies in animals, and when mucus is discharged from the nose. The medicine helps within one hour after administration and lasts for two days. Side effects are observed infrequently. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Third generation drugs

These drugs do not affect the central nervous system or heart function. They are convenient to use because they do not interact with other medications and can be used in complex treatment. These medications have minimal side effects. If we list third-generation medications, the list of antihistamines for allergies for cats is small. These include only two drugs - Fexofenadine and Cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Both of these drugs are well tolerated by animals. The tablets do not have a bitter taste and are easy to swallow. In addition, they quickly relieve the main symptoms of allergies.

Owners often ask what antihistamines can be given to cats during pregnancy. All first and second generation medications are strictly prohibited when carrying kittens. These products can seriously harm the babies. As for 3rd generation drugs, they are prescribed to pregnant cats in extreme cases. This is not to say that their use is completely safe, but they are less harmful than older medications.

When does a cat need medication?

How can you tell if your pet needs to be treated with cat antihistamines? Only a veterinarian can solve this issue. With minor manifestations of the disease, sometimes it is enough to remove the allergen from the house or change the type of food. However, if an animal has severe rash, itching, runny nose, breathing or digestive disorders, then you need to consult a specialist. IN severe cases the cat may develop anaphylaxis, and then the pet will need emergency help.

The owner of a pet cannot always independently determine an allergy in a cat. Manifestations negative reaction on various substances may be similar to signs of infection. To accurately identify a disease, it is sometimes necessary to laboratory tests. In severe cases, treatment with cat allergy antihistamines may not be sufficient and steroid hormone therapy is required.

How to give medicine to an animal

Allergy medications are not recommended to be mixed with food. It is better to give tablets between meals. The interval between taking the medicine should be about 8-12 hours. The dosage of antihistamines for cats is determined individually and is prescribed by a veterinarian. The amount of medication depends on the type of drug.

If the animal suffers from seasonal allergic reactions to flowering plants, then the course of treatment can be carried out in advance. Taking medications in such cases is necessary even in the absence of signs of the disease.

Most allergy medications are prescribed in tablet form, but some drugs are available as injection solutions. Injections are usually used for acute and severe allergies. In such cases, the course of treatment is short - about 3-4 days.

Preventive measures

It must be remembered that it is impossible to cure allergies with medication alone. The drugs will only help temporarily eliminate the symptoms of the disease. In order to avoid relapses, it is necessary to exclude the animal’s contact with the allergen.

You also need to take care of the hygiene of the room in which the cat is located. Dust should be removed and wet cleaning. You also need to change the litter in your cat litter as often as possible. It is important to exclude your pet from contact with detergents, cosmetics, rubber and plastic items. Cat toys should be dusted and washed as often as possible.

Veterinarians specializing in the treatment of cats unanimously state the fact that most often they treat problems that arise precisely on the skin of these clean pets. There are many factors and symptoms that cause changes in a cat's fur, but the most common is allergies. The body of a cat that is allergic to something will necessarily respond with skin problems such as itching and hair loss.

What is an allergy and its types in cats and kittens?

Allergy is hereditary disease immune system, which manifests itself hypersensitivity body to any substances (allergens).

According to the generally accepted classification of allergies there are:

• Atopic dermatitis (reaction to inhalant allergens).
• Flea allergy or flea dermatitis(reaction to insect bites).
• Food allergies (reaction to food and reaction to medications).
• Contact allergic dermatitis(it is a rarity).

The most common symptoms of allergies in cats are:

• Hair loss.
• Billionary (papulocrustous) dermatitis.
• Eosinophilic plaques.
• Linear granulomas (long, thin, red lesions).
• Hair loss.
• "Twitching" skin.
• Damaged skin.

It seems logical that if a cat is allergic to something it inhales (such as pollen), the cat will have a runny nose; if the cat is allergic to food (for example, beef), then it will vomit; If you are allergic to insect bites, swelling, hives, and rash may develop.

In reality, such symptoms and signs are rarely observed. Instead, the cat develops mild to severe itching all over its body and may develop various lesions as a result of self-injury and secondary infection.

Allergy skin lesions are often caused by your cat licking, biting, and scratching itchy areas. Cats lick their fur excessively, often to the point of complete hair loss in some areas of the body. Their skin becomes sensitive, often twitching involuntarily. Damage to their skin can be different - from small crusts to large red weeping spots, which are the site of penetration bacterial infections. This leads to development secondary diseases.

Allergens are substances that, when they enter the body, cause an allergic reaction from the immune system, accompanied by the production of antibodies.

The source of allergens can be:

• Trees.
• Grass, pollen.
• Fabrics (wool, nylon) and materials (plastic, rubber).
• Food and food additives (some meats, grains, dyes).
• Dairy products.
• House dust and dust mites.
• Insect (flea) bites.

Without going into too much detail, the reason all these allergens cause itchy skin in cats is that when the allergens are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the body, the immune system causes the body to produce a protein called IgE. This antigen attaches to mast cells found in connective tissue. And when this happens, IgE causes the release of various irritating chemicals such as histamine. In a cat, cells of this type are present in significant quantities only in the skin, where such chemical reactions occur.

Remember that for an allergy to occur, contact with the allergen must last for some time so that the cat’s body “learns” to react to the allergen, with the exception of an allergy to insect bites, which develops after several bites.

Allergies in cats usually develop between the ages of one year and three years, in some cases at a later age. The situation gets worse with age; allergies to additional substances usually occur and the reaction to any allergen becomes more severe.

Most allergies in cats are of the inhalant type and are seasonal (at least at first). The animal may show signs of allergies within 2-3 weeks, caused by pollen from certain plants growing in the area. Definitive diagnosis and identification of the allergen can be established by testing and exclusion methods, which are listed below.

1. Blood test for the presence of antibodies in the blood and serum:

• Radioallergosorbent (RAST).
• Solid phase linked immunosorbent assay ELISA or (Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay) - ELISA.

2. Intradermal testing

Testing is carried out for development specific therapy for an allergic animal. Unfortunately, the RAST and ELIZA tests have problems within their design. They were originally developed for humans and the circulating antibodies they tested are different for humans and animals. And sometimes the result is false, that is, in other words, the test results show that your animal is allergic to something, but in reality it is not. For this reason, veterinary dermatologists may opt for intradermal testing. However, in special circumstances where intradermal skin testing cannot be performed, ELIZA is most accurate.

3. Elimination method

Consistently removing substances from the cat’s environment until the source of the allergy is identified (this method is most often used when a food allergy is suspected).

In some cases, it is not necessary to identify the specific allergen causing the problem. For example, if every year in the same month a cat begins to lick itself excessively and develops scabs on its head and body (billion dermatitis). In such a situation, she is treated with a drug that suppresses allergy symptoms for 3-4 weeks. The animal returns to normal within two days from the start of treatment and lives quietly until next year, until the problem appears again.

Unfortunately, not everything is resolved so simply. Often, cats with a history of allergies (especially older ones) develop eosinophilic plaques that never completely disappear. The affected areas may enlarge or shrink as a result of various treatment methods, but the problem cannot be completely solved.

1. Treatment of atopic (inhalation) dermatitis

Eliminating the cause

This is an important part of atopy management. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate all allergens, many can be minimized with the help of the pet owner. In order for the treatment to bring positive result, allergens must be identified using intradermal skin testing. Often, allergy treatment is carried out comprehensively in combination with hygienic and preventive treatments.

Local therapy

It provides immediate but short-term relief and is reduced to washing the cat with shampoos, as well as the use of drugs that eliminate itching. Cats should be washed with hypoallergenic shampoos (colloidal oatmeal shampoo) and shampoos containing hydrocortisone.

The use of drugs (creams, balms) containing hydrocortisone is justified in the treatment of itching localized in small areas that are difficult to lick. Due to the fact that the drugs used in local therapy are poorly absorbed into the blood, when used in moderation, they do not give long-term side effects and do not cause problems, as with treatment with injections and oral steroids.

Fatty acid

In order to improve coat quality and shine, fatty acids have long been recommended for cats. Latest Research have shown that certain Omega-3 fatty acids are very useful in treating allergies in cats. The effect of using fatty acids is not immediate, only long-term use from several weeks to several months brings results in treatment. Omega-3 acids are safe and have very few side effects. Research shows that when omega-3 fatty acids are used in combination with treatments containing antihistamines and dietary nutrition, steroid use may be reduced or discontinued.

Biotin

Biotin is one of the vitamins that is beneficial when used with fatty acids to relieve dry skin, seborrhea and itching in cats with allergies.

Antihistamines

Most antihistamines used in veterinary medicine were developed for humans and are used in human medicine. Each of the drugs has a risk of side effects, so they are used only strictly on the recommendation of a veterinarian. Each cat may respond differently to a particular antihistamine, so it is often necessary to try several treatment options before finding the right one. When used in conjunction with a treatment plan (avoidance, fatty acids), the use of antihistamines in cats with severe itching has a mild effect. sedative effect.

In veterinary medicine, as a rule, the following antihistamines of the H1 form are used.

Cyclosporine

Unlicensed medicine atopic dermatitis used in the treatment of dogs and cats. The treatment does not give quick results; the effect occurs after 3-4 weeks. The drug can be used short-term during seasonal allergies or long-term. Side effects often include diarrhea and vomiting.

Steroids

Steroids are extremely effective in relieving severe itching and inflammation. Unfortunately, when used incorrectly, they cause many short- and long-term side effects. Therefore, they must be used with great caution and in the minimum effective doses. Steroids are used as a last resort after all possible treatments have been tried.

Steroids are used in injection and tablet form. These are medications classified as corticosteroids, not the anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders. Anabolic steroids belong to a completely different group of drugs and are not used in the treatment of allergies in cats. There are many corticosteroid medications on the market, varying in duration and strength of effect.

Steroid injections. Betamethasone, dexamethasone, flumethasone, methylprednisolone and triamcinolone are used in injection form. These medications are typically administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly over a period of one week to six months, depending on the product, dose, and individual cat.

Oral administration (taking the medicine by swallowing) allows you to more accurately select an individual dose for your cat, but in some situations injections may be more effective. Injections are preferred for cats that have a very difficult time giving pills or when immediate help is needed. The oral method is simpler and allows you to select an individual dose of the drug in tablet form. Typically, treatment begins with daily dosing for 3-5 days, then the dose is gradually reduced. If treatment continues for more than two weeks, the dose is reduced twice a week until the minimum level providing a therapeutic effect is reached. When using any steroids, it is important to use the lowest dose possible to relieve allergy symptoms. The use of this approach to treatment can reduce and even eliminate side effects.

Side effects and complications , Steroid-related symptoms in cats may occur regardless of the drug form or duration of treatment. Most complications that occur when taking minimally effective doses of the drug quickly disappear when treatment is stopped. Most often, complications manifest themselves in the form of thirst, increased urination, increased appetite (and weight), depression, heavy breathing and diarrhea.

With long-term use, there is a risk of developing permanent and more severe consequences: decreased resistance to infections, deterioration of skin and hair, immune suppression, diabetes, suppression of adrenal function, and liver problems. The potential problems can be very serious, however, it should be emphasized that their occurrence depends on the dose of medication taken.

Despite possible side effects, steroids can be effective and safe if the dosage schedule and dosage are carefully followed. However, due to the availability of safer and more effective treatments, the use of steroids is not recommended until all other treatments have been tried. Some studies show that if fatty acids and antihistamines are treated simultaneously with steroids, the amount of steroids needed to achieve results can be significantly reduced.

2. Treatment of food allergies

The treatment for food allergies is to eliminate the cause. Once the ingredients have been identified from the analysis of foods consumed, they are eliminated from the diet. Temporary allergy relief can be achieved with fatty acids, antihistamines and steroids, but eliminating foods from the diet is the only long-term solution.