An allergy is the body’s immune system’s response to a common substance called an allergen. These can be found in foods, tree, grass and flower pollen, mould, dust and mites. These allergic responses can occur at any time – they can occur straight away, or it can be hours or even days before they show themselves.
Allergies can present in a number of ways:
Skin problems – itching, chewing, hot spots, rashes, constant licking, hair loss
Ear problems – soreness, itching, swelling
Digestive problems – diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight problems
Low energy levels and behavioural problems.
When Fin came to us, he had all these problems except 1 – there was nothing wrong with his appetite! In fact he was, and still is very food orientated. All the other symptoms, however, were there in abundance.
If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, I would recommend that you consult your vet immediately. Allergy tests are expensive and only test for a limited number of allergies but if the allergens can be pinpointed it makes the job a whole lot easier. Most allergy tests involve skin tests but I have just discovered Sensitest which uses blood from the affected animal to test, thus causing the animal minimal discomfort. might be worth a try!
… Anne
[…] We went this morning for the results of Fin’s Sensitest allergy tests and to discuss with our vet, Andrew at Donaldson & Partners what to do next. see http://www.heronbank.co.uk/2011/04/allergies/ […]
[…] As he is (relatively) infection-free at the moment, we have taken the opportunity to have some bloods taken for a Sensitest -- which we hope will highlight Fin’s allergies. see http://www.heronbank.co.uk/2011/04/allergies/ […]