The Curse of the Canine Itch!

12/21/2017

Canine atopy or the red, burning, itchy skin that accompanies pollen, mold, dust mite, or other environmental allergens, is one of the leading reasons pet parents rush their dog to the veterinarian. Most dogs experience worsening symptoms over time, leading to pain and discomfort, skin infections, and diminished quality of life. Allergic dogs don’t sleep well, constantly lick and chew, and lose interest in play and interaction.

In short, dogs suffering from skin allergies are unhappy. Luckily, there’s an innovative, effective treatment to help!

What is canine atopic dermatitis?
Canine atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease, affecting almost 10% of dogs worldwide. It may be caused by genes that make your dog more likely to have a strong reaction when exposed to allergens. Like human allergies, it can be triggered by pollens or molds during certain seasons, or by dust mites or other allergens in the environment.

Over time, atopic dermatitis can worsen and become a serious health issue. Your dog’s skin can become extremely itchy, red, scaly and irritated. If your dog is not treated, there is a risk of hair loss, skin infections and ear infections.

Dogs with atopic dermatitis may lose interest in playing or wake their owners in the night with sounds of licking, chewing and scratching. This constant itching and scratching can have a negative effect on the daily life and happiness of your dog—and even on your dog’s relationship with you and your family.

How does CYTOPOINT help reduce itch and allow damaged skin to heal?
CYTOPOINT is different from traditional drugs that treat itch. It is a biological therapy—a type of non-pharmaceutical treatment that works like your dog’s immune system. CYTOPOINT contains engineered antibodies very similar to natural dog antibodies. Antibodies are what an animal’s immune system uses to defend the body against infection or disease.

In this case, the antibodies in CYTOPOINT have been designed to specifically target and neutralize one of the main proteins that sends itch signals to your dog’s brain. This helps reduce scratching so the skin has a chance to heal.

CYTOPOINT is an injection that your veterinarian gives your dog once every 4 to 8 weeks, as needed. In studies, after one injection, CYTOPOINT started controlling itch within 1 day, and kept itch controlled for a month or longer. CYTOPOINT also helped damaged skin begin to heal within 7 days.

Is CYTOPOINT safe?
In a clinical study, dogs receiving CYTOPOINT injections had no more side effects than dogs who received placebo injections (injections with no treatment at all). CYTOPOINT is safe to use in dogs of any age, and can be used with many other commonly used medications and in dogs with other diseases.
Because CYTOPOINT is a biological therapy and not a drug, it is naturally broken down and recycled by the body. It is not eliminated from the body via the liver or kidneys like most pharmaceutical drug products. This is one of the reasons CYTOPOINT can be a safe choice for your dog.

Think your dog might have atopic dermatitis? Take this brief questionnaire!

How long will one injection last?
One CYTOPOINT injection helps control itch for 4 to 8 weeks. That means your dog may be able to go as long as 8 weeks1 between injections. Every dog is different, so your veterinarian, with your help, will monitor your dog during treatment with CYTOPOINT.

How will I know when it is time for my dog to get another CYTOPOINT injection?
Your veterinarian may have already set up a return appointment for about 4 weeks after the initial injection. If you don’t have a return appointment, your veterinarian may ask you to call when you notice your dog scratching again. If this is the case, monitor your dog’s behavior daily and be sure to call for an appointment as soon as you see your dog scratching.

How long will my dog need CYTOPOINT treatment?
Some dogs have year-round disease and may need continuous treatment with CYTOPOINT, whereas other dogs may only need CYTOPOINT when itch flares (for example, during allergy season). You and your veterinarian should decide together what is best for your dog’s specific situation.

CYTOPOINT helps improve the quality of life for dogs and their families.

Surveys of owners whose dogs have been treated with CYTOPOINT reflect that its effective, convenient, long-term itch relief has a positive effect on quality of life!