PATHOLOGIES WE TREAT
Food Allergies
Introduction
Food allergies are adverse immune reactions to certain foods or additives present in them. They affect both dogs and cats, although they are more common in dogs.
This condition can be challenging to identify and manage, as many symptoms can overlap with other skin or digestive diseases.
Causes
Food allergies in dogs and cats are primarily caused by specific proteins, both animal-based (e.g., beef, chicken, fish, or eggs) and plant-based (e.g., corn, wheat, or soy). Additives and preservatives in commercial pet foods may also trigger reactions in sensitive pets.
Prolonged exposure to the same food and genetic factors also play a role, with higher prevalence in breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Siamese cats. These allergies result from the immune system's response to certain ingredients, causing dermatological or digestive symptoms that require identifying and eliminating the allergen.
Symptoms
Food allergy symptoms are primarily dermatological and digestive.
Dermatological Symptoms
- Non-seasonal pruritic dermatitis: Persistent itching throughout the year.
- Skin lesions: Including hair loss (alopecia), excoriations, and crusts.
- Secondary skin infections.
- Erythematous-ceruminous otitis: Inflammation of the ears with redness and excess earwax. Approximately 25% of dogs with food allergies present this as their sole skin-related symptom.
- In cats: Signs such as miliary dermatitis (small bumps and crusts on the skin) and lesions associated with the feline eosinophilic complex (ulcers and plaques related to allergies).
Digestive Symptoms
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Soft stools.
- Increased frequency of defecation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing food allergies involves:
- Reviewing the clinical history to evaluate symptoms and patterns.
- Excluding other potential causes, such as infections or parasites.
- Using an elimination diet, considered the most effective method. This diet is maintained for at least 8 weeks to observe improvements, followed by controlled reintroduction of foods to identify the allergen.
Treatment
Treating food allergies in pets involves eliminating the causative allergen through an appropriate diet. To alleviate pruritus and irritation, topical products like Skinnia Calm are essential, providing effective local relief and improving skin condition.
In severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe glucocorticoids or antihistamines for temporary symptom control.
Prevention
- Introduce varied diets early in life to avoid prolonged exposure to a single protein source.
- Select high-quality foods, preferably hypoallergenic or with limited ingredients.
- Avoid artificial additives or preservatives that may trigger sensitivities.
- Consult a veterinarian before making significant dietary changes or introducing new protein sources.
- Monitor for reactions after introducing new foods and act promptly if symptoms appear.
Wills, J., & Harvey, R. (1994). Diagnosis and management of food allergy and intolerance in dogs and cats. Australian Veterinary Journal, 71(10), 322–326
Miller, J., Simpson, A., Bloom, P., Diesel, A., Friedeck, A., Paterson, T., Wisecup, M., & Yu, C. M. (2023). 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 59(6), 255–284.
Medleau, L., & Hnilica, K. A. (2017). Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide (4th ed.). St. Louis, Mo., Saunders Elsevier.
Machicote Goth, G. (2011). Dermatología Canina y Felina (1st ed.). Zaragoza: Servet.
Bioadhesive transparent gel indicated to moisturise, protect and soothe the dry skin of small animals.