Greer Pet Immunotherapy Book

A GUIDE TO IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR YOU AND YOUR PET

Table of Contents Immunotherapy Introduction..............................3 Immunotherapy .........................................................5 Supplies ........................................................................5 Process.........................................................................5 Dosage Schedule......................................................6 Dosage Schedule Chart ........................................9 When to Give Injections ......................................10 Possible Reactions ................................................10 Records.......................................................................13 Duration & Improvement ....................................13 Refills ...........................................................................13 Controlling Your Pet’s Environment ..............14

Introduction By selecting immunotherapy, you have chosen to take an active role in your pet’s life. Treating pet allergies is a delicate and time sensitive process, requiring special attention on your part. The Pet Allergy Workbook and your veterinarian will guide you through the process.

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Immunotherapy A process that allows your pet’s immune system to gradually become less sensitive by injecting progressively larger amounts of the offending allergens.

Supplies After the diagnosis of allergy is made and tests have been performed to identify the offending allergens, a specific treatment schedule is formulated for your pet. Offending allergens are mixed and diluted into a set of treatment vials. This formulation is to be administered by injection. You will be provided with all supplies: • Treatment Vials • Syringes • Pet Allergy Workbook

Process Your veterinarian will administer the first injection, starting with the weakest concentration of the treatment set. You will administer the remaining doses according to the standard dosage schedule unless a reaction is observed, in which case the schedule is tailored to fit your pet’s individual response.

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REFRIGERATE ALLERGY EXTRACT TREATMENT VIALS IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL It is important to refrigerate the treatment vials immediately and to keep track of injections and dosages. The Pet Allergy Workbook should be used to record each injection date, amount administered, and the pet’s condition. Always take your Pet Allergy Workbook with you to your veterinarian and have it handy when calling regarding your pet.

Dosage Schedule Dosages will gradually become larger and stronger. The dosage amounts range from 0.1 mL to 1.0 mL at three levels of strength: • Vial 1 (blue top) is the weakest (100 or 200 PNU/mL). • Vial 2 (yellow top) is intermediate strength (1,000 or 2,000 PNU/mL). • Vial 3 (red top) is the strongest (10,000 or 20,000 PNU/mL). The dosage schedule indicates when to give the injection, what amount to give, and what the strength of that amount is.

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Maintenance

Build-up

Dosage Schedule Blue Top Vial 1 Weakest

Yellow Top Vial 2 Intermediate

Red Top Vial 3 Strongest

100 or 200 PNU/mL

1,000 or 2,000 PNU/mL

10,000 or 20,000 PNU/mL

Day 1 0.1 mL Day 4 0.2 mL Day 7 0.4 mL Day 10 0.8 mL Day 13 1.0 mL Day 16 0.1 mL Day 19 0.2 mL Day 22 0.4 mL Day 25 0.8 mL Day 28 1.0 mL Day 31 0.1 mL Day 34 0.2 mL Day 37 0.4 mL Day 40 0.8 mL Day 43 Schedule changes to every 10 days 1.0 mL Day 53 1.0 mL Day 63 1.0 mL Day 73 1.0 mL Continue with 1.0 mL every 10 days. In some cases, the interval between injections may be gradually extended to 21 days.

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When to Give Injections • Only give your pet an injection when you can observe it for up to one hour after the injection. • The pet should not be exercised heavily or fed for one hour before or one hour after the injection. • Become familiar with your veterinarian’s office hours so that you are prepared in the rare instance of an adverse reaction.

Possible Reactions • Observe your pet. • As you proceed along the injection schedule, you are looking for the maximum tolerated dosage that will not cause a reaction. • Even a mild reaction indicates the dose may be too strong. • Do not continue to increase the dose when the pet shows any adverse signs. • The two most common adverse reactions are an increase in generalized itchiness and redness. • Rarely, your pet might develop hives, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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Records • It is essential that you document each injection and note how your pet reacts. The Pet Allergy Workbook includes a chart for tracking your pet’s immunotherapy.

Duration/Improvement • Allergies are a lifetime problem that can be controlled but not cured. • It takes time for your pet’s system to respond. • All animals are different and it is not unusual to see some improvement during the first month, but more typically it is noticed by 3 to 4 months. • Some pets may not show improvement for a year. • When a pet is not doing as well as expected, the problem is often the need to modify the dosage schedule. • Medications as directed by your veterinarian may be necessary while waiting for the immunotherapy to become effective. It is suggested that your pet be re-evaluated each time a refill of allergy extracts is ordered.

Refills • Your pet’s prescription is individualized so please call your veterinarian at least 4 weeks before you need a refill.

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Controlling Your Pet’s Environment • New research shows that allergens can be absorbed through the pet’s skin. Frequent bathing (at least weekly) can remove many of the offending allergens and make the pet more comfortable. Your veterinarian can supply you with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo and a remoisturizing crème rinse. (A medicated shampoo will be suggested when necessary.) • Maintain healthy skin; any bacterial or fungal infections should be treated immediately. • Use bedding that can be washed weekly in hot water, especially for pets that are allergic to house dust mites and molds. (A clean sheet can be spread on the pet’s bed or on furniture where the pet sleeps.) • Cedar or pine chips, whether inside or outside the house, can cause problems with allergic pets. • Air filtration systems and dehumidifiers lower the allergen level in the house. • Frequent dusting and vacuuming (when the pet is out of the room) keep allergen levels low. • Mold allergic pets should be kept away from basements, garages, underneath porches, bathrooms, laundry rooms or any wet, musty areas. • Rinse off the paws of the paw licking pet who has come in from outside.

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GV JUNE05 10K

Call your veterinarian if you have additional questions.