I've got a couple of allergy questions...

[Mary Plummer]

Hello everyone,

Our discussion of potential allergies down below has got me wondering, yet again, about what exactly causes them. I know histamines have something to do with it - hence, antihistamines (this from the woman who's been popping Claritin since the weather has warmed up). What do fatty acids have to do with it - why do they potentially help allergy dogs? Finally, why do my allergies clog my sinuses and lead even to ear infections, whereas they make Mr. Blue itch? I've tried to read about this and figure it out before, but it's never been something I've been able to fully grasp, so any help will be appreciated!

[Traci]

I'm not sure I can aswer that, Mary, but when we get allergies, we pop a pill or whatever. When dogs get allergies, they use their frustration on themselves, sometimes in a self-mutilating manner, not that they mean to, it's simply a natural reaction for them to do so. Not all allergies will cause a dog to itch, some cause sneezing, discharge, swollen areas, etc.

I have a q about your sinus problems...when I get them, I don't get ear infections, but I do get stabbing pains in my ears when a sinus infection gets really bad, are yours like that? I use Claritin too, but I can't use the new otc Claritin, it makes me wired!

[Mary Plummer]

...pain too. I guess my problem is an abnormally small Eustachean tube on my left side. That means that, instead of draining all the yuck, it can often get clogged up and become oh so attractive to bacteria I don't get ear infections a whole lot; it seems like straight sinus infections have been my thing over the last 10 years or so. According to the doctor, this one was a combo kind of thing - I had ear pain AND sinus pain. Although doctors tell me otherwise, I still think women who are almost 40 years old shouldn't get ear infections anymore! The OTC Claritin works OK for me, but I'm sure paying a lot more for it now that my health insurance plan won't cover it!

You know, it makes sense that allergies don't only cause itching in dogs. Mr. Blue's eyes get gunky during allergy season, and his ears can bug him, too (like person, like dog I guess).

[Julie B.]

omega 3's interfere with the production of proinflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Combined with antihitamines or corticosteroids they have synergistic action. antihistamines aren't usually too effective in dogs, if they work for Mr. Blue, you are lucky! Dogs get a lot of other signs other than itching. Otitis is a huge manifestation of allergic disease and bronchitis would be another manifestation (though much greater in cats). Have you done any allergy testing for Mr. Blue? Or are his allergies well controlled with antihistamines? I'm very curious.

[BoxerTom]

She's right, also high ratios of w-3 fatty acids can promote production of prostaglandins and increase inflammatory response. I (and Scribs) have been taking a fish oil concentrate supplement (EPA/DHA are the most bioactive w-3s and are what one hopes shorter chain w-3s like ALA get converted to - but it doesn't usually happen efficiently in humans and dogs). I've never had allergies or inflammatory disease so I can't say I've seen any difference before of after taking them, but there is quite a bit of literature that suggests they may help.

[Mary Plummer]

...fairly under control with antihistamines, fatty acid supplements, and lots of paw washings during the bad months. Our vets are fairly convinced it's a pollen allergy, because of the timing. He doesn't get at all itchy during the winter months. Given that we can't avoid pollen, they didn't feel it was worth it to get him tested, although that might come later.

[Traci]

Just commenting, but I don't think many vets have much faith in allergy testing, the tests are not highly sensitive and many vets feel they are a waste of time. Process of elimination is usually the first course of action before resorting to allergy testing.