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Cytopoint is a new treatment for canine atopic dermatitis to reduce pruritis (itching) in dogs and is available at Treendale Pet Medical near Bunbury. Canine atopic dermatitis causes severe pruritis, itching and scratching.
CYTOPOINT – Available at Treendale Pet Medical.
There are many treatments available. Prednisolone is a very effective low cost treatment but it has many serious adverse side effects and is not recommended for long term use. Cyclosporin (Atopica) is a good treatment but the cost makes it difficult for many clients to afford. It can cause gastrointestinal upsets like diarrhoea and vomiting. Apoquel is a recent treatment that works well in many cases but again the cost makes it difficult for many clients to afford, especially if the dog needs the Apoquel twice daily, which many do.
Cytopoint is a new treatment for canine atopic dermatitis. It is an injection that lasts for 4-6 weeks and up to 8 weeks in some cases. In many cases it can replace medicine. Most animals have a greatly reduced need for medication with Cytopoint and some dogs can get off medication completely.
So what is Cytopoint?
Cytopoint is an antibody that destroys interleukin 31. IL-31 is a cytokine that binds to nerves causing pruritis that causes itching and scratching or pruritic behaviour like rubbing, licking and scratching. By destroying IL-31, there is no itch.
Cytopoint is a monoclonal antibody treatment for dogs that targets and neutralises canine IL-31.
The cytopoint antibodies bind to the chemical interleukin-31 and neutralises it, a bit like an antibody killing a germ. This stops the stimulation of the nerve ends that are responsible for telling the brain that the skin is itchy. This stops the recognition of the itch, a bit like a pain killer stops pain.
So Cytopoint is really like an anti itch therapy.
It is extremely effective.
We are using this at Australind Veterinary Hospital and at Treendale with great results.
If you have an atopic dog, you should give it a try.
Social distancing is easy for pets and people in our spacious waiting areas.