The Itchy Pet
Scratching is a result of itching. Itching in turn, is a nervous sensation in response to skin damage. The scratching temporarily relieves the itch but the itch recurs, and is more intense due to the damage done by scratching. This gives rise to a vicious cycle - the 'Itch - Scratch Cycle'. Thus a small problem can quickly develop into a large one.
Why does my pet scratch?
Scratching is a result of itching. Itching in turn, is a nervous sensation in response to skin damage. The scratching temporarily relieves the itch but the itch recurs, and is more intense due to the damage done by scratching. This gives rise to a vicious cycle - the 'Itch - Scratch Cycle'. Thus a small problem can quickly develop into a large one.
What causes itching?
There are many causes of itchy skin - not just a few. The most common cause is allergy. Allergies can be:
- Inhaled - e.g. to plant pollens
- Insects - e.g. fleas, mites
- Food - to components in the diet
- Contact - e.g. to carpet
- Bacteria - to certain bacterial components
- A combination of all these
Also cats may have a tendency to overgroom. The trauma induced by the raspy surface of their tongues gives rise to further itching.
How is this treated?
Specific treatment is required to remove the cause of the skin problem. In some cases it is not always possible to identify and treat the cause. Multiple causes can complicate treatment and it may not always be possible to remove the cause.
It should be noted that there is no one treatment for all skin conditions. A treatment that is helpful in one condition may be detrimental with another condition. A treatment plan must, therefore, be carefully formulated.
Therefore in the treatment of the itching dog or cat both the cause and the effect must be treated as a two pronged program. Whilst it is vital to try and eliminate the cause (if possible the effect (the scratch - itch cycle) must also be controlled or the clinical signs will continue unabated even if the cause has been successfully eliminated. Thus in the case of fleas a good control program is vital but the animal will also require injections, tablets and topical lotions, etc. to suppress the irritation.
Further investigatory work may be necessary if the cause proves elusive. In these cases skin biopsies, scrapings and intradermal or blood testing are often necessary.
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