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Shamrock to start Atopica for allergies
I had an interesting conversation with the dermatologist. She gave
me the history of the use of cyclosporine. I was concerned about the fact that Shamrock hasn't had vaccinations since his year 2; he's 4 now, and he had his first set of shots, and his second, then when it became clear that his allergies wouldn't be outgrown, he hasn't had more shots. Rabies is good until later this year. Vet dermatologist said I should get his rabies shot before starting Atopica; not that his immune system can't recover from being vaccinated, but just to give him a little chance to build up. Atopica suppresses the immune system, or more accurately stops the IGE antibody, but can supress the antibody that is supposed to build from a vaccination? After talking to her, I'm not sure that this treatment is going to help him any more than our other tries. Novartis states [for dogs] that the dose is decreased from the first month of daily, to the second month, every other day, then finally, to two times per week. Vet dermatologist says they don't have much success going down to 2x per week. So even halving the initial dose is going to be a little expensive. Sad thing is that the dogs it was initially approved for won't be helped due to cost constraints. It's dosed by weight. Shamrock, at 11 lbs, will be $80 first month, and $40 there-after, assuming halfing it again will not be effective. As is the case in most of the derm.'s experience. Back to the history of the use of cyclosporine - a condition called "dry eye" in animals was once treated surgically (if approved) by transferring salivary glands from the mouth to the corner of the eye. Created a very messy eye. Cyclosporine in varying doses is used for anything from rheumatoid arthritis, to dry eye, to prevention of rejection of organ transplants, to suppression of IgE antibodies. -- Cheryl |
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Shamrock to start Atopica for allergies
Cheryl Sellner wrote: I had an interesting conversation with the dermatologist. She gave me the history of the use of cyclosporine. I was concerned about the fact that Shamrock hasn't had vaccinations since his year 2; he's 4 now, and he had his first set of shots, and his second, then when it became clear that his allergies wouldn't be outgrown, he hasn't had more shots. Rabies is good until later this year. Vet dermatologist said I should get his rabies shot before starting Atopica; not that his immune system can't recover from being vaccinated, but just to give him a little chance to build up. Atopica suppresses the immune system, or more accurately stops the IGE antibody, but can supress the antibody that is supposed to build from a vaccination? A couple of different types of antibodies are made to most vaccines, but the most abundant is IgG, IIRC. Cyclosporine probably has some cross-reactivity against IgG. After talking to her, I'm not sure that this treatment is going to help him any more than our other tries. Novartis states [for dogs] that the dose is decreased from the first month of daily, to the second month, every other day, then finally, to two times per week. Vet dermatologist says they don't have much success going down to 2x per week. So even halving the initial dose is going to be a little expensive. Sad thing is that the dogs it was initially approved for won't be helped due to cost constraints. It's dosed by weight. Shamrock, at 11 lbs, will be $80 first month, and $40 there-after, assuming halfing it again will not be effective. As is the case in most of the derm.'s experience. Back to the history of the use of cyclosporine - a condition called "dry eye" in animals was once treated surgically (if approved) by transferring salivary glands from the mouth to the corner of the eye. Created a very messy eye. Cyclosporine in varying doses is used for anything from rheumatoid arthritis, to dry eye, to prevention of rejection of organ transplants, to suppression of IgE antibodies. Cyclosporine is also given to infertile women with a history of early miscarriage, to prevent miscarriage. In humans, it's never give without Prednisone, AFAIK. Good luck and let us know how it works. I know it's been hailed as quite useful in dogs with skin allergies. -L. |
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Shamrock to start Atopica for allergies
"Cheryl Sellner" wrote in message ... I had an interesting conversation with the dermatologist. She gave me the history of the use of cyclosporine. I was concerned about the fact that Shamrock hasn't had vaccinations since his year 2; he's 4 now, and he had his first set of shots, and his second, then when it became clear that his allergies wouldn't be outgrown, he hasn't had more shots. Rabies is good until later this year. Vet dermatologist said I should get his rabies shot before starting Atopica; not that his immune system can't recover from being vaccinated, but just to give him a little chance to build up. Atopica suppresses the immune system, or more accurately stops the IGE antibody, but can supress the antibody that is supposed to build from a vaccination? snip -- Cheryl Cheryl, I obviously do not have any medical training, but I am interested in the issue of unnecessary - and often dangerous - vaccinations. I was particularly concerned when I read in your message that your vet recommends vaccinating a *sick* cat. I know how much you love Shamrock, and I know you have been giving him the very best care. So, I find that advice to be even more alarming because he has a serious medical condition. I would like to recommend that you read. "Shock to the System: The Facts About Animal Vaccination, Pet Food and How to Keep Your Pet Healthy," by Catherine O'Driscoll. The author talks about vaccines causing inflammatory responses and autoimmune disease. The book can be ordered from amazon.com at this link: http://tinyurl.com/mvovc. In addition, here is an online article by the same author: http://www.whale.to/vaccine/driscoll1.html. I talked to my vet some time ago about discontinuing vaccinations, and he was very amenable to it - and this is for two very *healthy* cats. Like yours, they are indoor-only cats that do not come into contact with other cats. I even asked him what he would do if these were his cats. He said that under the same conditions, he would not vaccinate. MaryL |
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Shamrock to start Atopica for allergies
Cheryl Sellner wrote: Rabies is good until later this year. Vet dermatologist said I should get his rabies shot before starting Atopica; not that his immune system can't recover from being vaccinated, but just to give him a little chance to build up. I'm surprised the vet is recommending vaccinations for a cat that is not completely healthy. Can the vet write an exemption letter? If the cat has already had rabies vaccines, many vets are now of the belief that immunity can last 7 years and perhaps even for a lifetime. |
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