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Copy Right © 2010, Heritage Animal Hospital, Dundee, Michigan
Copy Right © 2010, Heritage Animal Hospital, Dundee Michigan
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Flea Allergy
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Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) is one of the most severe causes of pet discomfort we see. Clients are often in denial of the diagnosis or simply can't believe that 1-2 fleas on a pet can create such an intense skin disease. However it is VERY common so believe it.As you read on the Allergy Home Page it all happens because a protein of the flea causes a reaction from the pet. In this case it is the saliva (yes, flea spit) the flea leaves behind when it takes a bite. That material is left in the skin and can cause long term reaction. So you could kill every flea on and around the pet yet they will continue to react to the flea protein already imbedded in the skin for 1-2 weeks. Also the secondary skin infection that arises can itself be ongoing after the flea issue is resolved.If you look at the picture to the right of a dog's lower back the havoc that such a tiny insect can cause is evident. It is a very good example of the classic dog flea allergy presentation. Different distributions on the body can be caused by FAD. The face, ears, sides, feet and rear legs can be affected. A veterinary dermatologist at a seminar said there are 3 things that will make a dog itch nonstop in the exam room - scabies, flea allergy and skin infection. In the case of FAD there is often 2 out of the 3.Now look at the picture of a human leg to the right. MANY people can have FAD. Often the welts and secondary infection can persist for a few weeks after flea bites in sensitive people. Parents have shown their lower legs and the lower legs of their children to the veterinarian when the family pet is presented for examination. The veterinarian will consult about the flea eradication and recommend the family seek treatment from their doctor.Finally we come to the cat version of FAD. It is slightly different in that the distribution of the scabby lesions tends to be more widespread than in the dog. You probably WON'T see the cat scratching like a dog. Also it is common that cats will have fleas and show no issues at all. The family dog is going crazy and the cat sits around like nothing is wrong. However a cat that does suffer from FAD will often act sick or show abnormal behavior. The lymph nodes of a FAD cat may be huge reflecting the severe immune reaction. The picture below illustrates Feline FAD.
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