Table 6: Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory Medications for Cats

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Drug Name	Cyclosporine¹	Glucocorticoids²
Mode of action	Calcineurin inhibitor that modulates T-cell function	Influences gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines
Administration	PO q 24 hr	PO Injectable not recommended
Time to onset	4–6 wk	Hours
Age	>6 mo	Any
Weight	>1.4 kg	Any
Health restrictions	History of neoplasia Renal insufficiency	Congestive heart failure Diabetes mellitus Hyperadrenocorticism Hypertension
Adverse reactions	Vomiting Diarrhea Gingival hyperplasia Hypersalivation Lethargy Drug interactions	Polyuria/polydipsia Polyphagia Diabetes mellitus Obesity Muscle wasting Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism Congestive heart failure

PO, orally; SC, subcutaneously.

Atopica for Cats (cyclosporine oral solution). Package insert. Elanco.
Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. 9th ed. Wiley-Blackwell;2018.

Note: Oclacitinib is not labeled for use in cats. Lokivetmab is contraindicated in cats.

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Introduction

Figure 1: Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Canine Patient

Table 1: Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory Medications for Dogs

Table 2: Acute Flare and Long-term Management Therapies in Dogs

Table 3: Oral Antihistamine Doses for Dogs

Figure 4: Assessing Diet Trial Results

Table 4: Antimicrobials for Skin Infections in Dogs

Table 5: Oral Antifungal Medication Doses for Dogs

Figure 5: Clinical Presentation of the Feline Patient

Figure 6: Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Feline Patient

Table 6: Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory Medications for Cats

Table 7: Acute Flare and Long-term Management Therapies in Cats

Table 8: Oral Antihistamine Doses for Cats

Reformulated Topical Medications for Management of Allergic Otitis Externa

Figure 7: Flowchart of Technician Utilization for Allergic Skin Diseases

Figure 8: Client Communication Flow Chart for Treatment Plans

10 Key Messaging Points When Talking to Clients

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Developing the Guidelines

The 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines are generously supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health, and Zoetis.