FLEA
BITE
ALLERGY
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1. Cause
a.Flea saliva contains several antigenic substances
known as polypeptides,amono acids, aromatic
compounds and flourescent materials.
b.Most dogs and cats have an immediate
hypersensitivity reaction to flea saliva(type1)
and a delayed hypersensitivity(type4) reaction.
c.Dogs and cats do not develop lesions unless they
are hypersensitive to the flea saliva
d.Atopic dogs and cats(inhalant allergy) are
predispose to flea allergy dermatitis
2. Clinical Features
a. No breed or sex predilection
b.Rare for clinical signs to develop in animals
less than 6 mos.
c.common age of onset is 3-5years
d.lesions are usually confined to the lumbosacral
area and neck for cats and lumbosacral,ventral
abdomonal,flanks,thighs for dogs
e.usually seasonal in temperate areas
3. Diagnosis
a.differential diagnosis includes food
hypersensitivity, atopy, drug hypersensitivity,
and folliculitis
b.physical exam,intradermal skin testing,and
response to therapy
c.presence of fleas and flea dirt
d. blood eosinophilia
4. Clinical Management
a.Tends to worsen as the pet gets older
b.flea control
c. Systemic glucocorticoids/antihistamines
d.shampoo and dips
e. spot on flea repellants
f. indoor and outdoor exterminators
g.systemic flea agents
h. flea allergy shot hyposensitization
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