All About Cytopoint Injection for Dogs
09.10.2021.
If you have allergies, you know how irritating and uncomfortable they can be. Well, our dogs can be allergic to different things, and we would do anything we can to help them. One of the ways we can help our dogs deal with skin issues caused by allergies is by Cytopoint injection for dogs. This is a relatively new way of treating dermatitis, and it promises to be very effective. If you’re thinking about getting this treatment for your dog, here’s what you should know.
What is Cytopoint injection for dogs?
On their website, Cytopoint describes their medication as “a safe, effective, long-lasting treatment to help control itch due to atopic dermatitis.” This is an itch-relieving medication that can only be administered by a licensed vet. It is not something you can simply pick up in your local pet pharmacy or order online.
How does it work?
Many dog owners want to know more about the medication their vets prescribe their dogs. It shouldn’t surprise you we received different questions regarding Cytopoint. Its primary job is pretty straightforward - It targets and neutralizes the IL-31 protein. This protein is in charge of sending the “itch” signal to the dog’s brain. If the injection neutralizes it, the dog should immediately stop feeling so itchy. During the time the injection works, the dog’s skin has time to heal.
Is it effective?
On paper, the description sounds amazing. However, dog owners have an important question, “Is it effective?” Nobody wants to give the dog injections that will do nothing for them. We can only imagine how irritating it is for dogs to scratch so much they need injections, so we want to make sure the treatment is effective. The good news is - Cytopoint injections are highly effective.
In the manufacturer’s (Zoetisus) study of efficiency, the results were very pretty impressive. 65% of dogs were completely itch-free on the first day of treatment. The protection lasted at least 4 weeks, and the damaged skin was healed within 7 days. After the third Cytopoint injection, 85% of dogs are itch-free, and after the third, 93%. That is pretty impressive and very efficient.
VET TIP: Not all dogs will react to the Cytopoint injection the same. Some might require 2 or 3 administrations to feel the full effect. Nevertheless, this drug is considered very effective.
Is it safe?
The second vital question dog owners need to be answered is, “Is Cytopoint injection safe for my dog?” Naturally, after dealing with so many health and skin issues, you’d want to help your dog get rid of the problem. Still, at the same time, you want to know if there are any adverse reactions possible. The good news is that Cytopoint is pretty safe for dogs.
Cytopoint injections side effects
Dogs usually react to injections, and most dog owners are very well aware of that fact. Dogs can start vomiting, get diarrhea, or become lethargic. Some vaccinations can cause allergic reactions, and dogs can get a severe reaction that needs to be treated in hospitals. The good news is that after testing more than 200 dogs, only two cases of severe side effects were noticed. The main problem was a severe gastrointestinal reaction that caused the end of the treatment with Cytopoint. The most common Cytopoint side effects are;
- Vomiting
- Mild diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
SAFETY TIP: Although severe reactions are rare, make sure you call your vet immediately if you notice them. If they last more than 24 hours, it would be best to take your dog to the vet.
Where can I get a Cytopoint injection for my dog?
The first thing you need to do to get this medication for your dog is to visit your vet. Your vet must examine your dog and decide if Cytopoint is the best treatment. This is a controlled medication, and only licensed vets can prescribe it. Many vets have it in their practices, and they can directly administer it there.
World Dog Finder team
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