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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / December 2003Shamrock's poor skin condition
Just doing a little homework ahead of time and I had posted in amv about antihistamine use in cats. I am so hesitant to keep getting him steroid shots since there is FeLV in the house and steroids lower the immune system. Not sure if antihistamines do, but the vet said they were worth trying. A couple of vets said antihistamines may actually be a good thing to try. Shamrocks vet said it couldn't hurt. His old vet didn't want to try it because they would make him drowsy. Anyone else use these for skin problems where you can't find the cause or the allergen? BRAND NAME: CLOR-TRIMETON AVAILABLE IN 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg & 12 mg TABLETS AS WELL AS ORAL SYRUP AND INJECTABLE BACKGROUND Histamine is an inflammatory biochemical that causes skin redness, swelling, pain, increased heart rate, and blood pressure drop when it binds to one of many "H1" receptors throughout the body. Histamine is a very important mediator of allergy in humans, hence a spectacular array of different antihistamines has proliferated. Histamine, perhaps unfortunately, is not as important a mediator of inflammation in pets which means results of antihistamine therapy are not as reliable in pets. HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED Chlorpheniramine maleate has several important effects and thus several uses. Most obviously, this medication is an antihistamine and it is used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions such as: Snake Bites Vaccination reactions Blood transfusion reactions Bee stings and insect bites The management of itchy skin Chlorpheniramine maleate is frequently included in antihistamine trials for allergic skin disease. It is not one of the more effective antihistamines in dogs but is one of the most reliably effective antihistamines in the cat (in one study 73% of itchy cats responded). Its availability and inexpensiveness make it worth trying in many cases. Click here for more information on the management of itchy skin. Mast cell tumors are tumors involving cells which contain granules of histamine. Patients with mast cell tumors experience chronic inflammatory symptoms due to circulating histamine. Antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine maleate may be helpful given long term. Chlorpheniramine maleate has a strong anti-nauseal side effect which makes it helpful in treating motion sickness. Chlorpheniramine maleate causes drowsiness in animals just as it does in people and can be used as a mild tranquilizer. Some argue that it is the drowsiness side effect that makes this medication appear to be helpful in itch management (i.e. patients scratch less because they are sleeping more.) Convenient dosing makes it a common choice in the cat. It is often used in the management of feline asthma though its effectiveness in this condition is controversial. Click here for more information on feline asthma. Chlorpheniramine maleate is typically administered 2-3 times daily. SIDE EFFECTS With so many possible uses of this medication, it is difficult to separate out a side effect from a primary effect. Drowsiness is generally regarded as an undesirable side effect. At doses higher than the recommended dose, human patients complain of dry mouth and experience difficulty with urination. Animal patients experiencing dry mouth may drink more water. Chlorpheniramine maleate is famous for bitter taste. Often the pet (especially cats) will tolerate the medication for a period of time but ultimately refuse to take it or even show salivation in response to administration. In such cases, it may be best to try a different medication. INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS In the treatment of allergic skin disease, antihistamines are felt to synergize with omega 3 fatty acid supplements and, as a general rule for this condition, it is best to use these medications together. Chlorpheniramine maleate should not be used with additional tranquilizing medications. This antihistamine is used in an assortment of human products where it is combined with pain relievers and antihistamines. These ?combination? products should not be used in animals. CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS When using an antihistamine to prevent an allergic reaction (such as a vaccine reaction) the antihistamine works best when given prior to the allergen. This medication will interfere with allergic skin testing. Check with your veterinary dermatologist regarding how far in advance this medication should be withheld. http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_clor-trimeton.html Note of my own: for bitter meds I put them in a gelcap (Flagyl is one that has the same bitter tasting side effect)  SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller > Just doing a little homework ahead of time and I had posted in amv about > antihistamine use in cats. I am so hesitant to keep getting him steroid [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > TABLETS AS WELL AS > ORAL SYRUP AND INJECTABLE Cheryl, I have never used chlortrimeton for cats, but at one time I used it for myself. I discontinued it because it made me very drowsy, and I also frequently had very dry mouth while I was using it (both side effects that are described in your note) and extremely dry nasal passages. I didn't have any other problems. Bitterness was not a problem because it was in pill form. MaryL > I have never used chlortrimeton for cats, but at one time I used it > for myself. I discontinued it because it made me very drowsy, and I > also frequently had very dry mouth while I was using it (both side > effects that are described in your note) and extremely dry nasal > passages. I didn't have any other problems. Bitterness was not a > problem because it was in pill form. I used to use it myself for allergies and remember the same side effect you describe. I have "outgrown" my own allergies from my childhood and wonder if Shamrock can, also. I am watching him right now pulling his fur out. It is always in the same places so the description of mast cell tumors certainly seems to fit. I think it is time for something drastic because he can't live like this. SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller > > I have never used chlortrimeton for cats, but at one time I used it > > for myself. I discontinued it because it made me very drowsy, and I [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > It is always in the same places so the description of mast cell tumors > certainly seems to fit. Can they do a needle biopsy for mast cell tumors? If so, it might be worth it, to get a diagnosis. I think it is time for something drastic because he > can't live like this. It is worth a try. FWIW, Chlortrimetron is one of the only antihistamines that DOESN'T give me side effects. Like for all drugs, each patient is different! Best wishes to your poor little guy! -L. 2003: > Can they do a needle biopsy for mast cell tumors? If so, it might be > worth it, to get a diagnosis. It was discussed but the vet felt that depo shots were the way to treat it and didn't feel it was really necessary to have a firm diagnosis. She diagnosed EGC and is pretty sure a biopsy would say the same thing. If it didn't respond to steroids then the possibility of biopsy will come up. If she's agreeable I'd like to try the antihistamines before another expensive diagnostic test. Her last opinion on this was "it can't hurt". > Best wishes to your poor little guy! Thanks Lyn. I feel so bad for him when he gets itchy like this and I can't do much else. After the holidays I'm going to have my carpets professionally cleaned and see if that helps some. SignatureCheryl >Thanks Lyn. I feel so bad for him when he gets itchy like this and I can't >do much else. After the holidays I'm going to have my carpets >professionally cleaned and see if that helps some. I think the problem with carpet cleaning is the type of detergent used. Why not rent a steam cleaner and use only hot water to see if that helps by removing any old detergent residue. -mhd wrote in news:ha6uuv4ik591g50cvs70irvl1k2f0oj0sd@4ax.com on 28 Dec 2003: >>Thanks Lyn. I feel so bad for him when he gets itchy like this and I >>can't do much else. After the holidays I'm going to have my carpets [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > -mhd I was planning to find one with "hypoallergenic" cleaners if there is such a thing. Good suggestion; I will try your idea. SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller > wrote in news:ha6uuv4ik591g50cvs70irvl1k2f0oj0sd@4ax.com on 28 Dec > 2003: [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > I was planning to find one with "hypoallergenic" cleaners if there is such > a thing. Good suggestion; I will try your idea. Something I was wondering - is Shamrock shedding more right now? Bubbas my dog is shedding more and his own fur on stuff is making him more itchy. I hope Shamrock is feeling better soon! > Something I was wondering - is Shamrock shedding more right now? Bubbas > my dog is shedding more and his own fur on stuff is making him more > itchy. No, not really. He has some loose fur but nothing more than usual (including what he pulls out) >I hope Shamrock is feeling better soon! I hope so too Karen. You know how long this has been going on! I suspect all of his life since he was broken out when he came to me. :( SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller >>Something I was wondering - is Shamrock shedding more right now? Bubbas >>my dog is shedding more and his own fur on stuff is making him more [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I hope so too Karen. You know how long this has been going on! I suspect > all of his life since he was broken out when he came to me. :( Yep, Bubbas too. I need to make another dermo appt for follow-up, he's gotten worse with the wintery weather, I think I need to get a humidifier. I don't remember my air being this dry last year. ARgh!! > Yep, Bubbas too. I need to make another dermo appt for follow-up, he's > gotten worse with the wintery weather, I think I need to get a > humidifier. I don't remember my air being this dry last year. ARgh!! I hear you! Just when I was thinking it has been way too damp in here, all of a sudden it is dry. I've been using the humidifier the last 2 weeks. Is Bubbas' vet having you do anything more than the colloidal oatmeal baths? Here is some more on antihistamines/fatty acid suppliment plan. I'm looking for something good about cats to take to my cat's vet so I can get a dosage. The chlortrimaton should be here tomorrow. Multiple studies have shown the efficacy of antihistamines, fatty acids, and combinations of these products. It is essential to remember that response to antihistamines and fatty acids is individualized, and multiple drugs may need to be tried before one is found to be helpful. However, only approximately 30% of dogs will be controlled with these non-steroidal medications. But since these products have a high margin of safety and minimal side effects, their use is encouraged. The article talks about mast cells and histamines some... http://www.animaldermatology.com/disease.html SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller 2003: > I'm looking for something good about cats to take to my cat's vet so I > can get a dosage. The chlortrimaton should be here tomorrow. Karen, this article is interesting, too. http://www.newmanveterinary.com/Skin2.html "Substitute a different sensation for pruritis e.g cold/ice, or heat for extended duration (play "mindgames" with the brain..by confusing it!)" hhmmmm.... Wonder if he'd let me apply ice? Worth a try. According to this he needs to be past the breakout, first: 2. Systemic Antihistamines: Remember, histamine was one of the mediators listed for pruritis; antihistamines prevent the release of histamine from the stimulated source cells or the binding of histamine to a site that, in turn results in the release of histamine. Hence anti-histamines work best before the histamine release has been triggered (i.e as a preventative) SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller > Just doing a little homework ahead of time and I had posted in amv about > antihistamine use in cats. I am so hesitant to keep getting him steroid [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > BRAND NAME: CLOR-TRIMETON <snip> Would a human anecdote be OK? My mother uses Chlortripolon (same active ingredient as Clortrimeton) to help control hives she gets from formerly-undiagnosed food allergies (she took it for years before being diagnosed with food allergies, and still takes it now that she knows what her allergies are). It works to control her itching and help the hives go away more quickly. However, he can't take it during the day because it makes her very groggy so she takes them only at night. And even then she wakes up very heavy-headed in the morning (does that make sense?). Second generation antihistamines like Allegra don't have that side-effect but they don't work as well for her. Would you be able to try a second generation antihistamine first, or are those really bad for cats? I would prefer to use one of those first, and then if it doesn't work try the Clortrimeton. But if a second generation one is not possible, and since vets have said it would be OK, then there's no harm in at least trying the Clortrimeton. rona Signature***For e-mail, replace .com with .ca Sorry for the inconvenience!*** on 27 Dec 2003: > But if a second generation one is not possible, and since vets have > said it would be OK, then there's no harm in at least trying the > Clortrimeton. Thanks Rona. In more reading, I'm seeing that antihistamines used along with cortiosteroids are the way to go. I just ordered some Chlortrimaton and will have to call the vet about dosage and recommendation for the two combined. She mentioned putting him on oral steroids (geez, I have hundreds of pred tabs since I order in bulk for Shadow). The things mentioned on this page (http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_itch_relief.html) have mostly been tried. He actually doesn't mind baths and the colloidal oatmeal baths help for a few days but in the winter time I am not going to bathe him. I've been treating the "hot spots" with a topical hydrocortisone while it isn't seeping yet and only itchy red bumps. Poor cat is just miserable itchy most of the time. The shots really do work but I just want to find something else; besides... I have to take him in every month for a shot. SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller > Just doing a little homework ahead of time and I had posted in amv about > antihistamine use in cats. I am so hesitant to keep getting him steroid [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > try it because they would make him drowsy. Anyone else use these for skin > problems where you can't find the cause or the allergen? <snip> I also found this: "If you are seeing skin disease associated with the allergy and not digestive signs, it may be possible to relieve the symptoms using a combination of anti-histamine and essential fatty acid administration. We use a combination of chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton Rx) and DermCaps (Rx), but there are other antihistamines and other fatty acid supplements. These medications have significantly less potential for adverse side effects." from http://www.vetinfo.com/callergy.html#Stopping%20the%20Itch: At http://www.vetinfo.com/cpruritis.html#Stopping%20the%20Itch: there is a little more information about why fatty acid supplements should be used along with antihistamines, as well as some other useful information. rona Signature***For e-mail, replace .com with .ca Sorry for the inconvenience!*** 27 Dec 2003: > "If you are seeing skin disease associated with the allergy and not > digestive signs, it may be possible to relieve the symptoms using a > combination of anti-histamine and essential fatty acid administration I forgot to mention that I give him salmon oil nightly. He doesn't eat much dry food at all but Wellness dry (which he eats only a couple of mouthfuls a day) has flax seed (a good source of EFAs) but I'm reading conflicting reports about the bioavailabilty of nutrients that don't come from animal sources. That is why I suppliment with salmon oil. SignatureCheryl "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller |
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