Tell me something I didn’t already know 

Well no surprise, the biopsy confirmed our diagnosis – SA it is…

Atopica or not

Atopica is used in treament of Atopic dermatitis. Allergy is an immune-reaction (not auto-immune). However both involves an over-active immune system.

So our vet. recommended Atopica (Ciklosporin) also for an auto-immune reaction since it targets T lymphocytes and other cells including langerhans cells, eosinophils and mast cells. The purpose is to calm down the immune defence within the skin area.

Disatvantages

• The scientific tests are not made on a very large group of individuals.
• The scientific tests are targeting Atopic dermatitis.
• We have talked to people who have used it on their dogs – no good result.
• We have read about people who have used it on their dogs – no good result.
• It is expensive like hell!
• It has not so nice side-effects.
• The recommendations for using it on SA is also a heavier dose  per kg than for allergy.

Our reasons for still trying it out

• It is said that if used within the “first four months” it can make a difference when it comes to how aggressive the attack on the glands will be – we believe we have found it “early”.
• We are not vain when it comes to Manuel. He is the most beautiful Akita to us, with or without coat, but there are functional reasons. Akitas have such a functional coat!
• Right now there is still hope for the glands at some areas.
• It will be a tough dose for a short period of time.
• We can contact Niklas/our veterinarian as soon as we feel something is wrong.

Actions

• We will try the different ways of giving him the Atopica recommended (before or after food xx hours).
• Brushing his teeth every day.
• Having full control of him up til 6 hours after taking the medicine.
• Not taking him to day-care at the beginning.