Understanding Allergies in Your Pet
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There are times as a veterinarian in Southern California, that if it weren't for allergies, I would be out of a job. A pet can itch, bite, scratch, lick and chew incessantly to the point that it can inflict severe damage to itself and to a good night's sleep of its owners. Pet owners often seek relief and advice from the pet store's sales staff or Dr. Google, neither of which have degrees in veterinary medicine.
Itchy skin in pets and people can be for myriad reasons. Determining the cause whenever possible is of paramount importance, not just treating the symptoms. But is it always possible? My guest is Dr. Jon Plant has the answer. He is a board certified veterinary dermatologist in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He has some unique insights into what is getting under your pet's skin.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Dr. Jon Plant received his D.V.M. from Oregon State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. He then completed a residency in veterinary dermatology and started the Animal Dermatology Specialty Clinic in Southern California. He managed the skin problems of household pets, service dogs, animal actors, and pets of Hollywood celebrities for 15 years. Dr. Plant returned to Oregon to join the faculty at Oregon State University, where he lectured and performed research in veterinary dermatology for three years before founding SkinVet Clinic in 2009. He has served as the Examination Committee Chairman of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and is President-elect of the Portland Veterinary Medical Association.
Consulting with veterinarians across the country, Dr. Plant was concerned that the limitations of allergy testing were unnecessarily preventing many allergic pets from receiving allergy immunotherapy to help control itchiness. Significant issues concerning reliability, accuracy, and standardization of technique remained unresolved. Synthesizing the available evidence, Dr. Plant concluded that he could no longer recommend allergy testing as the basis for formulating immunotherapy. Rather, he created RESPIT (www.VetRespit.com), which allows veterinarians to prescribe immunotherapy to counter the most important allergenic substances found in a geographic region, rather than relying on uncertain allergy test results.
Dr. Plant and his wife live in Lake Oswego with their two young children, and a goofy Flat-Coated Retriever named Jake. Dr. Plant enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with his family.
