Immunotherapy

Like humans, pets can suffer considerably from allergies. A variety of sources ranging from food and fleas to environmental irritants such as dust, grass and pollen, can cause allergic reactions in your pet. Handsboro Animal Hospital is excited to offer immunotherapy as a solution for pets who are suffering from moderate to severe allergies that cause pain and discomfort.

For people, immunotherapy is referred to as allergy shots. Veterinary immunotherapy and injections work in much the same way. We use a variety of allergy tests to determine which items cause a reaction in your pet. Once the cause of the allergy is identified, a serum is created specifically for your pet’s needs. The serum, containing small amounts of the allergen causing the reaction, is administered to your pet. Larger quantities of the substance are introduced over time. The therapy uses the immune system of the pet, rather than long-term prescribed steroids or medications, to develop a resistance to the substance causing the allergic reaction.

Ultimately, the desired result of the treatment is that the allergic response to the irritant will diminish over time. Please remember that some allergic conditions may take a significant amount of time to diagnose and bring under control.

If you live in Gulfport, Long Beach, Gautier, Saucier, or Wiggins, Mississippi, and your pet is showing signs of excessive scratching, biting, or whimpering, let us determine if immunotherapy is the right treatment.