Immunotherapy

Like humans, pets can suffer considerably from allergies. A variety of sources ranging from food and fleas to dust, mites, and other irritants, can cause allergic reactions in your pet. Starkville Veterinary Hospital is pleased to provide a solution for pets in the Starkville, Louisville, and West Point, Mississippi communities who are suffering from allergies. Our hospital is excited to offer immunotherapy for pets who experience 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. If you notice your pet constantly biting itself, or scratching and whimpering, let us determine if immunotherapy is right for your pet.

We use a variety of allergy tests to determine what items cause a reaction in your pet. Once the cause of the allergy is determined, 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 administering steroids or medications long-term, 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 in due course of time. Please remember that some allergic conditions may take a significant amount of time to diagnose and bring under control.