Changes

Acute urticaria often resolves spontaneouly without requiring treatment. If urticaria is susupected all current medications should be stopped. Dexamethasone given once at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg IM usually results in resolution of clinical signs within 24 hours. In rare cases, epinephrine may be required if the urticaria is associated with signs of anaphylaxis.

Acute urticaria often resolves spontaneouly without requiring treatment. If urticaria is susupected all current medications should be stopped. Dexamethasone given once at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg IM usually results in resolution of clinical signs within 24 hours. In rare cases, epinephrine may be required if the urticaria is associated with signs of anaphylaxis.

Recurrent cases may require further investigation in order to determine the underlying cause. This may include further questioning about the animal's history and response to withdrawal of drugs or topical products. If no underlying cause is found, an investigation for allergies is indicated and may include intradermal allergy testing, insect control trials and an elimination (novel protein) diet. Biopsy of lesions is generally unrewarding but helps to rule out vasculitis as an underlying cause of the clinical signs. Antihistamines such as Hydroxyzine may be useful in the management of chronic urticaria but are ineffective in treating acute urticaria. Acupuncture has been reported to be effective in one horse.

Recurrent cases may require further investigation in order to determine the underlying cause. This may include further questioning about the animal's history and response to withdrawal of drugs or topical products. If no underlying cause is found, an investigation for allergies is indicated and may include intradermal allergy testing, insect control trials and an elimination (novel protein) diet. Biopsy of lesions is generally unrewarding but helps to rule out vasculitis as an underlying cause of the clinical signs. Antihistamines such as Hydroxyzine may be useful in the management of chronic urticaria but are ineffective in treating the acute form of the condition. Acupuncture has been reported to be effective in one horse.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

[[Category:Allergic Skin Diseases]]

[[Category:Allergic Skin Diseases]]

[[Category:To Do - Blood]][[Category:To Do - SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:To Do - Blood]][[Category:To Do - SophieIgnarski]]