I don't know if I can do this anymore! - Page 3

San · 01-11-2013, 05:37 PM

My GSD has pollen allergy and flea sensitivity. I think the derm vet tested her on 46 or so allergens and she was allergic to 38 of them. The derm vet said she had bad yeast infection between her toes, which is very common in dogs with allergy problem (per the derm vet).

Our derm vet was certain that my GSD did not have food allergy because her symptoms were worse certain times of the year, plus she responded to both Atopica (oral cyclosporine)and steroid injection (both at our primary care vet, we forwarded the records). If I recall correctly, our derm vet said if it were food allergy, she wouldn't respond to them.

GatorBytes · 01-11-2013, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by San

My GSD has pollen allergy and flea sensitivity. I think the derm vet tested her on 46 or so allergens and she was allergic to 38 of them. The derm vet said she had bad yeast infection between her toes, which is very common in dogs with allergy problem (per the derm vet).

Our derm vet was certain that my GSD did not have food allergy because her symptoms were worse certain times of the year, plus she responded to both Atopica (oral cyclosporine)and steroid injection (both at our primary care vet, we forwarded the records). If I recall correctly, our derm vet said if it were food allergy, she wouldn't respond to them.

So essentially the specialist did the allergy test and speculated the food issue and treated with the same drugs a reg. DVM would script...so if you go to a derm specialist you will get steroids, and if there is a secondary bacterial infection and abx. and yeast an antifungal...which yo will get at your run of the mill GP/DVM

OP - save your money for when you need real specialists like neuro - go to a holistic vet/nutritionist

San · 01-11-2013, 06:08 PM

Huh? The derm vet did the intradermal skin testing, set her up for allergy shots (we did them at home), helped us tapered her off of Atopica, gave us suggestions on Omega-3 fatty acids (my GSD was already on it), and prescribed the antifungal shampoo.

The derm vet also gave us a 2-week supply of ketoconazole, which we never had to start because the shampoo took care of all the symptoms.

The derm vet NEVER gave her any steroid pills or injections, she did not like keeping our GSD on Atopica long term so she was trying to taper her off.

Maybe I wasn't being clear, but our primary care vet was the one who put our GSD on Atopica and gave her steroid injections, I FORWARDED the records from our primary care vet to our derm vet so she would review her records before the appointment.

Our derm vet is wonderful =)

GatorBytes · 01-11-2013, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by San

Huh? The derm vet did the intradermal skin testing, set her up for allergy shots (we did them at home), helped us tapered her off of Atopica, gave us suggestions on Omega-3 fatty acids (my GSD was already on it), and prescribed the antifungal shampoo.

The derm vet also gave us a 2-week supply of ketoconazole, which we never had to start because the shampoo took care of all the symptoms.

The derm vet NEVER gave her any steroid pills or injections, she did not like keeping our GSD on Atopica long term so she was trying to taper her off.

Maybe I wasn't being clear, but our primary care vet was the one who put our GSD on Atopica and gave her steroid injections, I FORWARDED the records from our primary care vet to our derm vet so she would review her records before the appointment.

Our derm vet is wonderful =)

Sorry, re-reading, thought treatment was at reg. vet with atopica and steroid injections, once records forwarded...

"plus she responded to both Atopica (oral cyclosporine)and steroid injection (both at our primary care vet, we forwarded the records)"

So the allergy shots - what are they for - did they actually put 38 antigens into your dog and was she on atopica during this time and/or steroids...

Do you still do the shots? Allergy and/or steroid use?

Do you think it's possible the body was brought back into balance with the increased doses of O-3 and the removal of atopica a mycotoxin?

And that the skin problem was yeast and treated with shampoo.

OP - Yeast conditions are a symptom of hormonal imbalance - not allergies, allergies are a symptom - too much carbohydrates/sugars that feed the yeasts and a weak immune system that cannot manage this - treat the immune system - not the symptom

San · 01-11-2013, 07:49 PM

I was trying not to write a book, but here it goes.....

If my memory is correct, this is what happened....

I significantly increased her salmon oil in March 2009, found a derm vet in May 2009. By then, her allergy symptoms have gotten better so I would say the salmon oil was kicking in.

Derm vet started her on allergy shots and anti-fungal shampoo in May 2009. As far as I know, the allergy shots contain tiny amounts of allergens my GSD in allergic to, introduced over time, the concentration of allergens in the shots increases over time, so her body just learn not to react to these allergens anymore. I forgot the exact schedule, but it was something like twice a week, then once a week, then once every two weeks, after the first 18 months or so, we dropped it down to once a month.

Our GSD has a minor flare-up in her paws in October 2009, we called the derm vet and they recommended 50% vinegar/50% water spray twice a day, the spray took care of the flare-up in 3 or 4 days. My GSD had not had a flare-up since then.

Our GSD saw her derm vet in May 2009, Dec. 2009, Dec. 2010, then July 2012. Our derm vet had talked about discontinuing her allergy shots in Dec. 2010, but our GSD was doing so well that I asked her to just keep everything the way it was. Well, July 2012 came around, my GSD was still symptom-free, so we went to the derm vet again and asked for her opinion. She encouraged us to try discontinuing the allergy shots so my GSD's last allergy shot was in October 2012 (we spaced the last few shots from 4 weeks to 5 weeks to 6 weeks). In fact, our derm vet said our GSD was doing so well that she was releasing our GSD from her care, I think she really said that just to make me feel better about discontinuing the shots, 'cuz I am a worry wart

As of now, my GSD is not on allergy shots, she has not had any steroid (in any form) since early 2009. She was never on antihistamines. Her last pill of Atopica was in October 2010 (I kept her on it once/month from end of 2009 to Oct 2010, I think mainly for my peace of mind

).

I think her high dose of fish oil is doing the trick for her. I actually give my GSD a lot more EPA (in her salmon oil) than what my derm vet had recommended.

I know the derm vet says not all dogs can discontinue allergy shots, some are on it for life. So we are pretty lucky.

I also have to say though, I followed the derm vet's instructions to a T and more. When my GSD was actively suffering from symptoms, I hosed her paws off and wiped her whole body down with a damp cloth after each walk (usually morning and night), washed her bedding in hot water every 1-2 days, bathed her 2-3 times a week.

Nowadays, I just hose her paws off twice a day (she has gotten used to it, she runs to our water hose or kitchen where I fill a basin with water after her walks). I bathe her once/month. That's pretty much it.

doggiedad · 01-11-2013, 10:37 PM

yogurt is human food. what kind of yogurt are you feeding?where are the treats made?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rachel1422

I should add that she is on Orijen Adult Dog Food supplimented daily with Kelp, salmon oil & yogurt. No human food and the treats she gets are grain free. Once a week she gets a raw elk bone to chew on.

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nitemares · 01-27-2013, 08:58 AM

could she have ear mites? i read somewhere that ear mites usually follow or come alog demodex

katdog5911 · 01-27-2013, 10:10 AM

Stella, my 19 mth GSD has had itchy skin issues on and off. She is allergic to mold. I suspect she might have some other allergies to food but I give her some benadryl when things flare up and as long as the weather isn't rain rain and more rain....she calms down.
Before Stella I had a chow mix that had horrible allergies. Ear infections, hot spots, hair loss. Someone asked me if he had mange. And he smelled

My vet at the time sent us to a dermatologist. Turns out my dog had lots of environmental allergies which made him itchy...which caused him to bite. lick and scratch...which led to bacterial infections...and also a yeast infection. I don't remember everything that was prescribed but I do remember a medication called Nizol. I also recall that at the time it was VERY expensive. My vet managed to get some somehow from a collegue in Mexico at a much reduced price. It worked like a charm and we were able to manage the rest.
Itchiness and all the rest can really be frustrating.

01-27-2013, 08:58 AM	#27 (permalink)
nitemares Master Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Egypt Posts: 506	could she have ear mites? i read somewhere that ear mites usually follow or come alog demodex __________________ Nadine Tamtam - Egyptian Mau Dante (Dumpty) ze Stribrneho kamene (9-9-2011) Juventus - GSD (RIP) Animal Aid Egypt

01-27-2013, 10:10 AM	#28 (permalink)
katdog5911 Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: New Milford Ct Posts: 1,123	Stella, my 19 mth GSD has had itchy skin issues on and off. She is allergic to mold. I suspect she might have some other allergies to food but I give her some benadryl when things flare up and as long as the weather isn't rain rain and more rain....she calms down. Before Stella I had a chow mix that had horrible allergies. Ear infections, hot spots, hair loss. Someone asked me if he had mange. And he smelled My vet at the time sent us to a dermatologist. Turns out my dog had lots of environmental allergies which made him itchy...which caused him to bite. lick and scratch...which led to bacterial infections...and also a yeast infection. I don't remember everything that was prescribed but I do remember a medication called Nizol. I also recall that at the time it was VERY expensive. My vet managed to get some somehow from a collegue in Mexico at a much reduced price. It worked like a charm and we were able to manage the rest. Itchiness and all the rest can really be frustrating. __________________ Kathy Stella-GSD 6/17/11 Ruben-Newfie/? mix 7/2003

01-11-2013, 05:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
San Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 159	My GSD has pollen allergy and flea sensitivity. I think the derm vet tested her on 46 or so allergens and she was allergic to 38 of them. The derm vet said she had bad yeast infection between her toes, which is very common in dogs with allergy problem (per the derm vet). Our derm vet was certain that my GSD did not have food allergy because her symptoms were worse certain times of the year, plus she responded to both Atopica (oral cyclosporine)and steroid injection (both at our primary care vet, we forwarded the records). If I recall correctly, our derm vet said if it were food allergy, she wouldn't respond to them.

01-11-2013, 06:08 PM	#23 (permalink)
San Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 159	Huh? The derm vet did the intradermal skin testing, set her up for allergy shots (we did them at home), helped us tapered her off of Atopica, gave us suggestions on Omega-3 fatty acids (my GSD was already on it), and prescribed the antifungal shampoo. The derm vet also gave us a 2-week supply of ketoconazole, which we never had to start because the shampoo took care of all the symptoms. The derm vet NEVER gave her any steroid pills or injections, she did not like keeping our GSD on Atopica long term so she was trying to taper her off. Maybe I wasn't being clear, but our primary care vet was the one who put our GSD on Atopica and gave her steroid injections, I FORWARDED the records from our primary care vet to our derm vet so she would review her records before the appointment. Our derm vet is wonderful =)

01-11-2013, 07:49 PM	#25 (permalink)
San Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 159	I was trying not to write a book, but here it goes..... If my memory is correct, this is what happened.... I significantly increased her salmon oil in March 2009, found a derm vet in May 2009. By then, her allergy symptoms have gotten better so I would say the salmon oil was kicking in. Derm vet started her on allergy shots and anti-fungal shampoo in May 2009. As far as I know, the allergy shots contain tiny amounts of allergens my GSD in allergic to, introduced over time, the concentration of allergens in the shots increases over time, so her body just learn not to react to these allergens anymore. I forgot the exact schedule, but it was something like twice a week, then once a week, then once every two weeks, after the first 18 months or so, we dropped it down to once a month. Our GSD has a minor flare-up in her paws in October 2009, we called the derm vet and they recommended 50% vinegar/50% water spray twice a day, the spray took care of the flare-up in 3 or 4 days. My GSD had not had a flare-up since then. Our GSD saw her derm vet in May 2009, Dec. 2009, Dec. 2010, then July 2012. Our derm vet had talked about discontinuing her allergy shots in Dec. 2010, but our GSD was doing so well that I asked her to just keep everything the way it was. Well, July 2012 came around, my GSD was still symptom-free, so we went to the derm vet again and asked for her opinion. She encouraged us to try discontinuing the allergy shots so my GSD's last allergy shot was in October 2012 (we spaced the last few shots from 4 weeks to 5 weeks to 6 weeks). In fact, our derm vet said our GSD was doing so well that she was releasing our GSD from her care, I think she really said that just to make me feel better about discontinuing the shots, 'cuz I am a worry wart As of now, my GSD is not on allergy shots, she has not had any steroid (in any form) since early 2009. She was never on antihistamines. Her last pill of Atopica was in October 2010 (I kept her on it once/month from end of 2009 to Oct 2010, I think mainly for my peace of mind ). I think her high dose of fish oil is doing the trick for her. I actually give my GSD a lot more EPA (in her salmon oil) than what my derm vet had recommended. I know the derm vet says not all dogs can discontinue allergy shots, some are on it for life. So we are pretty lucky. I also have to say though, I followed the derm vet's instructions to a T and more. When my GSD was actively suffering from symptoms, I hosed her paws off and wiped her whole body down with a damp cloth after each walk (usually morning and night), washed her bedding in hot water every 1-2 days, bathed her 2-3 times a week. Nowadays, I just hose her paws off twice a day (she has gotten used to it, she runs to our water hose or kitchen where I fill a basin with water after her walks). I bathe her once/month. That's pretty much it.

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