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08-05-2010, 07:22 AM | #1 |
YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 280
| Allergy Shots I recently posted about a little guy I rescued who has some bad skin allergies (see this post). In the past 24 hours, I have managed to track down more of his past vet records and located the allergist his previous owners took him to. Apparently, he had a complete panel of skin testing done, but the allergists office said the owners never followed up with the shots (they even have the serum there still waiting). The serum costs just $134 for the initial 6 months worth of doses, which I will administer at home. The next round of doses will be even cheaper because he will need them less frequently. They told me that a year of allergy shots has a significant chance (about 80-85%) of curing him completely from these allergies or at least giving him really decent control! I have an appointment tomorrow with them. Has anyone been down this road with allergy shots? Do they work? What should I expect? I am still going to continue the regimen I described in my earlier post, because it has definitely resulted in improvement. BUT, Alex can still get quite itchy, and I know a change in diet will not completely cure him because his allergies were all found to be environmental (trees, grass, mold, etc). We live in the DC area, which is HORRIBLE for allergies in general, so I'm thinking allergy shots are a good measure. Another thing - this dog had bloodwork done in May of this year by his previous owner that had some really strange results. His WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and MCHC were all low (not extremely low, just borderline low) and his neutrophils were high. He also had high intraocular pressure in his right eye. When his blood work was repeated in June by the rescue, all his results were in the normal range, except for his WBC, which was elevated. I am hoping that these wacky results are due to his malnutrition. He is now on a good diet. His energy level is HIGH (he can walk for over 2 miles, practically running the whole time), he eats like a champ, and my doggy intuition tells me he is healthy (other than the skin allergies). I am taking him to my regular vet tomorrow as well and will see what she says, but am curious to see if anyone here has thoughts on this. Any and all help/advice is greatly appreciated.
__________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru |
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08-05-2010, 03:43 PM | #2 |
T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England
Posts: 9,816
| Our dog Daisy has severe allergies and we use Atopica with excellent results. I would be very reticent to use allergy shots (presumably steroids?) If it were me, I'd take the dog to a board certified veterinary dermatologist and see what they have to say unless this has already been done.
__________________ Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy |
08-05-2010, 03:54 PM | #3 | |
YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 280
| Quote:
The place that did the allergy testing is (based on my understanding) a reputable animal allergy clinic (AADC - Animal Allergy & Dermatology Clinic | About Us). I think this dog was treated with Atopica in the past (according to his records) but the previous owners were advised that allergy shots would provide long-term, and possibly even permanent, relief (assuming the allergy shot regimen is followed). I got the impression from talking to the person at the clinic that the family just didn't want to follow up with the hassle of the shots, and hence surrendered him to the pound. The sad reality is that while the shots do have to be administered frequently (especially in the beginning) they are not expensive (about $22/week). I have no problems giving this little guy shots if there's a decent chance of it helping him. He's one of the sweetest, most fun little dogs I have ever seen. He deserves a chance to be itch-free!
__________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru | |
08-05-2010, 09:12 PM | #4 | |
T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England
Posts: 9,816
| Quote:
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08-06-2010, 08:14 AM | #5 | |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Quote:
Anyway, I'd be chomping at the bit to do the shots - bc like you, Phoenix is an allergy nightmare - pretty much all yr round for many. Like you've already mentioned, the success rate is quite high. Some (stress some) dogs could have some increased symptoms during allergy-shot treatment....but again...if it were me, it'd be worth the risk. The blood results are a little funky - these results (esp. the crit) make me wonder if he was rather dehydrated at the time of the blood draw. If that blood draw was pre-surg (like before neuter?), he could've been dehydrated bc of no food/water after midnight (then throw in the malnutrition you mention). The WBC is interesting as well...but he could be fighting systemic yeast...though I kinda doubt it would elevate WBCs that much. If only slightly elevated, it may be a combo of his overall health and that may go away under the awesome TLC you're giving him.
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° | |
08-06-2010, 08:36 AM | #6 | |
YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 280
| Quote:
He also saw the vet today. The vet was not too concerned about his bloodwork given what was known about his past owners. She agreed it was likely a combination of stress and malnutrition. I may seek out an additional blood panel in about a month or so, once he's had a chance to be stress-free and happy. He's clearly healthy, though. Tons of energy and has already gained an WHOLE pound (in just a week). The vet prescribed Zyrtec to be taken daily, especially while we wait the 6+ months for the allergy shots to take effect. She said that the allergy shots can definitely provide relief, but they are life-long and require commitment from the owner (no problem there!) The allergy testing process does not require full sedation. According to the place I just went to, they give the dogs a kind of twilight sedation so that they are not completely under. The testing is the expensive part, and the shots are the cheap part (they just require commitment). As for this little guy's former owners....the story I got today was, basically, they didn't want to deal with the hassle. They refused to do anything more than give the antibiotics and would not stick to any particular treatment regimen. They were "busy" and didn't want to be bothered with giving shots, giving him decent food, taking care of medical needs, etc. So they dumped him off at the pound. Ya just really got to hate some people. But fate works in mysterious ways and he is now MOST DEFINITELY in his forever home
__________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru | |
08-07-2010, 08:20 AM | #7 | |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Quote:
Would love to hear how the shots go, so please keep us posted on his progress. I do want to have shots for Marcel, as he is still young, and I'd prefer he not be on Atopica for life. I'm actually thinking about the VARL testing, but want to talk to his Derm first. I hope the Zyrtec provides some relief...it's a nice med bc it's a 24hr med. Our derm says to try any anti-hist for at least 10-14days before assessing its value. If that one doesn't work for him, another 24hr one to try is Claritin (I have the dose from the derm, if you need it; but I'm sure your vet has that info too). Yay on the weight gain too! Sounds like he is living the spoiled rotten life - and I'm very happy for him!
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° | |
08-07-2010, 12:45 PM | #8 | |
T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England
Posts: 9,816
| Quote:
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08-08-2010, 12:04 PM | #9 |
YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 280
| Quick update - Alex has now had two allergy shots (I was able to administer his second one successfully at home!) It will take about 6 months to know if the allergy shots are helping, but in the meantime he is getting Zyrtec at night, oatmeal baths during the day, and a healthy raw diet with plenty of supplements. I've had him for a week and we're already noticing a HUGE improvement in his skin and hair. He is still itching a bit, especially when we come in for a walk or he gets excited, but his coat is already looking shinier and his skin healthier. During the day, I keep a baby onesie on him (yes, I do feel a tad crazy buying baby clothes for my dog) and that really helps to prevent him from tearing up his skin. The important thing is that he seems much happier. He actually seems to enjoy the oatmeal baths. I make sure give them to him when we come in from a walk, as that's when he is mostly exposed to allergens. I will keep everyone posted. I am still curious to hear from anyone who has done the allergy shot thing.
__________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru |
08-24-2010, 01:45 PM | #10 |
YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 280
| Quick allergy shot update for anyone who stumbles across this threat - they are definitely working!! Giving the shots to him has been quite an ordeal (I will not lie, he runs from me like crazy when he realizes what I'm doing), but I am just using a bit of firmness and a TON of treats, hugs, praise, kisses, etc. Some days he is compliant and some days (like this morning) it takes more than 30 shots and a few pokes to get the whole dose injected. But, he forgives me quickly (once he realizes it is over and is chomping away on his favorite treats) and I think that in some way he knows I'm doing this to help him. We are so relieved that this is working. His hair is growing back and he should do even better over the winter months when the mold and mildew are not so bad (two of his biggest allergy triggers which are unfortunately plentiful right now in the DC area thanks to all the rain we've had).
__________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru |
08-24-2010, 05:05 PM | #11 |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ball Ground, GA
Posts: 1,262
| I'm sure Alex is counting his blessings! He got lucky when you adopted him.
__________________ Kristan Lizzy's mom |
08-31-2010, 09:14 AM | #12 |
YT Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 280
| BTW, if anyone stumbles across this forum and is giving their dog allergy shots, I would HIGHLY recommend this little gadget - Amazon.com: Autoject 2 Self-injection Device... . It automatically sticks the needle in and injects the serum, virtually painlessly! (I know because I tested it on myself first). Giving shots to dogs is REALLY hard, especially when you're doing it every other day. This little device makes it a breeze.
__________________ Andrea, Mom to Vinnie, Alex, and Guru |
08-31-2010, 09:31 AM | #13 | |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Quote:
So great to read your updates...you are giving me motivation to do the shots for Marcel...esp now that you found this little tool!
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° | |
08-31-2010, 03:28 PM | #14 |
I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 18,865
| Great news! So glad Alex is finding relief! And getting such good care from such a devoted Mommie!
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09-16-2010, 06:57 AM | #15 |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Just checking in for an update . I hope your kiddo is still doing great with the shots. I'm making a phone call today for Marcel and allergy testing.
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° |
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