Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinniedoggy  1. Does it make sense that this regimen is working? Even though his allergies were found to be environmental, does it make sense that a better diet and strict natural skin-care regimen will help cure his problem?
2. Is there anything I'm missing? Is his diet balanced and is there anything else I should be doing? I'm aiming for a very low-glycemic diet to ensure that any skin yeast is not made worse.
3. The allergist he saw had recommended allergy shots. Is this something I should pursue?
4. What role does stress and lots of change play in skin allergy issues? Given the number of homes this little guy has been through and possibly poor care in his last home, could stress have caused some of this?
We have a consultation appointment with my vet on Friday and I am curious to hear her response to what I'm doing. If anyone has answers to my questions above or can share their own experience dealing with this issue, I would really appreciate to hear from you!! |
First, bless you for taking in this baby! It sounds like he may, for the first time in his LIFE, be in the hands of someone who truly will help him and love him
. Okay...to your questions:
1. Yes, it does make sense that these things are helping bc a healthful, grain-free diet and a diligent hygiene program can do small wonders for allergy dogs. As to whether this is a "cure", I can't even guess at that....allergies in dogs are extremely individual and complicated.
2. Not sure if diet is balanced. I feed raw, however, I feed pre-made, AAFCO-approved raw (by Primal) - so this raw is balanced. Whether or not the diet your feeding is balanced would involve looking at soooo many things. Was the diet balanced for his weight etc, by a canine nutritionist? It is very good that you're keeping simple carbs out of the diet
!
3. Allergy shots are an option, yes - and it's nice that the testing has already been done (was this skin-testing, do you know? Or blood testing?). Also, are the things he is allergic to present in your geographical area? Has Alex tried Atopica or steroids yet? If yes, what were the outcomes?
4. My belief is yes, stress contributes to the state of health in all creatures.
I guess my BIGGEST question is....has this yeast been cultured and identified, first of all? I mean, with this much recurrence, I'd sure want to know *exactly* which species of yeast this is. I'd also want to know how the yeast was previously treated -- just topically? Bc for chronic yeast, oral meds (via mouth) should be given to treat systemically, not just topically. And the med given should be based on the yeast-type (from the culture results).
Also, did this kiddo ever have mites/mange? Bc following Tx of mites/mange, yeast will usually follow.
If this were me, I'd be making an appt with a Vet Derm, esp since this seems chronic.