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10-11-2005, 08:39 PM | #1 |
~GirlieGirls~ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Missouri
Posts: 5,293
| Do you know anything about an allergy test? Lexi has been itching like crazy for a week or 2 and I am considering a allergy test. Do you know anything about it? what do they do? How do they do it? Is it safe? I will call the vet back in the morning with more ?'s but wanted your opinions first...
__________________ Tricia ~ mommy to Alexis, Victoria, & Candise www.TriciaMartinPhotography.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosbytricia/sets/ |
Welcome Guest! | |
10-12-2005, 05:03 AM | #2 |
Yorkie Yakker | I have a golden retriever who is allergic to many things. When he was about 10 months old the vet started allergy testing on him. At first they did simple blood tests, then he had to have more extensive testing. I believe it is similar in humans, what they did was they shaved him on one side and they injected allergens in him to see what kind of reaction he would have from what was injected in what spot and then they go from there.He is an extreme case because he is allergic to just about everything from his food to certain trees and grasses to black ants. Again I don't want to scare you I've never seen a dog with allergies like this, I don't think the vets have either. I'm sure your baby probably just may have a simple food allergy that is easily corrected. |
10-12-2005, 06:00 AM | #4 |
Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member | I have a friend who just had her yorkie tested - I could put her in touch with you if you'd like - she's a SUPER nice person and posts here sometimes ....GOOD LUCK with the itching - that's no fun for sure.... |
10-12-2005, 06:32 AM | #5 |
Luv My Spoiled Babies Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,065
| We had a German Shorthair who was allergic to what seemed like everything. She went to a dog allergist (yes it was very expensive but she was worth every penny). When she was tested they shaved one side of her body and did a patch test. Brandy was allergic to grass, mold, dust, ragweed, soap, on and on and on. She went for a series of allergy shots twice a year. They could have been administered at home however because of the chance of severe allergic reaction they were administered by the vet. Brandy live a long happy life even with all her allergies.
__________________ Susan Mac Mellie & Manny Until we meet again at Rainbow Bridge |
10-12-2005, 08:02 AM | #6 |
~GirlieGirls~ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Missouri
Posts: 5,293
| Thanks so much for the info. I have been driving my vet nuts. I did talk to him again this morning. He really believes it was the change of food. She started itching her back legs up high but not on her tush, and her face seems to itch. I switched her food about 4 weeks ago and this started within days after switching. He is going to put her on a steroid for a couple weeks, and I'm going to switch her food. Then come spring if she is starts itching again we will do the allergy test asuming it isn't a food allergy... Villette if your friend would like to contact me or have me contact her that would be great, thanks...
__________________ Tricia ~ mommy to Alexis, Victoria, & Candise www.TriciaMartinPhotography.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosbytricia/sets/ |
10-12-2005, 04:21 PM | #7 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston area
Posts: 2,672
| Hi, I'm Villette's friend, Jamie. I have Gracie who just had an allergy test five months ago. Gracie was really bad with allergies... constantly scratching especially her feet. She had little sores all over from all the scratching and biting. To me, she smelt like a bag of Fritos. The test found that she is allergic to many things, include people! Since starting her weekly allergy shots, all the sores have gone away and she no longer smells like Fritos. This past week, she saw her allergist for a check up. The allergen dose was increased a little and a stronger topical spray for the one foot she's still having trouble with. But, her doc said she was doing pretty good overall. So, it's expensive, but we're very glad we had it done. Also, you don't want to keep your babies on steroids because it can cause a multitude of problems. Gracie is now having a little trouble with incontinence due to steroids. Also, the allergist said that her clinic will not perform the blood allergy test. She said it's just not as accurate as the skin test. As far as the food diet goes, just ask your vet for something like a duck and venison diet. This did not work for Gracie because her problem was inhalants. BTW - her allergies started when she was about a year old. After reading your last post, it sounds like this is exactly how Gracie started and it kept getting worse. So, it sounds to me like you have inhalant allergies. I hope this has helped you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I understand all your concerns. If I can't answer your questions, I'll call my allergist and get the answer for you.
__________________ Jamie - Gracie's Katie's and Chloe's mom : Gracie 11-12-99 11-1-2012 Last edited by yorkiecrazy; 10-12-2005 at 04:24 PM. |
10-12-2005, 05:38 PM | #8 | |
~GirlieGirls~ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Missouri
Posts: 5,293
| Quote:
I am going to see the vet early next week and I am going to tell him I want to see an allergist. I want my baby better and I don't care what it cost, my husband on the other hand is asking for a price. LOL (he is cheap and likes money) BTW, I am so sorry your baby had to go through this. I am glad to hear she is doing well and with no disrespect I really hope Lexi doesn't get that bad and I pray she isn't allergic to people. I can only image how you must feel. HUGS to you and your baby.
__________________ Tricia ~ mommy to Alexis, Victoria, & Candise www.TriciaMartinPhotography.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosbytricia/sets/ | |
10-12-2005, 06:30 PM | #9 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston area
Posts: 2,672
| I'm saying I'm thinking it's an inhalant allergy because it sounds like she gets it in the spring and/or fall which, of course, is the time for air born allergens. That's when Gracie was suffering most and at first, she didn't have any sores on her either. By the time she was four, that's when the sores started showing up and her biting on herself got real bad. What your vet is going to do is exactly what Gracie's vet used to do. And after four years, it caused her incontinence. They would only have her on it for 2-3 weeks max when she got really itchy. And this was during the spring and fall. And then she had to have more steroids and then she started having bad reactions to the steroids. So, we ended up at the specialist. I should also add something here that I forgot to add to the last post.... They have to anesthetize them for the allergy test to keep them still. So, it's a mild dose. I can give you sort of a price... her valuation cost $200 but that did include non steroid medications for some relief. Then the allergy test itself cost $500 and includes a six month supply of allergen and needles. Again, please feel free to ask me anything you want. I do hope Lexi doesn't get as bad as Gracie. But I know poor little Lexi must be feeling pretty bad with all that itching. BTW, I think Lexi is adorable. Best of luck to you and Lexi.
__________________ Jamie - Gracie's Katie's and Chloe's mom : Gracie 11-12-99 11-1-2012 |
10-12-2005, 08:08 PM | #10 |
~GirlieGirls~ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Missouri
Posts: 5,293
| Thank you so much, and I do have another ? for ya. Do you think she will be OK on the steroid for 2-3 weeks til I get her to the Allergist to have the skin test done? Or should I steer clear of them all together?
__________________ Tricia ~ mommy to Alexis, Victoria, & Candise www.TriciaMartinPhotography.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosbytricia/sets/ |
10-13-2005, 04:59 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston area
Posts: 2,672
| Well, I would think it would be okay especially if it's her first time. Gracie didn't start showing problems until several doses. I mean, I'm no expert, but that would be my opinion. I do wish you and Lexi all the best. Please, keep me posted.
__________________ Jamie - Gracie's Katie's and Chloe's mom : Gracie 11-12-99 11-1-2012 |
10-13-2005, 05:11 AM | #12 | |
Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member | Quote:
I'm sending your girls big kisses and hope to see you at Cindy Birthday party for Trevors ....Glad you saw this post - I was going to email you on it because I knew you had experience with this and would be a big help - Thank you for sharing your knowlege | |
10-13-2005, 02:47 PM | #13 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Houston area
Posts: 2,672
| Thank you so much, Villette. We all know you're a good mommy too. Your girls always look so pretty. And, yes, I can't wait to see you and your girls at Trevor's b-day party too. I think it's going to be lots of fun. Big hugs to you, Chanel, and Cheri! BTW - I'm having hubby bring the camera for lots of pictures. I hope he can get some good ones.
__________________ Jamie - Gracie's Katie's and Chloe's mom : Gracie 11-12-99 11-1-2012 |
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