Never thought I'd say this .. I think I need to rehome my dog :(

[Ursula and pup]

Oh my goodness, it's not cruel! And he doesn't only scratch, he EATS and bites at this spot, quickly drawing blood. In fact, we demonstrated it at the vet today - we took his clothes off and he immediately went for the spot. She seemed a bit alarmed by his vigor. The vet is totally supportive of clothes, cones, or any other barrier that will keep him from eating at and infecting this spot, and any other spot.

When he gets baths, he does get an e-collar on until he's dried, or else he goes right to his hot spot.

[107barney]

Well we will just have to disagree. Try the domeboro's and in a few days those hot spots will prob be gone.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by gemy

OMG it is not cruel. Dogs wear cones all the time after surgery to stop them from licking sic.. irritating a healing wound. A cone could provide a healing oasis of time to allow his meds to do their work and allow the hot spot to heal up and become less hot and irritating to him.

In any case OP you can talk to the vet about the advisability of cone in your dogs case.

I'm sorry how about if you were itchy and someone slapped a cone on you so you couldn't scratch! By the way, I have a lot of experience so I happen to know what I'm talking about here. That's why my dog is sleeping happily and not needing to be coned. Sorry, just being direct.

[nanahas3]

Not sure if it has been suggested but LadyJane a member here suggested in a thread a while back when Laddy was having horrible itching issues to mix half vinegar and half water and pour it over the pup after their bath and let it dry on them. It has been like a miracle for our Laddy. They smell like a pickle but after dry the smell goes away.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by nanahas3

Not sure if it has been suggested but LadyJane a member here suggested in a thread a while back when Laddy was having horrible itching issues to mix half vinegar and half water and pour it over the pup after their bath and let it dry on them. It has been like a miracle for our Laddy. They smell like a pickle but after dry the smell goes away.

That is for fungal (yeast) infections. It is possible it would help the OPs dog since he probably does have them due to his allergies. I may have suggested it on the other thread about this pup, but not sure. No harm in trying it.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ursula and pup

Went to the dermatologist today and left feeling demoralized, depressed, and broke. Here's the breakdown:

Visit and meds: $335
Allergy testing: ~ $400
Immunotherapy: ~ $75/month (we went with the less expensive oral doses vs. shots)

The rescues we've contacted can't take him. Our vet seemed somewhat sympathetic to our plight but even she made us feel like bad people for even thinking of trying to find him a foster home. This is emotionally taxing enough as it is (currently in tears), and we would only ever leave our dog in the care of kind, gentle people. So we have no choice but to eat the cost, get on immunotherapy, and re-evaluate in a few months. Oh and our rent just went up!!

Honestly I am pretty devastated. Anyone know any rich retirees who wouldn't mind taking a very sweet, lovable dog to the vet for skin infections every couple of months? I think that's what he really needs!

Hopefully the trip to the dermatologist is going to pay off and he will be ok. The only other thing I can offer you, if you find that you simply cannot care for him, is to find a way to bring him to me in Houston and I will foster him for Yorkie Haven Rescue.

[Ursula and pup]

Wow, that is so very kind of you! But I'm trying to be optimistic about this treatment working. We've been talking all day and we're formulating a long-term plan for how we'll get him better without depleting our savings. Trying to think positive here!

Thank you all for your suggestions! His meds (antibiotics and the dreaded Temaril-P for the short term, both things we're very familiar with as he's had recurring infections) seem to be kicking in already, and he seems like a happier pup tonight.

[nanahas3]

So glad to hear he is feeling better.

[Lilah Charm]

Wow. I am so excited to see all of the positive suggestions and supportive ideas/comments on this thread. I am really glad to see a kind and supportive approach and so happy to see that it is giving tired brand new mama op renewed hope an support during a really discouraging and rough time when she and the pup need it the most. I wish you both the best of luck and hope that the trip to the specialist and a few tips from the folks on here find your little guy healthy and healed, best wishes.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ursula and pup

Wow, that is so very kind of you! But I'm trying to be optimistic about this treatment working. We've been talking all day and we're formulating a long-term plan for how we'll get him better without depleting our savings. Trying to think positive here!

Thank you all for your suggestions! His meds (antibiotics and the dreaded Temaril-P for the short term, both things we're very familiar with as he's had recurring infections) seem to be kicking in already, and he seems like a happier pup tonight.

I just lost a pup recently who was on Temeril P for many years. It was the only thing that worked for him. He was very old when he passed...anywhere from 14 to 17 .. he was a rescue so I never knew his exact age. So, if it works, please don't let it get to you .. the important thing is to find something that works!

[intilis]

Sending prayers that the meds will help & the dermatologist finds the solution to your pups allergies. I can't imagine how horrible it must be to itch all the time............ OP, I know you are at your wits end, hang in there!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ursula and pup

Oh my goodness, it's not cruel! And he doesn't only scratch, he EATS and bites at this spot, quickly drawing blood. In fact, we demonstrated it at the vet today - we took his clothes off and he immediately went for the spot. She seemed a bit alarmed by his vigor. The vet is totally supportive of clothes, cones, or any other barrier that will keep him from eating at and infecting this spot, and any other spot.

When he gets baths, he does get an e-collar on until he's dried, or else he goes right to his hot spot.

Is the derm suggesting special shampoos for him? I have had a couple of allergic pups who, in addition to meds, needed baths 2-3 times/week with special shampoos.

My George responded well to Zymox shampoo and conditioner and one of my recent fosters who was not on meds, but did have itchy skin responded well to Synergy Lab Antiseptic & Antifungal medicated shampoo and Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Conditioner. I purchased the last two on Amazon.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Is the derm suggesting special shampoos for him? I have had a couple of allergic pups who, in addition to meds, needed baths 2-3 times/week with special shampoos.

My George responded well to Zymox shampoo and conditioner and one of my recent fosters who was not on meds, but did have itchy skin responded well to Synergy Lab Antiseptic & Antifungal medicated shampoo and Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Conditioner. I purchased the last two on Amazon.

I was wondering the same thing. As I mentioned, my dog has been managed for atopy for many years. This is our regime:
1. Daily to every other day minimum dosing with atopica
2. Weekly baths with malaseb shampoo
3. Weekly application of allerderm topical lipid
4. Omega 3 fatty acids daily
5. Benadryl as needed for flares or acute situations
6. 30 days of simplicef + fluconazole oral medications for flares that do not respond to increased baths and environmental controls
7. Environmental controls: dust mites don't stand a chance as all bedding is washed in hot water weekly. I have a true hepa air cleaner as well to assist with keeping mite dander down. I use unscented detergents and she sleeps on only natural or hypoallergenic fabrics and blankets
8. Hydrolyzed food (Purina HA) along with a vegetarian diet

This isnt unique to our dog - many dogs with atopy have similar protocols. That is required for a dog with Atopy - you may not need all the above but this works for us. It still breaks my heart to see her go out in the yard for 5 mins only to come back inside looking like a raccoon wearing a red eye mask instead of white and then biting at her paws and genitals. She needs fresh air and sunshine so I just give Benadryl if I think it's warranted and I let her be a dog.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I was wondering the same thing. As I mentioned, my dog has been managed for atopy for many years. This is our regime:
1. Daily to every other day minimum dosing with atopica
2. Weekly baths with malaseb shampoo
3. Weekly application of allerderm topical lipid
4. Omega 3 fatty acids daily
5. Benadryl as needed for flares or acute situations
6. 30 days of simplicef + fluconazole oral medications for flares that do not respond to increased baths and environmental controls
7. Environmental controls: dust mites don't stand a chance as all bedding is washed in hot water weekly. I have a true hepa air cleaner as well to assist with keeping mite dander down. I use unscented detergents and she sleeps on only natural or hypoallergenic fabrics and blankets
8. Hydrolyzed food (Purina HA) along with a vegetarian diet

This isnt unique to our dog - many dogs with atopy have similar protocols. That is required for a dog with Atopy - you may not need all the above but this works for us. It still breaks my heart to see her go out in the yard for 5 mins only to come back inside looking like a raccoon wearing a red eye mask instead of white and then biting at her paws and genitals. She needs fresh air and sunshine so I just give Benadryl if I think it's warranted and I let her be a dog.

I believe being aggressive in treatment is necessary. Too often people will try to alter medical advice for fear that certain protocol will be harmful over the long term. But IMO I'd rather see a medically managed pet who is comfortable and living a happy life like Daisy.

My suggestion to the OP is to take all of the above information and try it for your little one.

[dottiesyrky]

Is he on oral Atopica or have you tried this? My neighbor's Maltese went through what yours has with no relief and since taking Atopica, although not a nice drug, she is so much better with no side effects so far. Sorry if I missed that this had been tried or suggested.
I feel for you and your poor baby, hope something works soon. I admire you for trying so hard to heal your baby.