Hi Diana and Scoobster (and everyone else!),

I spoke with the doctor on Monday and the Cushings verdict is negative. Toto has some kind of severe allergy--to what we do not know. If anyone has any suggestions based on their own Yorkie's experience with skin allergies I'm all ears.

I bathed Toto on Sunday night and even though he hated every moment of it and spent the majority of the experience trembling like I was murdering him, I think he probably felt better being clean. I wish I had given him at least one other bath while I was there but my mom has decided to take him to the vet once a week to have them do it since she is not in the physical shape to do it herself.

I flew back to California on Monday night but I'm going back in a few weeks for an indefinite period of time (at least 6 months). I am currently between homes and have been couch surfing for weeks after I had to evacuate my most recent living situation. In the last month and a half I have lost $1700 from two deadbeat landlords and at this time it makes the most sense for me to keep my things in storage and go back to help out my mom. This was both an easy and difficult decision to come to and I'm still having a tough time with it. It's great that I'll be there for my mom (and to bestow much love upon my "babies") but it's also upsetting that I am leaving the life I spent the last five years trying to create here.

As for my little guy, I'll be able to walk him (and his sister, Scoutie) and bathe him regularly once I'm back home. It will allow me to keep a close eye on his daily habits and behaviors. My mom says that since I left he has been eating well and not sleeping constantly like he was doing before I came to visit.

Thank you all again for your support throughout this ordeal. I am truly grateful for the kindness and generosity of this community and I intend to keep coming back and checking in. Sending my love to you all.

Bonus pic: Toto and me just before I left for the airport.

[QUOTE=samjane;4155237]Hi Diana and Scoobster (and everyone else!),

I spoke with the doctor on Monday and the Cushings verdict is negative. Toto has some kind of severe allergy--to what we do not know. If anyone has any suggestions based on their own Yorkie's experience with skin allergies I'm all ears.

I bathed Toto on Sunday night and even though he hated every moment of it and spent the majority of the experience trembling like I was murdering him, I think he probably felt better Bonus pic: Toto and me just before I left for the airport.[/QUOTE

I haven't posted on your thread but have followed it faithfully. Praying for the little one and hope his allergy gets under control...please continue topost updates when you find the time!!

Glad to see the update and that Toto is continuing to do better even since you left. Maybe he senses you are coming back soon? It sounds like karma has put you in a perfect position to be able to help out your mom at this time. Funny how these things work out. :D

I am glad that Toto is doing better. Glad to also read that he is negative for Cushings. With the allergies maybe you can him to a vet Dermatologist.

I loved the new pictures of him. The one with the two of you he looks so happy.
Prayers will certainly for Toto.

I am also sorry for your troubles that you are having California. I know your Mom will appreciate your help by you coming back home. I wish you the best and pray all works well for you.

Please do keep us updated on Toto and yourself as well.

Adorable pre/post bath time photos and Toto's smile in the bonus picture is priceless. It sounds like your current situation ,sorry to hear about the crummy landlords, makes you flexible enough to help your mom and the dogs out while you regroup. Perhaps it's a way to make lemonade out of lemons. Best wishes and prayers for Toto and finding a way to stop his allergy issues, and hugs and best wishes for you.

I am so glad that Toto's Cushings test was negative! I had my Scooby tested at the same time and his was also negative. Whew! Glad you're coming home to help your mom and spend time with dear sweet Toto. Keep us posted on how he's doing.

Diana and the Scoobster

Sam - SO glad to see this update and hear that the Cushings was negative! What a relief, bc while Cushings is manageable and treatable...it can really be a pain in the butt disease, that's for sure. Of course, now you're left wondering what the heck he is allergic to...and oftentimes we never figure that out unless we do allergy testing (not always worth it, either!), but that's another can of worms.

If the vet thinks allergies are key here, and that it seems like it's all year 'round - then I'd explore Atopica for him. While steroids and/or Temaril-P (milder steroid that also contains antihistamine) are great meds, esp for immediate relief or seasonal/temporary relief...the Atopica can be safely used all year without those side effects that steroids have. Something to consider. Right now though, with how severe his symptoms are - I'd be tempted to use steroids while amping up on the Atopica (Atopica takes a few wks before effectiveness), just to give relief.

The pic of you and Toto is just adorable! You both look happy :). I'm so sorry to hear of all that you've been going through lately in real life - that's just horrible to be ripped off like that! It sounds like you've really made a tough decision in moving back home...it's gotta be so hard to leave what you've worked hard for. I hope once you get settled again, that life will bring you some really awesome stuff...the kind of stuff that makes moving and all these tough decisions worth it, in retrospect. I'm really glad you'll have Toto and Scoutie back in your life, that'll be fun.

All the best to you, and I hope your new journey will go well. Please keep us posted! :)