Jenna still scratching/losing hair

[bamawife]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

While there is a very big chance that it is NOT food allergies, the best way to do an elimination diet is with a hydrolyzed rx food. NB LID really isn't the best route.

Allergies are very possible. However, there is really not reason not to do a quick thyroid check. Small breeds can and do get thyroid disease. You might want to get a second opinion... That said, it really depends on what is truly wrong with the skin (how about a dog dermatologist?). A systemic yeast infection may require oral yeast meds. A bacterial infection may require antibiotics. And just plain ol' skin irritation from scratching too much requires some relief for your girl. Or maybe a combination of meds is needed.

Steroids are not bad. They are very good drugs. There are side effects like with any other drug. They can cause major problems if dogs are on them long term. She shouldn't have to be though. After the itch cycle is broken, if they are environmental allergies you could do allergy testing and injections or even Atopica long term isn't a terrible idea. It comes down to this. Your girl is constantly itchy and now her skin is getting destroyed because of it. She is suffering if she is very itchy. It is a quality of life issue. She should get the drug that will make her feel better. Then when she gets over this itch hump, maybe something else can be tried. It is the fastest way to get them relief. It should esp. be tried if an antihistamine given 2-3 times a day for at least 10+ days didn't work.

We even use steroids for Ellie and she by no means should be taking them. however, it is a quality of life issue. There are many to choose from. We do Vetalog injections (as needed which is rare) or Temaril-P tablets. And when her back goes out and she has to have it, we use Pred. Gotta do what you gotta do to keep your girl comfortable...

I have 2 furbabies that have taken the vetalog injections and are currently on the temaril-p tablets. I agree that you should do what you have to do to keep her feeling good!

[julietravels]

I just read your thread and feel so bad for you. I think you should get a second opinion. I also wonder about mites. I hear parasites can come in on your shoes. Brandy was scratching and biting for a week so I took her to the vet who said she had mites. All it took was a shot of Revolution to stop her itching. I had always used monthly Revolution on her for flea control but this past month I used Advantage because it didn't require a prescription. Unfortunately Advantage does nothing for mites and they latched right on to her and you can't see them. I will never use anything but Revolution again. I hope you find a cure.

[Jenna AK]

Just thought I'd update quickly here. Jenna had a blood draw last week for thyroid and we should get the results back by Wed at the latest. She is currently being treated for bacterial infection of the skin with x2 per day clavamox, plus Proviable for stomach upset. You can see more about het treatment in this thread... http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...pothyroid.html

If someone could assist me with frequency of bathing/grooming questions I'd be much obliged. Thanks.