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04-13-2012, 04:10 PM | #1 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern California
Posts: 246
| Blood testing for allergies-pros/cons I'm considering the merits of testing Latte for specific allergies. I would like to hear from anyone who has had RAST, ELISA, or VARL. Was it worth the cost, or were you just left with a list of what they're allergic to and still doing the same things (special food, cortisone, antihistimines, etc) that you were doing before the test anyway. ps. No one will say how much the tests cost them. I know it's different everywhere, but I would appreciate a ballpark. Thanks!! |
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04-13-2012, 04:52 PM | #2 |
YT 1000 Club Member | Hi, about two weeks ago I took Romeo to a dermatologist and I was very disappointed. I did not learn anything new that his vet had not already told me -- and btw, his vet is NOT into testing for allergies because they could be allergic to MANY, MANY things. I walked away from the initial consultation with 3 cans of Royal Canin Rabbit & Potatoes, some drops for a mild ear infection, and an antibiotic shot (Romeo's paws were a bit inflamed from licking) and was out $600! Needless to say Romeo refused to even smell the Rabbit and Potatoes so I tossed all three cans but I did use the ear drops to clear his infection. I am NEVER going back to that dermatologist. She recommended all sorts of follow up tests and medications (trial and error) and I could tell they were definitely into the $$. I will stick with Romeo's vet who is caring and not one to medicate unless it's absolutely necessary.
__________________ Romeo and Sujata |
04-13-2012, 05:00 PM | #3 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern California
Posts: 246
| thanks Interesting...my regular vet is not into the testing either, but the gal who owns the practice is. My friends and I know which one to go see-it costs less because he does less testing. BTW, Latte loves the hypoallergenic rabbit and potato, so I'm hoping that it's NOT the food that's making her itch. *tip* All dog food, even opened is guaranteed and can be returned with a receipt at the vet's and retailers. I am taking all the food with receipts with me tomorrow in case they want to change her food. (She was on a food elimination trial for 13 weeks and has been itching again for a few weeks. But, it could be anything, ans you said!!) I appreciate your input. :O) |
04-13-2012, 07:53 PM | #4 |
Donating YT 30K Club Member | Cali had the blood tests for food and environmental allergies after trying all the usual medicines and food elimination diets with no relief. Cali had the ELISA done at the Heska labs. If I remember right it cost about 300.00 but that was 3-4 years ago. The tests showed that she was not allergic to anything they tested for. The vet said there are so many environmental things they can't test for everything possible. We finally put her on Atopica an immune suppressor and she has done great ever since. I hope you can get some relief.
__________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html |
04-13-2012, 08:52 PM | #5 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern California
Posts: 246
| Exactly! That's exactly what the vet and I had discussed before. I had allergy testing myself and it showed noting, an it hurt a lot! I'm thinking (wishing, hoping) that it's something else besides the food-mites, yeast or a bacterial infection. If I had an extra $1000 to blow, I would do every test they had, but she is just not that bad--no big patches of hair falling out, etc--just scratches a lot and licks her feet a lot. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Thanks so much for your story. I'm glad the Atopica works-we tried that years ago-may want to try it again. |
05-23-2012, 05:35 PM | #6 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alabama
Posts: 592
| My Raley had his blood drawn today for the allergy tests. The test was $350. "OUCH"...but so glad we had the extra money to do it. We sure hear something back on Tuesday or Wednesday.
__________________ Meg, Mom to Raley megraley.scentsy.us |
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