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If cortisone is all that works... How does everyone feel about cortisone? What if it's the only thing that works? Also, I'm thinking about switching from Zyrtec to Claritin. |
It sounds lie youare talking about enviro allergies. I'd go with Atopica of allergy testing and injections first if either works. For food allergies, steroids should not be needed long term after iet change. For a pp that is itchy all the time, it is quality of live. If steroidsare the only thing that works, I'd use them. They are not desirable longterm though, so it is best when other drugs work. |
I would definitely try Atopica before I made a decision to stick with a steroid. |
Agreed Next Tuesday we find out if there are any food allergies. If so, we'll perhaps find a diet that works. I would have to wean her off the prednisone and then we could try Atopica again. We are holding that out as our last try, the vet and I. Latte used Atopica years ago when it first came out. She was about 5 and there was no difference in her itching, if I remember right. But, when we changed her her vet and diet, she only needed prednisone occasionally. Now, she's 10, and she's miserable when not on cortisone. I am all about the quality of her life. She has slowed down and been on three food trials. I'm hoping that the allergy testing will at least eliminate the guessing game on that front. |
I hope it works out. My vet puts no stock in food allergy testing. Will be interested in hearing how this works out for you. |
I know The new VARL testing is supposed to be pretty reliable. Let me tell you, the 13 weeks on the first food elimination trial was worthless-then we went 8 weeks on another one. Now we're on oat and kangaroo. I'm exhausted. I just got tired of trial and error. She's been a pretty good sport, though! I think she may have to use cortisone...I'm hoping and wishing that we can use Atopica and she will not have to endure the scratching and scooting/twirling. |
If a steroid works, even temporarily, I say use it for her. I know it's not ideal but if it's the only thing that will give her some relief then go for it! That's what I did for Megan. I tried Claratin and Zyrtec but neither of them worked for her. I had the prednisone here in case I needed it so I started her on it and she has stopped scratching altogether. While she is on the prednisone I will change her diet to raw. I have heard wonderful things about raw and how it helps with allergies so we're going to try it. I have not tried Atopica but, if the prednisone and raw don't give her full relief I will see her vet about it. Good luck with Latte |
I'm with ya I went on a getaway with my DH and we got her a shot of Dex that the vet approved. She was soooo comfortable. :) I can tell it's just starting to wear off. She still has the bacterial infection so we've got to finish those antibiotics. I will let everyone know what happens with the food testing. She's very happy tonight and I'm happy that there was only one scooting/twirling episode and a little scratching. I met a lady in Newport Beach who said her first Yorkie had bad allergies. Her words were, "What a pain!" Boy, I sure understood that! She said that even after trips to a dog dermatologist (which I do not have) she still had issues. She ended up feeding her tofu and pumpkin. |
Oh, one more thing! I've been reading a lot in my spare time and the Atopica website has a flow chart for allergies. It indicates that only 10% of dogs have food allergies. We'll see.... |
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I'd consider a vet dermatologist or a hydrolyzed diet or both. Allergies are frustration, for my dog, atopica was the answer. She is currently not able to take the medication, and spring allergies have her miserable. |
?? What are you doing for her if she can't take the Atopica? Any tips? We tried a hydrolyzed protein and showed no difference, but I did wonder if she's allergic to soy. Atopica is our next step, I think. |
I think a derm would be very helpful. If she was on a hydrolyzed diet for eight to twelve weeks with no treats, no flavored drugs including heartworm (can replace with topical), no chews, no flavored tooth products, etc. then it is highly likely that food is not the major problem. In that case Atopica is definitely worth a try. I'm pretty sure while the Atopica is getting into her system, you can keep her on the steroid so she is comfortable. |
no derm We don't have a dermatologist up here in the desert. If I went "down the hill", it would be $142 just to walk in the door. After all I've spent already, I think I'll stick with my vet-I feel like the whole office is on my side, trying to help. They love Latte. Nope, she had nothing but the food-I made treats by baking the ground up food mixed with water. She still likes that, no matter what the food. She's been a good sport about the food. I would be willing to try Atopica with being weaned off the prednisone if that is okayed by my vet. We have an appointment on Tuesday. She's pretty comfortable today-I gave her 1/4 prednisone, 1/4 Zyrtec and her thyroid pill. She's still on her antibiotic, too. Right now, she's enjoying her favorite Wednesday "show"-looking out the front door, watching the man doing the neighbor's lawn across the street. |
Last June, my Murphy was diagnosed with allergies (sneezing and itching). His vet put him on Benadryl but I didn't think it helped much. She mentioned other antihistamines I could try, like Claritan or Zyrtec, but fortunately his bought didn't last more than a couple of months. The doctor warned me that if his were seasonal allergies they'd reappear again when the conditions were right. Sure enough now it's June again and the sneezing and itching are back. :( I need to start him on something but I can't decide which brand to try - I called the vet and she said any of these should give him relief. My poor little man is miserable. Has anyone had better luck with something besides Benadryl? |
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They may love Latte, but they just charged you for unreliable IgE assays for food allergy testing. Just saying.... Your $142 to walk in the door to a vet derm would be a great investment into Latte. The only way to diagnose a food allergy in a dog is by an elimination diet. It sounds like you did that -- so your dog likely has enviornmental allergies and might respond to Atopica. You have to do what you feel is right for your dog - but many of us have been in your shoes......we've been in for a penny in for a pound with our regular vets only to have specialists nip the problem in the bud. Good luck with Latte. |
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