Need help with allergies
 

This week my 7yo Yorkie was diagnosed by a Vet/dermatologist as having ATOPY. I am trying to decide what to do per the three options by the vet:
1.Allergy testing ($730) = 60 or 90 pricks in the skin after being shaved. STAR is FOUR lbs. The vet said there can be problems with "small" yorkies in this testing.
2. Blood Testing ($300) = does not test for "everything".
3. Oral medicine (ATOPICA) forthe rest of her life (or until the environmental allergies clear).
So far, I have had her on antibiotics for 22 days to clear up the bacterial/yeast (in paws) and ear infection.
I have not started ATOPICA yet......
I started her twice a week baths (vet shampoo) today.:aimeeyork

Do you want me to remove your post and start your own thread for you, so you get more answers? Let me know and I can do that for you :).

I've been where you're at! It's a tough place to be. Just so you know, my Marcel was about 4lbs when he had his testing and he did great.

What you do is really up to you...what feels best to you, any of the above? Allergy shots don't *always* work, there is no guarantee, so keep that in mind. Also, if they're allergic to something like dust or mites, the shots aren't great. We did allergy testing for Marcel, but still have him on Atopica.

Atopica works beautifully for many dogs. If your kiddo's allergies are year round, then yes, you'd prob have her on it the rest of her life. If they're not all year round, you could then consider giving them some of the year, and not the other and/or give Temaril-P or steroids during the rough times.

Allergy Thread
 

Yes, please!
I started STAR this week on ATOPICA, shampoo from vet for twice weekly baths and continuing ear medication to clear up ear infection from allergies. She also has the collasping trachea,which was X-ray last year to confirm!:aimeeyork

Okay...moved the posts from the other thread to start your own thread :).

SO glad to hear you started Atopica!!! For Marcel, it was a little miracle. He used to wake up at 1am to chew/lick his paws...after about 2 weeks on Atopica, never again! It really works beautifully for some dogs.

My 5 pound Yorkie was on Atopica for a long time. I was afraid of damage to him from drugs. I went holistic. Trying everything under the sun.

Atopic dermatitis
 

This is going to be long, but I want to give all the pertinent info....I have searched this site and others for months trying to get help for my 9 pound year old yorkie Tyrone. He started itching at about 6 months, mid winter, and had greasy, smelly hair, and skin falling off in yellowish sheets, as well as thinning hair. This has all been on his back...from his neck to his haunches, and around his eyes...nowhere else really. Vet put him through two rounds of Temeril and antibiotics, and put him on Royal Canin Anallergenic food for 10 weeks. The meds were a miracle...almost instant relief and healing, but sure enough within a week or so of being off the the Temeril, it would begin all over again. Back to the vet, diagnosed with atopy, and on Atopica now for 12 days so far. Within a day or so, the scratching lessened dramatically and his back started to scab over and heal. A little loose stool, but was told to expect that possible side effect. He seemed to be handling the medication fairly well. Now today, he has been lethargic all day, off his feed, and not drinking water at all, and just a few hours ago he went bananas scratching, rolling, rubbing on anything he can and running in circles maniacally! Called vet (he's considered the best around here, young, up to date, and highly recommended by everyone...) and he said bathe him, benedryl, and be patient...the Atopica can take some time to work. I guess what I'm wondering is has anyone else had this experience with the Atopica...everyone online talks about how wonderful it is, but I don't know what to expect in this process. Does it have ups and downs for awhile? How long before I can expect positive results? Any suggestions orrelated experience with this med? Thanks in advance...just desperate!

Hang in there and don't give up. Atopica can take up to 6 weeks to ramp up properly. Some dogs show some relief quickly, some take longer...it may go in spurts too. Don't get discouraged though, bc I think it's hopeful that you've witnessed a little relief already :).

With the severity of your kiddo, I wonder if one day you should do allergy tests, have you considered it yet? The great thing about Atopica is that they can stay on that med and still do allergy tests at any time (whereas they have to off all steroids to do testing).

I really feel your pain bc dog allergies are so frustrating and hard to watch, when you just want to make them feel better. I know you'll get Tyrone there eventually, so hang in there. And please keep us updated on his progress. :)

Atopica
 

Thank you so much! That's the best info I've had....knowing that there are ups and downs. Today he's his perky playful self, so good to see. It shocks me how within a few minutes he can go from just greasy icky skin to red and inflamed and angry looking....just heartbreaking. I hate to keep bothering the vet with stupid questions like an overprotective mommy lol...he says allergy testing is the next step, but no guarantees we'll find the problem and, living on a fixed income it's a big step for me. I want this to work...it's about his quality of life. Once again, thanks!

Atopica worked for my little girl. I thank the heavens for Atopica everyday!

Agree with all the above
 

I agree with the good advice and comments above. I can only add that finding the cause and anything that may aggravate the allergies are most important and where I would spend my money. The vet tests are not always conclusive so try changing food to a grain free and even a different brand. Try changing the environment like the cleaning products you use to clean. I knew a breeder that dressed her allergy prone Yorkie every day. She changed laundry powder and the allergies improved tremendously. I am a big supporter of supplements and holistic treatments but only in conjunction with my vet's advice and knowledge. Good luck. Allergies can really be a tough problem to solve.

By the way...Atopica will not work as well if there is an underlying food or flea allergy. My dog has food allergies as well as environmental. It is well worth it to eliminate those factors first. I wasn't all that impressed with atopica when I first tried it....not for what I was paying because she was having to take it every day. If I tried to reduce down to. every other day, she'd start itching. When I got rid of the food allergies and then put her back on atopica, I was able to reduce her dosage to every third day....MUCH cheaper. She doesn't itch at all.

My dog has been on Atopica for the past 7 years. It's a miracle for her. Good luck! Atopy is tough, just when things clear up, they flare!