Quote:
Originally Posted by cricket1001
I have the best punkin, a Morkie, 5lbs, 7.5 years old, but she has such a bad problem with itching and scratching and licking her paws. I’ve taken her to a vet who gave her some medicine that only partially helped and as soon as the medicine was gone she was back at it. I’ve stopped giving her chicken, then beef, I now have her on Primal Freeze Dried Venison. Vet also prescribed special shampoo and special spray but that isn’t helping. I’m at my wit’s end. I’ve been told to get her tested for allergies. That costs I believe around $4-500 but that is ok. But I want to make sure it is done by a reputable vet that I can trust. I have taken her to Country Oaks but she sees a different vet every time she goes and they tell me different things.
I also was told to take her to this animal hospital, I don’t remember the name of it. If anyone knows where “The Dog House” groomers are, you go south past there place until the next light, take a right and I’m sorry I don’t remember the rest. But I was told I could get my Callie allergy tested there.
I also have been told to take her to Gainesville to the UofF Vet School, that they are the best. I’ve tried putting powdered pro & pre-biotics on her food but she won’t eat her food. She is a very picky eater. Any advice would be very appreciated!!!
Oh, if y’all could add phone numbers, or addresses, or websites that would help a lot!!
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I have seen only rare cases of allergy testing and desensitization helping, so rare that I no longer recommend it because I've tired of spending big money and a year of effort for no results. I also see many dogs on hypoallergenic diets that are still itchy. Antihistamines are effective in less than 10% of cases. What I see work are:
-apoquel
-cytopoint
-prednisone
-and some of the skin support diets like Hill's Derm Defense and Royal Canin Skin Support can help reduce the meds...but usually not replace them
Note: Apoquel and Cytopoint will fail every time if there is infection present so it's important to be positively sure any infection (bacterial, yeast, and/or mites) is treated.
Allergy testing and desensitization is very safe so if you're feeling lucky it's worth a shot. Trying different diets is worth a try to...you have to feed your dog something, right? Maybe you'll get lucky and find something that works. Veterinary dermatologists can be a fantastic help with tough cases.
Allergies are super frustrating for pets and doctors alike so you are definitely not alone! I hope your pet can get some relief soon
Joe
doodlevet.com