Testings....

Weimbyassociatin · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:56 am Post subject: Testings....

Sigh, after the third incident, we decided to get Cloud the allergy test. Since we live in "Parasite Central" as my boyfriend likes to refer to Georgia--we got the vet to test for everything. We asked for food allergies, all the outdoor allergies (I think bugs are included into that) as well as materials that Cloudybear can come into contact with, ie plastic.

The last few days he exploded into bumps and rashes. He was doing ok for a while but we can't guarantee that he actually swallows his tiny antihistamine pill or not. We think he does, he check his mouth (he must hide it, sneaky bugger) and days later when I'm cleaning up the living room I'll find a couple pills lying about. Bah...I wish we could use pill pockets but being that he has a possible wheat allergy...and most of those pill pockets (if not all) contains wheat...our only option is cheese.

Anyway, he got another cortisone shot. They took three vials of blood. Prior to getting the blood samples, poor Cloudy saw the vet tech take a blood sample and give a shot to a puppy who was getting neutered. Cloud saw the whole thing and started to shake like a leaf! Bah, why couldn't they close that door? And the person couldn't find his vein and stabbed him 3 times and he tried to nip at them cause it hurt (which surprised her for some reason and she got scared--hey, I would totally do the same thing and I usually get poked 4 times before they ever get an ounce of blood out of me.)

So, we will find out what is causing our poor boy to break out in hives, rashes and bumps (oh my!) next week sometime.

Thankfully, he didn't really lose any hair this time around. We got him in time and didn't blame it on possible mosquitoes or ants.

simis · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:40 am Post subject:

I'm not sure if Cloud is allergic to peanut butter also but that can work to hide a pill although it is messy. After Rosie got lyme's we learned a thing or two about hiding pills in clumps of velvetta/cheese wiz or any spreadable cheese, peanut butter, and of course her favorite was wrapped up in bits of lunch meats - cut an inch off a hotdog and make a little slit for the pill, presto! Roast beef/turkey were the ultimate best that she would just gobble down with no questions. Got to the point I shook the pill jar and she's come running for her "treat". Laughing

I hope you find out what the source is and his reaction calms down very soon! Feel better Cloud!

karen9497 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:46 am Post subject:

yeah, our pills go in cheese...Seamus, my Lab doesn't even chew, so its not a problem, Pepper, I kinda have to toss it to the back of her throat...

momofZaneandWyatt · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:58 am Post subject:

We use marshmellows here...all our dogs freak out with marshmellows, they dance around and slobber really good, and one gulp and its gone. we use mini ones or cut a big one in a small enough piece that they won't gag...

Shannon, Bill and Wyatt

simis · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:07 am Post subject:

Pinchc44 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

I totally sympathize with Cloud. Our girl Sade has had the skin testing done and is allergic to anything and everything you can imagine. What we do is buy the evo treats (they are wheat/corn free) put a dab of local honey on it, put the pill on that and she eats it up. We have heard that local honey does wonders for people who have allergies so we figured why not use it for her. She loves the taste and hopefully it's helping. Good luck to poor little cloud.

Christie & Sade (allergies and thyroid problem)

Weimbyassociatin · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:43 am Post subject:

Wow, thanks for the tips! Never thought about using hot dogs or marshmellows before. I thought about cheese, but we don't always have cheese in the house so it isn't something we ever get to use.

Cloud doesn't mind taking pills...he runs when its pill time...I think he likes the attention, but he's a sneaky puppy and will spit it out. I'll have to tell the boyfriend about the fun pill pockets you guys use.

I can't seem to find any EVO products around here. Is that something that has to be ordered online? I'm also beginning to wonder if he's allergic to rice, cause that is something he has had--especially recently (I'm part Japanese so I eat a lot of rice or use it a lot in stuff).

I wonder why they didn't do the skin allergy test, is it cheaper than the blood test?

Pinchc44 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:38 am Post subject:

You can go onto the EVO website and type in your zip code and it will tell you where you can purchase their products close by. Our vet actually sent us to a doggy dermatologists and he is the one that did the skin test. They shaved an area on Sade's side, marked it with a marker just like they do to us humans and then started injecting her. Within minutes we could tell what she was highly allergic too. I have started our girl on pro-biotics b/c allergies are the immune system not being able to fight the things off that we or our pup's are allergic too. Anyway, good luck to you guys. One think I have learned through all of this with our girl is to not be afraid to do your own research and question your vet on things. Most vets' don't seem to be very "schooled" in allergy issues. They just want to give you meds and treat the symptoms but it's important to try and get down to the issue and find out what's causing it. In my girl's case, it's in here gene's. Have you spoken to Cloud's breeder to find out if this runs in Cloud's family gene's? Hope some of this helps cause I know it can be super frustrating.

Christie

highlandscot43 · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:25 pm Post subject: Allergies???

Hi Everyone I came up with an idea, here it is for what it's worth.....
I have found for myself that when a vet is unsure about what is causing the symptoms.... skin bumps, hair loss, itchy flaky skin..etc that it can be a process of elimination. The first thought would be food allergies Have the vet put them on a Ultra Allergen Free food, and treats. Then give them nothing but that particular food and treats (the treats are for fun). During this time do not use any food or treats that you have been using. See if this makes a difference, if they get better, then there was something in the food they were eating prior to the switch that had ingredients they were sensitive too. If not, then it must be environmental or genetic.

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