Emily,
There are absolutely options to use before using steroids,
which is what cortizone is. First off, options depend on the type of
allergies he has. The fact that it is occuring in the spring/summer
may be indicative of seasonal allergies, which are usually inhalent
allergies (also known as atopy), but can also be fleas, which are
also seasonal in many climates. If he is young (a few years or
less) and this is the first time you've seen this, then it may be
harder to determine if it is truly seasonal. It may just be
coincidence that it is occuring in the typical atopy season.
On the other hand, chewing feet is more typical of food
allergies. And food allergies rarely start just when a new food is
introduced. In most cases, food allergies are developed, often after
months or years on a new food. However, a new food can have an
ingredient that is not new, so even new foods can trigger allergies if
the dog has developed an allergy to one of the ingredients.
Atopy typically shows with rashes and licking at the abdomen,
inquinal and axillae areas (groin and "arm"pits). Food allergy is
typically feet and face. And flea allergy is usually base of tail,
back and along the back of the thighs. However, they don't read
the books, and I've seen each type present atypically. Another
possibility, contact allergy - this would show a bunch on the feet,
and may also show anywhere else that contacts the offending item
(often grass, but can be things like a wool carpet).
One way to determine if and what your dog is allergic to is
allergy tests. The gold standard is an intradermal skin test, where
they inject miniscule amounts of allergins under the skin and see
what the dog reacts to - this is the same way they often do allergy
tests in people. Another method, that can be nearly as good
depending on the lab, is a blood test. I don't know if a good serum
allergy test is available in Australia. Heska, here in the US, is my
preferred lab for it. Not all of the blood tests correlate well with skin
tests.
BUT, neither test does much for diagnosing food allergies. The
most effective way to diagnose a food allergy is a food trial. This
consists of 8 weeks at least, and usually 12 weeks, on a very strict
diet - only 1 protein and 1 carbohydrate source. No treats, no
flavored medicines, nothing but the prescribed diet - which is
ideally protein and carb sources that the dog has never been
exposed to. If the condition resolves, then the original food is fed
again, and symptoms would be expected to recur within a week or
2. That confirms the diagnosis, you go back on the special diet,
then start adding in new items one at a time until you find out what
the dog is allergic to and what is "safe", bearing in mind that new
allergies can develop.
Okay, in the meantime, you want your boy to feel better NOW.
Right? First step, get some good flea control. Even if he does not
appear to be allergic to fleas - most allergic dogs have more than 1
allergy, and by reducing what antigens he is exposed to, you
reduce his overall allergy level and may be able to control his
symptoms with nothing more than that. Don't know what is
available over there, but for safe strict flea control, the best here,
IMO, are Advantage (Imidaclopramide) and Frontline (fipronil).
Second, check between his pads - if they smell yeasty or have
yellow or light brown "gunk", he may have developed a yeast
infection which is aggravating the issue. I was told by derm vets to
use Selsun Blue or Gold to wash the feet of my allergic berner to
control that yeast infection. An antifungal shampoo may work as
well. Malaseb is a brand name over here that works well also.
Thirdly, ask about using antihistamines. Many of my clients
can control their dogs' allergies with antihistamines alone. My
preference is for hydroxyzine (brand name Atarax, I think). I've had
better luck with it than Benadryl. But neither antihistamines nor
steroids seem to help much with most food allergies. Also,
generally if you try a particular antihistamine and don't see results
in 2 weeks of consistent dosing, that one probably won't help and
you should try a different one. But, make sure you are on the
appropriate dose and frequency. This is about the only situation
where I tend to round up on dose and do the higher frequencies on
dosing, to make sure the drug really isn't effective not that I wasn't
giving enough or often enough. If you find it helps, then you back
down dose and frequency to get the lowest dose and least often
that works.
Also, since I now notice that you mention he is quite young -
you want other causes of itching ruled out, as allergies are not the
only cause of severe itching, especially in young pups (under 6
months). Another suspicion for would be sarcoptic mange, which
usually starts with severe itching on the feet and/or ears and face.
You may want to check around and see if there is a
dermatology specialist close enough to get to. They will be more
likely to be up to date on whats available, and less likely to just
throw steroids at it. You are quite right to not want to use steroids
unless you absolutely have to - they suppress the immune system
(which is how they suppress the allergies) and can cause other
side effects as well. If you have further questions, post me back
and I'll answer them. I know more about allergies than I EVER
wanted to, thanks to my first, very allergic, berner boy.
Melissa
On 10 Dec 02, at 12:59, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> Hi
> Just wondering if anyone has had any problems with their BMD suffering
> allergies in Spring/Summer? My boy has been licking his feet red raw
> and biting and pulling at his pads and fur. It is actually quiet
> disturbing to watch. He has been to the vet who put him on a course
> of antibiotics, but said the next step would be quarterzone which i am
> reluctant to do as he is quiet young. Anyway would love to hear your
> stories and advice. Cheers Emily-Jayne Drew Australia
>
Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/RedRoseRd/melissaz/index.html
BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
