Allergies. - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

bec&dan · 10-09-2012, 09:25 AM

Hi everyone,

I've not been on here for a while, hope everyones well.

Just looking for some advice please as little miss Ellie has decided to develop allergies (trust her

) My vet has taken bloods and found there is a few things shes allergic too but the main one is dust mites. She was suffering pretty badly with sore itchy spots under her arms (do dogs have arms?

) and groin so she's just finishing off a course of steriods and anitbiotics which has completely cleared up her skin reaction but obviously now we're faced with dealing with this long term.

Our vet has suggested trying her with a course of allergy shots (or hyposensitisation) to try and reprogram her immune system to be less sensitive so I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these? I've been warned that they're not always effective but wondered if they had any nasty side effects? I obviously don't want her on steriods long term.

Also any ideas on why this dust mite allergy has only shown up now? She'll be 5 in December so seems strange thats its only started in the last few months.

Dobiewankanobi · 10-09-2012, 10:38 AM

No clue why it would only show up 5 years later. Perhaps she had another infection that weakened the immune system.

I'm not so sure I'd jump to allergy shots right away unless it was really severe and I had tried everything else.

One of mine has been on a daily dose of zyrtec for a little over a month. It seems like it's working, but it's a pill I give every day.

**dax0402** · 10-09-2012, 02:21 PM

Sorry about Ellie. My Baron started this weird roughness around his eyes at about 2 years old. No where else, just his eyes. We did the antibiotics, steriods, Benadryl on and off for about a year and a half and it kept coming back. So we took him to a dermatologist and did the allergy shots. Turns out he has severe allergies to every type of grass, all maple and walnut trees, and minor allergies to mites and various other things. We started the allergy shots which he now gets every 21 days. Also, he gets a Zyrtec tablet once a day and eye drops once a day. So after over a year and a half, he has had only one mild episode last winter. We were just to the dermatologist in August and he doesn't have to go back until next year. He said at that time if all is good, we will lengthen the shot time. But I am so glad I did this because I was just wasting my money with the other things. Hope you get Ellie's problem under control. Poor girl.

**EmilyB** · 10-09-2012, 02:58 PM

I only got my girl at age 3, so I am not sure if she had allergies before or not.

They were horrific about 6 weeks after we got her. We went through three vets, steroids, atopica, you name it.

We finally saw a dermatologist and had the skin testing done, dust mites was a big one for her as well. She was on the shots and it only took a year or less before she could come off them. No side effects at all.

bec&dan · 10-09-2012, 04:14 PM

Thank you all for the replies

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobiewankanobi

I'm not so sure I'd jump to allergy shots right away unless it was really severe and I had tried everything else.

I did initially think the same as this was her first flare up and it responded really well to treatment. However our vet has said that her blood results showed a very strong reaction to dust mites so my thinking is we may as well go for the shots if they dont have side effects and try to cure the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Then, if the shots dont work, we'll go down the symptom control route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dax0402

Sorry about Ellie. My Baron started this weird roughness around his eyes at about 2 years old. So after over a year and a half, he has had only one mild episode last winter. We were just to the dermatologist in August and he doesn't have to go back until next year. He said at that time if all is good, we will lengthen the shot time. But I am so glad I did this because I was just wasting my money with the other things. Hope you get Ellie's problem under control. Poor girl.

Ellie also has a sort of 'roughness' around her eyes, our vet picked it up on our visit and linked it in with her allergy symptoms. I'm pleased to hear Baron's treatment is going well and that the shots are working for him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyB

We finally saw a dermatologist and had the skin testing done, dust mites was a big one for her as well. She was on the shots and it only took a year or less before she could come off them. No side effects at all.

Thats brilliant, thank you! Hopefully we can have the same sort of results with Ellie!

I'm fortunate now to have found a really good vet who seems a lot more pro-active, he said I'll be able to give the shots myself at home as well so saves on vet visits. Do they usually need to be on any meds while having the shots to manage symptoms whilst waiting for them to work or does it depend on the dog? As i understand it the shots contain a small dose of the allergen to help desensitise the dog so surely this in itself could cause a reaction?

Jonesy'sMom · 10-09-2012, 04:51 PM

Currently I have my boy on allergy shots.

He is also allergic to 3 types of mites (2 dust and 1 other) and also Dog Fennel (it's a weed) We've only started on the shots first round of ramping up to the final dosage... That is about 90days into it... He gets about 1.0ML of the immunotherapy allergy shots every 10 days. I give these shots myself.

Since we started he isn't as itchy, his ears aren't as gunky, and his skin is looking better, oh and he isn't itching his butt on my carpet anymore. I haven't noticed any side effects though.

This is what Jones is on just for reference
GREER: Animals Get Allergies, Too.
Hopefully by doing the immunotherapy We can build him up to not needing to have the shots anymore or at least need it less often then every 10 days.

**EmilyB** · 10-09-2012, 05:23 PM

I don't believe she was on anything other than the shots. I do think I was given a script for dexameth in case I needed it.

The small amount of allergen is of course to build up their immunity, but not enough to cause a reaction it didn't seem.

Oh, and the shots are so super easy to give.

Lexi · 10-09-2012, 09:14 PM

No advice-sorry. Just sending hugs to Ellie and of course Ava from Connecticut!

**dax0402** · 10-10-2012, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyB

I don't believe she was on anything other than the shots. I do think I was given a script for dexameth in case I needed it.

The small amount of allergen is of course to build up their immunity, but not enough to cause a reaction it didn't seem.

Oh, and the shots are so super easy to give.

Yes, the shots are very easy to give. I was a little anxious at first about giving Baron the shots. I don't mind getting shots but was always a little queasy about the thought of giving shots. But the dermatologist had me practice twice on Baron with just saline in the syringe. And, I was OK about it. Now its no problem.

bec&dan · 11-14-2012, 11:55 AM

Thanks again for all the advice sorry I'm just getting round to replying now. Ellies allergy medications arrived at our vets today so she's just had her first dose. We've started off at 0.2ml and gradually build up every 2 weeks to a dose of 1ml. I haven't been given any other meds to give alongside the shots but have been told I can give her piriton if I notice her getting itchy with them. So fingers crossed they'll help!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dax0402

Yes, the shots are very easy to give. I was a little anxious at first about giving Baron the shots. I don't mind getting shots but was always a little queasy about the thought of giving shots.

I actually work as a nurse so I'm used to giving injections but have to admit even I'm a little nervous about injecting Ellie, I'm going to feel so mean!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexi

No advice-sorry. Just sending hugs to Ellie and of course Ava from Connecticut!

Thank you! Hope you're all doing well, sending hugs back to Lexi and Jackson x

**EmilyB** · 11-14-2012, 02:03 PM

Oh good, I hope you all get some relief soon.

We just gave the injection in the neck skin. I actually tried a needle on myself first, (empty, lol!) and I couldn't even feel it, so tiny!!

Shelly · 11-14-2012, 02:49 PM

Tesla is 2.5 yrs old & we have been fighting allergies for the last year or so
(itching, skin lesions/hotspots, diarrhea & hair loss). We had the blood allergy tests done & she gets a shot every 10 days. They are not working. We tried Atopica, but she seemed to react to that. She is now on hydrolized soy food & her gut issues seem to have cleared up. She is also on steroids & antihisthamines as well as medicated baths and skin sprays. She recently had a skin infection so she's on antibiotics too. BUT.............. I'm taking her to her second dermatologist appointment on the 26th & getting the skin allergy tests done so that hopefully we can get her off the steroids and get her under control. I sure hope you don't end-up in the same boat as us.....

stryker2 · 11-14-2012, 07:51 PM

What are you feeding? Ever think about switching to a RAW diet?
For sure I would not be getting yearly booster vaccines. Get Titers.
Try supplementing with Certified Organic Coconut Oil.

» The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil - Dogs Naturally Magazine

The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Written by Dogs Naturally Magazine on July 8, 2011. Posted in Nutrition And Diet 171 Comments

Although supplements can be a confusing topic for many pet owners, most dog owners have heard of the benefits of feeding fish oils. There are however, a variety of oils that you can also use to your dog’s benefit, each with different actions and benefits.

Coconut oil consists of more than 90% saturated fats, with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most of the saturated fats in coconut oil are Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The main component (more than 40%) of MCTs is lauric acid, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic. Coconut oil also contains about 2% linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and about 6% oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acids).

Most of the coconut oil benefits come from the MCTs. For example, the lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.

In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.

According to Dr. Bruce Fife, certified nutritionist and naturopathic doctor, coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness, and speeds healing. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.

Fed regularly to pets, coconut oil may have multiple benefits:

Skin Conditions
•Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis,and itchy skin
•Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health
•Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor
•Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida
•Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing
•Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings

Digestion
•Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
•Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis
•Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs
•Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing

Immune System, Metabolic function, Bone Health
•Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents that prevent infection and disease
•Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function
•Helps prevent or control diabetes
•Helps reduce weight, increases energy
•Aids in arthritis or ligament problems

Integrative Veterinarian and Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Karen Becker, says “Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have been shown to improve brain energy metabolism and decrease the amyloid protein buildup that results in brain lesions in older dogs. Coconut oil is a rich source of MCTs. I recommend 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily for basic MCT support.”

Why not give coconut oil a try and introduce it to your dog? It offers many benefits for your dog and is a more sustainable and less toxic source of oils than fish.
- See more at: The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil

bec&dan · 11-15-2012, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyB

I actually tried a needle on myself first

lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shelly

Tesla is 2.5 yrs old & we have been fighting allergies for the last year or so
(itching, skin lesions/hotspots, diarrhea & hair loss). We had the blood allergy tests done & she gets a shot every 10 days. They are not working. We tried Atopica, but she seemed to react to that. She is now on hydrolized soy food & her gut issues seem to have cleared up. She is also on steroids & antihisthamines as well as medicated baths and skin sprays. She recently had a skin infection so she's on antibiotics too. BUT.............. I'm taking her to her second dermatologist appointment on the 26th & getting the skin allergy tests done so that hopefully we can get her off the steroids and get her under control. I sure hope you don't end-up in the same boat as us.....

Oh your poor girl and you going through all that, thankfully Ellie's reactions are pretty mild at the moment. Not sure how long you've been on the shots but I was told they can sometimes take a year to work (if at all) so there maybe some hope with them still. Fingers crossed for you both for your next dermatologist appointment, really hope you can find something that works for her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stryker2

What are you feeding? Ever think about switching to a RAW diet?
For sure I would not be getting yearly booster vaccines. Get Titers.
Try supplementing with Certified Organic Coconut Oil.

Thank you

We already feed a RAW diet, both girls have been on it since Ava was a puppy so about 3 1/2 years ago now. I couldn't recommend it enough, until we switched Ellie used to get regular bouts of diarrhea and her skin was always dry and flakey but this all stopped when we switched her. I also don't get yearly boosters, have done some research into 3 yearly boosters but hadn't heard of titer testing (just had a quick google) and it's definitely something I'll look into.

Our vet did recommend supplementing her with evening primrose oil as this can help with skin condition but coconut oil looks like a much better option with all the other benfits linked to it. Hopefully I'll be able to get hold of some, may have to look online for it.