dobegal

So Roxy has started her program of getting allergy shots. We went to the Dermatology Vet office today and she got 51 pricks. She is allergic to all grasses except St. Augustine, some trees and weeds. The shots should begin to work in 3-4 months which is about the time that Roxy develops serious skin problems. I did not know that she was going to be put under in a Twilight sleep for this procedure. I questioned the vet about problems with dobies getting anesthesia The vet was aware of Dobies and assured me that this was not that type of drug she was using. They told me that for that many pricks it is best, they also said that she would be a little foggy when I picked her up. Well that never happened. I left and came back about 1 1/2 hours later. Yep, no foggy dog at all, she came bounding right up to me. So the vet made up this formula based on the results. Roxy gets injections every 3rd day from Vial #1 beginning with 0.1cc and ending on the 9th day with 0.8cc. Then begin the process over again the Vial #2. Wait one week and give injection once a week from Vial #3 beginning with 0.1cc, 0.2cc, 0.3cc and finally 0.35cc. I need to give the injections 2 hours before dinner meal time. Hopefully this will help her, time will tell when Spring arrives.

EmilyB

Good luck! I know the allergy shots changed our life.

VZ-Doberman

I've got a dog with a food allergy.....I'm lucky.

Environmental allergies are rough.

MeadowCat

I hope Roxy starts to feel better with the shots. Allergies sound like such a huge pain to deal with.

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Shelly

We'll have to compare notes..... I just started Tesla on her allergy shots. Yesterday was the third injection from vial #1. I'm REALLY hoping that they help alleviate her skin issues. She is also on Vanectyl P & Cyclosporin right now, but we're hoping to wean her off the Vanectyl P once she's had the Cyclosporin on board for about a month.....
Does Roxy have alot of skin issues?

Shelly

forget to mention - she's also on Melatonin to help grow some hair back......
What is Roxy's medication protocol? How old is Roxy?

dobegal

Roxy is 7 years amd has beem battling skin problems on her back legs for about 2 years. Only starts in the Spring and continues throughout the summer. So far she will only be on the injections.

dax0402

Baron has been getting allergy shots for about 1 1/2 now and this fall was our first breakout since we started them. It was a bad one and the area around his eye got infected. The area around his eye is the only place where he is affected and for the most part, just the right eye. We did a topical antibiotic for about 2 weeks and now it is just about cleared. Also, the snow in PA helped that. Baron also has severe grass allergies, maple and walnut trees, and a bunch of minor ones. In our area of PA, we had a bad fall pollen problem so I think that is why it flared up. We are usually on an every 21 day regiment but we went to every 18 days and had to double his Zyrtec. Poor boy. Mom is either shoving pills down his throat or sticking him with needles!

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Lois and Baron

Mateo

Dobegal, Shelly -- My boy -- who testing showed had allergies to all grasses, some foods, weeds and other things that cover all four seasons (poor guy) started his shots the week before Christmas. The first four injections had a pretty strong reaction that I was worried about. His skin looked awful with hives. At the outset we were giving 2 benadryls two hours before the injections, by the way. The fifth and sixth shot showed a marked difference -- with very little reaction and his coat/skin are improving. Am very encouraged about the vaccine now! Might even try it without benadryl soon.

(Interested in what you wrote about melatonin as we have about three smallish spots with hair loss that I'd like to improve)

Mateo

One more tidbit -- found bathing/shampooing in that first month to be helpful and soothing. Don't use oatmeal shampoos - often billed as soothing - if grains are an allergen. also Conditioned with conditioner mixed with tea trea oil to restore some oils to the skin.