Skin allergy / Food allergy

[bernie47]

Hi .. to all my friends ... Has been a while since i have posted .
My little chihuahua Lara 2.3 kg has an allergy to something unknown . :confused:
We have her on a elimination diet at the moment ( 6 weeks ) and feeding her z/d™ Canine ULTRA Allergen-Free...
http://www.hillspet.com.au/en-au/products/pd-canine-canine-zd-ultra-dry-dry.html
Lara does not have any sores ... but constantly itchy .
Vet gave us Prednisolone 5 mg ... but after each measured dose 20 minutes later would vomit back up . We also,have had a skin scraping to see if mites were present ... Negative .:(
So now we have her on a antihistamine.. 1/2 tablet twice daily .
Has anyone had this problem before ? Would appreciate any advice as my Pet insurance is refusing to pay my claims ...Saying that this was a pre/ existing problem .:mad:
All because when i first purchased her ....We took her to our vet for a health check up and the consulting vet wrote on her history that she had two small alopecic over the left dorsal thorax and skin looks healthy otherwise .
Turned out that it was from her playing with another puppy in their pen at the breeders. Little bite marks :rolleyes:
Have washed all her clothes and ours in Sensitive laundry liquid .. kept her off the grass..... As we are in a unit .
I have treated Lara with Revolution heartworm medication since she came to live with us 17/06/2011 . .. Questioned the vet about this ... but seem to think wasn't the problem . Would appreciate any advice you knowledgeable people could share with me ... ((( Hugs ))) to all ...Catherine .

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Catherine!

It is so good to hear from you! So sorry to hear about sweet Lara's issues with allergies. I have read where food can definitely be a source for allergies so an elimination diet is a good start.

Prednisone can upset tummies so giving it with food might help and giving her Pepcid AC 20-30 minutes before the dose of prednisone should aid with the upset tummy.

Sending huge and loving hugs to you and sweet Lara.

Keep us updated, please.

Love and hugs, Lori

[molly muffin]

Hi Catherine, sorry to hear that Lara is having allergy problems. I've heard that the elimination diet is a good one. You've ruled out grass and seasonal type of allergies? Naomi's Oz is allergic to grass but not sure how they figured that one out, maybe just because the paws are very affected with that.
I'm sure she'll be around soon.
Kathy's Buddy also has a lot of allergies, so she's another good one to have pop in. I'm sure both of them would have alot of suggestions on what to check for and how.

Welcome back. :)
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[bernie47]

Thank you Lori & Sharlene ...
The elimination diet is so hard as my older girl Natcho of 14 yrs has a different diet as well ( Weight management ) and keeping these two separate with different foods and no treats :D ....They look at me with sad eyes when eating my dinner .;)
Lara especially as after her evening meal always had a rawhide she would chew for ages ... Was excellent for her teeth .:(
We still have 4 weeks to go ... and will introduce some foods back again . ((( hugs ))) to all Catherine .

[Budsters Mom]

:rolleyes:Hi Catherine,
Allergies are not fun. They are a pain in the butt! :(My pup is not only the mighty lizard Hunter, he is also the king of allergies. He has just about every allergy known to doggy kind and many that are unknown to anyone. He has food, Medication, Environmental and grass allergies. He had a severe bout several years ago. It was so bad, that he was scratching his skin raw and I had to wrap him up in ace bandages to protect his skin. Oatmeal baths help the itching temporarily. Don't do it more than twice a week or the skin tends to become to dry. The best topical thing I found was oddly enough chamomile tea. Make a cup of tea as you normally would with about 6 ounces of water. Let it cool and put it in a small spray bottle in the refrigerator. I make a fresh bottle every couple of days. That really helps the itching. Spray it on cold right from the bottle. It is very soothing and helps to heal the sore skin. You can use it as many times a day as you like. The tea is also good as an allergy eyewash. I even use it for my own eyes when they feel tired an itchy. The itching isn't going to stop until you find the allergen. That is easier said than done. I did everything that you have done and then more. Finally out of desperation, I decided to run a eliminating food trial changing Buddy to a brand-new protein. Allergic dogs can develop an allergy to a protein that they've had for a long time. In Buddy's case, he had been eating a chicken based diet for years. I read every label in the pet store and decided on a blue Buffalo basics salmon and potato formula. Basics is a limited ingredient formula for dogs with food sensitivities. Within two weeks of starting the new food, his scratching stopped and his sore skin healed. Buddy only eats his special food now. His "cookies" are actually his regular kibble hand fed. That means he gets no other treats or people food, except for pumpkin or vegetables now and then. Buddy almost died when he had booster shots, because he is so allergic. He can now only have a rabies shot, so I have to keep him away from other dogs. Medications and supplements have to be started with caution, And only one at a time. In case there's an allergic reaction you'd know which one it was. There is actually much more to allergies. I don't know quite how much you want to know. If you have any further questions, I'd be glad to answer them if I know.I hope you are able to get Lara's allergies sorted out so she feels much better. An antihistamine can help, particularly if she has environmental allergies. Buddy takes Benadryl.
Hugs,
Kathy

[Spiceysmum]

Hi Catherine,
Sorry to hear Lara has allergies, it is horrible to watch them scratching. Spicey had lots of allergies and had an immunotherapy injection every month all of her life. When she developed cushings it did actually help with the allergies. Then, later in life my other dog Brin suddenly started scratching himself terribly. Tests showed he was allergic to lots of things too. The vet gave him pred to calm it down and it did work but after a month or so he nearly died from internal bleeding so we had to stop that. I also found a salmon and potato diet (Wafcol) and within a week he had stopped scratching again. He has recently been diagnosed with kidney dysfunction and the vet wanted him to go on a renal diet but it wouldn't have suited him so she contacted Hills and they suggested Hills D/D Salmon and Potato as it was the nearest one to it. Hope Lara finds some relief and feels better soon.
Linda

[Scarlett'sdad]

Cyclosporine helped Scarlett tremendously, she took the Neoral brand 25 mg every day to start (she weighed 12 # at the time age 7 she started), then after a year, every other day. She switched on diet as she would tire of the same thing from home cooked meals of ground beef, sweet potato and walnut oil, and Science Diet D/D Venison, or Natural Balance Venison, or earlier Wellness Venison. Allermyl shampoo once a week, and Malaseb shamppo once a week.

[bernie47]

All the advice i am receiving is very helpful .:)
As we are only 2 weeks into Hills ZD Ultra ... will ask my vet if a change to Science Diet D/D Venison, or Natural Balance Venison...is too soon .
Lara is licking her paws more than usual .. and has lost some hair on hind legs .
Yes she has antihistamine 1/2 tab twice a day also .

Can someone please tell me ... if steroids are used on her ..will that affect her internal organs ? :confused:
I am almost certain i read somewhere that if used long term can lead to other problems . ((( hugs to all your furbabies ))) Catherine .

[molly muffin]

Long term predinisone/steriod use can cause cushings like symptoms to develop, with all the risk factors, of liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, etc. You want to use it carefully, not for any longer than absolutely necessary and wean off appropriately when you do.
If there is alternatives than steriods that will help Lara I'd try those.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[bernie47]

Thanks Sharlene ... Only thing she has had so far is prednisolone 5mg and only for 3 days ... Vet has taken her off of them as she vomits 20 minutes after taken them .
Just antihistamines at the moment .;) Gathering as much information as i can to help this little girl . :)
Will be touch with vet today about changing to Hills sweet potato & Venison biscuits .... Seams the way to go judging on feedback i am getting .
Cheers ... Catherine & Lara

[Harley PoMMom]

Cyclosporine helped Scarlett tremendously, she took the Neoral brand 25 mg every day to start (she weighed 12 # at the time age 7 she started), then after a year, every other day. She switched on diet as she would tire of the same thing from home cooked meals of ground beef, sweet potato and walnut oil, and Science Diet D/D Venison, or Natural Balance Venison, or earlier Wellness Venison. Allermyl shampoo once a week, and Malaseb shamppo once a week.

Hey Catherine, Maybe try the Cyclosporine (Atopica) as Larry suggested, and I'm pretty sure other members have used Cyclosporine (Atopica) with success.

[bernie47]

Been in contact with Hills ... Seems they don't make Sweet potato and venison biscuits in Australia .:rolleyes:
But have told me it takes about a month for the ZD Ultra to show signs of allergy getting better . :(
The do have a http://www.hillspet.com.au/en-au/products/pd-canine-canine-zd-ultra-dry-dry.html I could try next .:)
Lara is not getting any worse but not getting better ... So will have to wait and see .. Cheers ! My friends & Take care .

Thanks Lori for your advice ... researching before my next vet visit ...( http://www.2ndchance.info/atopica.htm )

[bernie47]

:) Just uploaded some pictures of Laras skin problems ... if anyone care to take a peek .;)
She has her own album ... Catherine .

[Trish]

Hi Catherine
I am in NZ, I give my dog venison and potato biscuits, they are the Nutra brand. They are marketed as limited ingredients and are grain free. He has inflammatory bowel disease... well probably, it is not biopsy proven. I have a supply of those anallergenic biscuits from Royal Canin but we had barely started them and he had to have a painful ulcer removed (not due to the biscuits) so we suspended their trial while he recovers from that. But he is doing so well on the venison/potato biscuits plus I give him raw venison mince we are not going to restart the anallergenic at the moment but just keep them up our sleeve in case his tummy flares again. Sorry not much help on the skin problems but the type of biscuits just caught my eye so hopefully this info helps.
Trish :)

[bernie47]

Thank You so much Trish ,
Been doing a search ...And it seems These people make the Biscuits ,
need to wait until elimination period is up on The Hills Zd :)

Will definitely discuss this with my vet .

http://www.eukanuba.com.au/en-US/product/venison-dog-food.jspx

(( hugs ))) to you and your furbaby ... Catherine and Lara :)

[bernie47]

;) Here we are in week 4 of Laras food elimination .. Re Allergy ...:(

Two weeks to go .. Not improving ... but not getting in worse .
I have washed all our clothes in Sensitive laundry liquid .
And both my dogs clothes and beds also .
Took up the new rug just incase ... Was the cause .;)
We both don't wear perfume or aftershave ...as she sits on our knee a lot . No treats .. just the vet prescription biscuits . Lara has not lost weight .:D
We are lucky to live in a unit ...with a courtyard , so was not hard to keep her off the grass .
Has anyone had bad results with this ?http://www.revolution.com.au/Dogs/Fleas-and-parasites.aspx

Lara is due for her drops on back of neck in a few days .. Finding a cure for this poor little girl is frustrating .:confused:
Bless you all my Cush / Friends ... Catherine & Lara .

[Budsters Mom]

Hi,
Your story brings back such memories. My allergy boy had the same issues and more. I did EVERYTHING you have done and more. His skin was so raw that I had to wrap him up in ace bandages in the middle of summer. I could not get him to stop scratching. I finally, out of desperation went to my local Petsmart. I spent several hours reading every label of premium food in the store. I mean EVERY DANG LABEL! I was determined to not leave the store without a new limited ingredient food with a novel protein. I finally chose Blue Buffalo Basics Salmon and Potato formula His rash started to clear within a few days of changing his food. He had always been on an allergy formula. I did not think it could be that, but it was. Sensitive pups can develop an allergy to any food they have eaten for a long time. Buddy's skin cleared up and it's been fine since. I hope you are able to figure out what is affecting poor Lara. I know how frustrating dealing with allergies are.
Hugs,
Kathy

[bernie47]

Just an update ..;)
Just to let you know Lara , has had her check up and Vet is pleased with her progress.
Weighed in at 2.2 kg.
No more hair loss ... so she can have some tuckertime now ... to see if she reacts .
Still no grass for now ...wait and see job . Gave me some more antihistamines for her if i need them .( Iramine tabs...)
Revolution ...continue ... as if it was the problem would see scab or red patch where we put it . ((( Hugs to all ))) ...:)
Catherine .. Lara & Natcho .

[Squirt's Mom]

I'm glad she's improving! Lara is such a doll! Keep in touch and let us know how things are going.
Hugs,
Leslie

[bernie47]

:) Just an update on Lara ...
We are getting on top of things ;)So far no more chicken or beef for my little girl .
She has reacted to these products .. so now we are on (http://www.holisticselect.com/dry-dog-food-anchovy-sardine-and-salmon-meal)
Also some Venison carrot and peas with her kibble . She loves her food and we are getting good results .
Still reacts to Grass at the park .. :(
No other medication ... just the occasional antihistamine .
Tackling this with natural approach as much as possible .
Not sure what you pay for Venison but in Western Australia we paid $20.00 for 1 kg . But as Lara is only 2 kg ... will last a long time .lol
My thoughts are with all you lovely people that have Cush / Pups .
Still remember the support i got when Ebonie was with us .
Bless you all ... Catherine Lara & Natcho .

[Squirt's Mom]

Glad to hear Lara is doing well and likes her new diet. It's great that the diet is helping and she doesn't need to be medicated daily. You're doing a good job, Mom!

Hugs,
Leslie

[bernie47]

After lots of Trial and error .... Finally we are getting results with my Girls allergies .:)
So far ... No chicken or products with chicken in the ingredients .

Next is .... No beef

And we hope the last ... no walks on the grass . :(

Lucky for us we live in a unit with a courtyard ... That has no grass .

No Revolution ( Heart and flea worm ) trialing e Advocate ;)
Lara has a stable diet of Hills ZD Ultra biscuits .....With venison , peas , and carrots . :)

She is 2.1 kg and looking very healthy ..Just has antihistamines when she has itching attacks .. ( Works well ) for her . We had a terrible job getting fresh venison in Western Australia. Found a wholesaler in game meats that only sells to restaurants.
After telling them my problem agreed to sell me some .:D
Diced venison is $18.95 kg ...And lean mince $14.50 a kg . As she is only a tiny girl , lasts us about 6 weeks ( 1 kg ) ;)
Our Other old girl Natcho gets some for a treat and she loves it .

Hope all are doing well with your pups , may god bless you all ... Catherine & Ken .

[Squirt's Mom]

Good to hear from you again and especially good to know our girls are doing well! Good job on getting the venison, Mom! :D

[molly muffin]

Yay, I'm so glad you finally got this worked out and Lara on a good diet for her allergies. Master sleuthing there :) Congratulations

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin