First Time Puppy Owner

So what seems to be the problem with your boy - is it atopy? edit - cause I can't spell today!

So Erny - what did Dr Dodds say about your boy's test?!?!

Bugger it I say - I mean your woofa is not well and you want to get to the bottom of it and they should be greatful to have a pet owner that is seeking out as much info as possible to help their dog!

Yes - TSH & T4 is about the best you can get in Australia. I've just had bloods done via Dr. Dodds. $65 (USA) plus $111.00 (AUS) for the FedEx courier. The combo expense is not completely cheap I admit, but certainly not $400 (USA). Oh I thought it was like $290 for the test - good to know cause I had my boy's T4 level tested last year and want to recheck it later down the track as he test came back at 29. Edit - the T4 was about $46 (cause they could test it there) and $150 to send it to pathology for TSH as it couldn't be done on site, but then again if Kavik is going to get a full blood test for everything possible then it's still worth sending it to the path lab I would think?!?!

No worries and he is actually in line with what other dermatologist charge as I was going to see one on the southside but there was only about $30 odd dollars difference! ah ok.... that's good to know!! Thankyou :-) Not a prob - ps what is your woofa?!?! Need a piccie please

TSH & T4 is not a full thyroid blood panel test though. What is the best screen for Thyroid you can get in Aust as Kavik's partner is not willing to spend too much and I know to send it over to Dr Dodds would be $400 plus with the exchange rate as it is.

Kiss it I think I am in with Piglet!

Oops - that will learn me for skimming :rolleyes:

Approx when did you see the problems start - 7-10 mths or older?!?! And how old is Diesel now? Unfortunately GSD along with Goldies are quite prone to skin/allergy issues, yet I personally would suspect there is something else going on with him other than just allergies, cause he is lossing weight yet is still eating heaps. If I was in your position I would be asking for full bloods and asking the vet to do a TSH and T4 test at the same time as well as checking for any other possibilities.

No worries and he is actually in line with what other dermatologist charge as I was going to see one on the southside but there was only about $30 odd dollars difference!

Naawwww the puppy piccies LP! :rolleyes: Love the piccies of the one howling but are you sure that's piglet and if so who is this then?!?!

Kavik a couple of extra questions for you - have you had Diesel since a puppy? How long has he had issues with his skin and from what age? Could you try to take a piccie of the red spot? Also do you have pyohex shampoo? If so you could dilute in a little water and try this on the spot - cause it sounds like a pustule. Why I ask all these questions is cause if from early onset I understand it is more likely to be allergies. PS - Hyperthyroidism is very uncommon in dogs but not unheard of (all symptoms pretty much the same as Hypothyrodism but weight loss rather than weight gain).

Perhaps try an antihistamine, RC and washing with a new shampoo weekly to see if there is a change overall (probably sounds silly cause most people try everything individually) but it can't hurt and you might find you have a scratchless / chewless dog in a matter of weeks

Both Phenergan and Polaramine can cause drowsiness, yet you may find if one of these works and the chewing/scratching is lessened that he might pick up emotionally and mentally cause those two activities are exhausting and would disturb his sleep constantly too. A bit of a comparison Benson was depressed previously, happy once itching/scratching stopped with the Atopica! Yet personally I would find another vet that was more into a holistic way of thinking about allergies and see if they think trialing a two or three pronged method would be beneficial - like dual trial of antihistamine, prednisone and perhaps even a washing regime That or make it clear to your current vet that you want to trial these types of things as you can not afford to go to a dermatologist. Edit - I did hear from my vet there is a trial being run by a drug company at the moment - but you could be given a placebo and could be worse in the long run (can find out more details from my friend if your interested.)

Agreed with Stormie! Trial for at least two wks though cause they can take sometime to become effective and as is the case with humans some work better for others - perhaps start with Phenergan or Polaramine

Well I think its time to find another vet that is willing to assist you in other ways, where abouts are you and perhaps someone can suggest a vet that thinks out side of the square!

Bummer about the Roo being so lean I wonder if there is another meat that you could trial. But I would ask about the thyroid testing and if they do not want to a full screen ie TSH as well I would be seeking another vet that will do as you request. Edit - Piegirl has had some success with antihistamine and her boy is allergic to a heck of alot of things so I would not be ruling it out altogether - so an Persephone said maybe another vet might be the way to go!

My vet put us on Roo and Sweet Potato as an elimination diet - perhaps that's worth investigating with your vet. Also have you trialled any antihistamines - vet might also have some ideas regarding the use of low dose prednisone and an antihistamine such as polaramine or phenergan - at least Diesel might get to a point of comfort. Do ask for a thyroid test - TSH and T4 to be done - should not cost more than $150 - $200 and get them to thoroughly check for malessezia. Also another cheap test is a flea allergy test - permoxin sprayed daily is what we did for a mth. Good Luck Kavik

Dr Mike Shipstone - works southside a couple of days a week, then northside a couple of days and even does sunny coast. We had our first consult with him on Wed - really lovely informative doctor that takes the time to answer all you question and takes a thorough history! Then explains allergies to you from beginning to end. Yes you will need a referral from your own vet and they can fax that to the clinic closest to you where he works. After your vet visit you call that clinic book an appointment. First consult is $146 and intradermal skin testing is $400. Not sure what all other things will cost as injection are based on how many allergens need to be added to the solution. Good Luck!

Thanks Danios - have just found the docs with pet plan and it covers Veterinary Fees up to $12000.00 per policy year - thank god cause we are already up to $1787.40 after the allergy test on the 8th The bugger is just having the cash up front for everything

Hi Kavik. Let me start by saying I understand and empathise with your frustration. I have no real advice other than to do what you can with what you can afford and try to save up dollars if you can for other possible treatments/trails till you find what best works for Diesel Here is Benson's story thus far ... My boy is a Golden Retriever, he is 2 yrs and 2 mths old. He chews and scratches almost all the time if he is not being medicated. As well he is very depressed when he is chewing and quite lathargic. Recently we put him on Atopica (cyclosporin) and he became a different dog within 4 days, happy, smoochie, with no itching and chewing for the first 3 wks. But once we reduced the amount of cyclosporin from 200mgs daily to 200mgs every second day the itching and chewing returned - not as strong as if not on Atopica but still.... *sigh*. See Atopica through my vet it is $581.00 per mth and I don't think that my insurance would cover it for the entire year nor is it the best thing to have him on for life. Yes not as bad as prolonged coritsone use but could still cause problems later down the track. So on the 8th of May we are having an intradermal skin test done as we have pretty much exhausted every other avenue thus far. We have used 5 different shampoos, done 2 food elimination trails, had treatment by a homeopathic vet for several mths, tested for hypothyroidism and yeast infection, been on cortisone injections, prednisone, antibiotics, 4 types of antihistamines and now Atopica. As the Atopica at a reduced dosage is not effectively preventing Benson's chewing/itching, we will more than likely be trialing desensitisation injections and hoping for the best. Otherwise we will have to continue with the Atopica and low dose prednisone on consequtive days as that will be the final option for us. If you have any questions about anything we have done please feel free to ask on here or pm me as I will do my best to assist you on this god awful journey we are both having to take.

Oh my goodness - how lucky that you noticed it!

I can't believe it's been a week already! How many times do we need to explain to you? Perhaps an equation will clear it up; PUPPIES + PHOTO'S = Never Enough!!!! Ooooh I like Tri Girl 1

Naaawwww! What a beautiful photo - she looks so happy and proud for her amazing six! Congratulations to you Kinta and LP! I am super jealous that I am not down there to be able to shmoosh and smooch they little bundles of joy once they get a little older Edit - I almost forgot 'Don't Worry Leo We Love You!' Never fear you are the most handsome Aussie Boy ever!!!

Spot on - she was probably tripping. I have heard of a dog that knew just how much to lick to get a buzz but not to much to get sick from it. Sorry no suggestions how to keep the evil buggers out though.