firedrop

Stormie, I am sure that it was intradermal skin testing. I am not sure of the name of the actual test. It was a scratch test and they shave a large postcared size area on the side of the dog and they do just under 80 different allergens. My pup is only 10 months old and had a good reaction. Sometimes when they are so young they don't have a good result and it has to be re-peated when they are older. I wasn't actually offered any blood test I am now on a search to find a kibble that compliments his allergies as he has no food allergies and a weak allergy to wheat - I am thinking of using Eagle Pack or veterinary formula science diet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Bruodin P.S. De-sensitizing vaccines won't be in until Wednesday - first injection up date has to wait until then.

Stormie - I am very glad to hear that someone else had fantastic results with de-sensitizing vaccines. No I am not under Beth, but under Linda at the Uni of Syd. My usual vet is receiving the vaccines from the dermatologist on Monday and I am learning how to inject them on Monday night. Any ideas what your dog is allergic to yet? I will keep you informed how Monday goes. Bruodin

I will do, thanks! :p

A big thank you :p to everyone who replied to my original posting. Things have certainly progressed. My GSD in 10 months now and went to the Dog Dermatologist to get allergy tested early this week. After testing for over 80 allergens he had strong reactions to pollens :p . He is currently on antibiotics, anti-histamines, cortisone cream (to elivate itching in the test site - about a large postcard size) and he is going to start allergy de-sensitizing vaccine next week which I have to learn to inject myself. I am looking into natural therapies and will be making an appt. with a natural therapies vet soon. Need to wash my little man once a week and then moisturise to ensure skin does not dry out and must use a medicated shampoo. Has anyone had experience with de-sensitizing vaccine??? Would love to hear any experiences. It is definetly trying and difficult at times dealing with a dog with allergies but with my little man I wouldn't haven't any other way - love him too much :panting: Bruodin Our perfect companions never have fewer than 4 feet!

I am sorry to hear that you are going through the same problems as me as it is just sooooo frustrating. Our tummy was a big problem too until we finally got it covered in hair we still have break outs though where he has a weeping patch of skin but they seem to go away easily. Occassionally we get irritated under the armpits too but my GSD has problems on the inside of his legs too and the groin isn't too bad but can get red in blotches and he occassionally chews front pads as well. Thinking of using vetwrap on his back legs during the day to ensure he leaves his poor legs alone to give the hair a fighting chance to grow back. I have him on Eukanuba Fish & Potato at the moment to ensure no food allergys and about to start antihistamine trial. Even getting a quote on dog run to eliminate any other allergens LOL I need a money tree Under a great dermatologist at Syd. Uni if you want their details. Bruodin

My GSD when he tore his ear and had to have surgery had his front paw covered in elastoplast so he would not scratch his ear. A while later we noticed he was limping and when we returned to the vet his pad was inflammed as he had an allergic reaction to the elastoplast. Now when he goes to vets I make sure that they know should any procedure need to be done not to use elastoplast. A couple of years later he hurt his paw and they used a bandage that raps on itself and not onto the skin I think it is called 3M Vetwrap. We had no problems and he didn't get it off either. Bruodin

I currently have a GSD about 9 months old that has had the worse luck with allergies . Alot of his hair on his hind legs has been chewed and we are in the process of trying to get it to re-grow. We changed onto a strict diet and have searched the environment for any known plants. It seems that every other month we are at the vets with a flair up of ears or the like. I am just hoping to hear from other GSD owners that have had dogs that seem susceptible to everything they come across. We are going for allergy testing next month and are under a wonderful dermatologist. I have another GSD (almost 4 years old) that has no problems. I am very frustrated as I don't know what else I can do Any ways to encourage hair growth are welcomed as we cannot go into any shows looking the way we do at the moment. Am hoping that I am not alone in the fun world of GSD allergies. Bruodin.