karly101

Yes my dog is on long term meds so has had yearly blood tests since 5 years of age. It means can monitor any changes and be pro-active about them. At the moment we are keeping a close eye on his cholesterol which has gradually been increasing. Dogs can't tell you if they have kidney or liver pain and so blood work will help detect any changes in their function early.

You might want to consider the new cytopoint injections - I found for my boy they reduced itch drastically for 2 weeks (I was sad it wasn't longer!). We've had good and longer responses from a number of dogs at my work (4-6 weeks). Of course the apoquel does sound like its working for her too and dermatologists are still recommending it as it does work very quickly to reduce itch (rebound effect has been noted though- split the daily dose into 2 seems to help with this). From what you are writing it sounds very similar to my boy - he is atopic and has skin barrier dysfunction. Weekly malaseb baths help to keep the allergen numbers down - if you follow with pyohex conditioner you won't get that dry flakiness and it has residual antibacterial activity on the skin for 7 days after the bath - this combination has stopped my boy suffering recurring skin infections. Like your dog he has definite flare ups throughout the year depending on grasses/pollens etc. It sucks.. remember skin is all about managing which sounds like you are doing - we cannot cure it and the itch will never be zero, its all about reducing those flare ups!

I do recommend it - the key is to take it out early before any pre-existing conditions crop up. Have had a client who has just had $10k back from insurance for work up of a heart condition and end result was a pacemaker was fitted. Without insurance he wouldn't have been able to afford it but it has significantly increased and improved his dogs quality of life. I stupidly didn't get it for my dog working in the industry I didn't think I'd need it. I paid $6-7k to get diagnosis of atopy and his ongoing meds cost me $100 every 17 days (and thats cost!) I will get it for my next dog.

Purchase from the US site and either use a US/AU delivery service or I found it actually turned out only slightly more $$ than buying from here but had so much choice with patterns.

C3 costs more than $10. You are also paying the consult fee which is included in that $85 - that covers the cost for the vet to check your dog before giving the vaccine. If you just saw the vet alone for a consult it would be $70-80 (depends on clinic).

Regulations are if a vet can supply the prescription medication they should especially if the veterinary version is available. Most medications are needed to start straight away so most would need to be kept in stock anyway! Pharmacists don't study multiple species only humans so aren't aware of veterinary needs. Writing a script isn't a couple 2 process either for a vet (have to check dose/make sure no interactions, print and sign etc). But yes at the end of the day vet clinics are a business and need to cover their costs and make money and I think they deserve it - all the vets I know work extremely hard, have massive HECS debts and actually don't earn that much money for what is involved!

That loose tooth would hurt - your dog just can't tell you it hurts. They will eat on the other side to avoid it (same as a human with a sore tooth), but guarantee you it hurts as whenever we have a patient under anesthetic with a loose tooth and you touch it the heart rate skyrockets. Please get it removed under anesthetic.

Just be careful ordering through chemists/online - we had one MASSIVELY overdose one of our patients. They commonly stock human medications which are much greater strength than animal versions! Vets have to use vet suppliers - the cost for meds is much higher than for suppliers for pharmacies. We also have to account in markup for time for vet to dispense, time to order/unpack etc. Pill vials/drug labels all cost money. Pharmacies would be able to do a lot of this far cheaper. Vet clinics also have VERY limited storage space so often don't buy things in bulk which those big warehouse pharmacies definitely utilize!

Do you have pet insurance? If you don't already have a policy it will not be covered as it is a pre-existing condition. If you have insurance and it is for illness it should be covered. I'd be extremely reluctant to get anyone to do physio/bowen/accupuncture UNTIL you have had some form of imaging done - you don't know what is going on in that back! You are looking for an orthopedic surgeon probably SASH would be closest I'm not familiar with surgeons there but IVVD is common. Also since you haven't mentioned it - you should be completely resting your pup - crate/play pen/ no running/jumping/stairs.

Have you spoken to a specialist about this? I have seen a number of dogs who have had surgery and all gone very well. It probably is very dependent on where exactly the injury occurred and how long. For example we had a corgi who injured his back whilst in kennels and was unable to move and now 4 years down the track is still doing very well and you would have never guessed he'd had all these issues. Perhaps you should ask for referral just to get a better idea of outcome and whats involved. Tramadol is one of the safer options for pain relief but the jury is out on how effective it is for animals- it appears they can be very variable in how they metabolise it.

Please ring Bayer and report it as a side effect - it IS actually one I've heard about - I work in a clinic and reported the reaction, we had about 3 dogs do it. The company takes it very seriously and will take all the details off you. The correct dose would of been 3/4 of a tablet as if the dog is over 5kg a half wouldn't be enough.

If you can keep carrying on - there is a new atopy injection coming out (in Australia has been used for a couple of years already overseas) that is even more targeted (and hence most likely safer) than apoquel (given every 4-8 weeks as needed). Personally I think your money would be better directed to that than nutriscan (though cost hasn't been released yet). If the itchyness is fluctuating and the diet is stable - it seems to me more likely environment allergens are at play which are much more common as well than diet intolerance.

haven't heard of him.. but there are LOTS of different behavior medications so perhaps you could discuss with your vet that the medication is not satisfactory and do you need to trial a dose change or alternative? I have a friend who trialed 3 different ones before finding one that worked for her dog and the difference is amazing.

Speaking personally I don't find choke chains/prongs (never used one on my dog but worked with dogs with them) FUN to use and thinking I have to correct the dog all the time is exhausting in itself. It really turns you off training. The anger you feel at the dog being non responsive is encouraged further with the corrections .. and I just feel training should not be that hard work. Dog reactivity is fear driven... as Thistle the dog mentioned.. other methods are much more effective and much better at building a strong relationship with your dog = happier more confidant dog who is more likely to work. You won't need to correct so much and hopefully feel much less frustrated with training. Another view which may not be popular but anti anxiety medication can be very effective short term whilst you work on the issue with dog reactivity making your dog more receptive to training.

How was his last blood glucose curve? is he actually controlled?