Allergy Testing

[BlitznBear]

Hi Im new to this forum and have to say this site is amazing, I can learn sooo much in here.

Im desperately seeking dog owners who have had their dogs Allergy Tested.

I am the proud owner of a beautiful Staffy, and he is in excellent condition but he suffers from skin allergies, he is 12 months old, very fit, is on what I call a good diet that he thoroughly enjoys, premium food with raw chicken necks thrown in on top every second night, and raw bones every other day.

To treat his constant nibbling, and biting at his paws he is on antibiotics for an inflamed infection, an antihistamine and some steriod to wipe out his inflamed raw front paw, we absolutely hate seeing him scratch and bite himself raw, and are not happy about having to keep him on this medication for long periods of time, possibly for ever.

It has been recommended to us by our Vet to have an Intradermal Allergy Test conducted, which involves clipping a patch of hair from the side of the flank and pricking the skin with a tiny amount of purified allergen extract.

A positive reaction is a raised swelling observed thirty minutes after intradermal injection, the skin test is affected by a number of drugs including antihistamines and corticosteroids.

To manage the identified allergy involves using a vaccine that is made specifically for your him on the basis of the allergy test results, it is very costly, and can take 12 months before they can evaluate whether is has been successful in reducing the itching, and could possibly need the vaccine for life at $600 a year, not including shampoo and medical therapy.

Only 70% successful, we are prepared to pay for the testing, but I would like to hear from other owners who have had this done and what their experiences and comments are on this.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message.

[Poodle wrangler]

There are lots of staffies at our local obedience club and it seems quite common for them to have skin problems.

I haven't had allergy testing done on a dog, but have had it done on myself. After seeing the specialist, the diagnosis was "idiopathic" i.e. they have no idea what caused it, or, if it would happen again. I had the skin prick tests you describe which all came up negative. Taking corticosteroids and antihistamines blunt your reaction with testing.

From what I've read, the tests and treatments you describe aren't that successful on humans and IMO will add up to too much money, on an ongoing basis, with no guarantees. The neighbours child had to take Claratyne every day (under specialist advice, he had severe allergies) but at least it worked. No one like to constantly give meds, but if it's best for your dog?

I would do an "elimination" diet, check my garden for toxic and/or highly allergenic plants (though he might just be allergic to grass), give fish oil supplements and use medications for any "flare ups" he has, rather than go for the other tests.

It would be worth trying a raw-fesh diet and eliminating all dry, commercial foods although they are very convenient. Some dry foods are supposed to be for "sensitive" dogs, so might be worth a try if all-raw is impractical for you.

There are lots of DOLers with dogs with skin problems, so hopefully more info., soon.

[Dogs4Fun]

Hi,

I have had two dogs that have had both intradermal skin testing and blood testing for allergies. This was only done after they were trialed on elimination diets to exclude food allergies contributing to their issues.

These results were then used to produce desensitising vaccines. I have been fortunate enough that these vaccines plus use of antihistamines and medicated washes, as well as the elimination of any known allergens from their immediate environment (ie my block) has allowed good control. Both are now on the vaccines and shampoos only with occasional use of antihistamines when their particular plant allergens are in flower.

Don't dispair! With patience in the workup, to make sure the diagnosis is accurate, diligence in therapy and lots of good advice, you can end up with a dog that no-one else would know has a problem.

[Hazz]

There is a blood test that you an have done, and I thoroughly reccomend it - it saves alot of guessing and will be able to tell you exactly what your dog is allergic too.

[Cavandra]

If there is nothing specifically in your yard to eliminate that all dogs are allergic too like wandering jew or grevillias, then if he were my dog I would get some local honey where the bees are kept as close to your house as possible, and give him some every day, it is like a natural vaccine against your local pollens. I would have ALL his water dishes with apple cider vinegar in the water at all times for him to drink. And eliminate ALL cereals/grains/rice/pasta from his diet, which would elimininate probably every commercial dog food on the shelf, and most treats too

Just some ideas

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

The Stafford is one of those breeds that can suffer from skin problems. My staffy cross, Ruby, is the same. We've moved all over the country and the only place she didn't react was Canberra. We couldn't see our way clear to have her on steriod therapy long-term b/c it's too dangerous to their health. We didn't want to go down the testing route as it can be a long time before you get an answer and even then, sometimes the answer is "idiopathic" - translated, it means "we don't know what she's reacting to".

I did a search here for treatments, and I found Robert McDowell's remedies were highly-thought-of. I have started Ruby on his Blood Cleanser and the Skin Allergy mixes. Since she started her skin has improved to the point where she's hardly scratching, there is no raw skin anywhere on her body, she hasn't gnawed at her feet ONCE, and she's very calm and relaxed. A completely different dog.

I know that she will likely be on the remedies for much of the year. But that's OK by me b/c they're not doing her systems damage in the way that western treatments do damage.

She has been on a raw diet for years. So I basically eliminated a food allergy without even trying an elimination diet. I do notice when she has to have processed foods that her itch is very bad, so she's not given much in the way of processed at all unless she's had to go to a kennel. We have minimal treats except dried liver, and other dehydrated meat treats with no additives at all.

I would contact Robert McDowell and go from there. We're also about to try his Anti-inflammatory Mix for the greyhound (slipped disc) as Metacam (her current medication) is very harmful to some dogs - it can damage the kidneys over the long-term and I've already noticed a big change in her bladder habits (she can't hold on at all, whereas without Metacam she can wait without any problem).

HTH.

[skwo2]

Chelsea just went to the vet yesterday for ringworm. I also ask for skin scrapping to test for mite infection. Will update you once result come back

You mention the vet use steroid to wipe her. Once I have raised to my breeder saying Chelsea is biting fur and scratching (like yours), the breeder said to avoid the use of steroid at all cost, as steroid can have negative effect later in her life. So I am not sure by that if it means just an injection of steroids? or wiping?

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Chelsea just went to the vet yesterday for ringworm. I also ask for skin scrapping to test for mite infection. Will update you once result come back

You mention the vet use steroid to wipe her. Once I have raised to my breeder saying Chelsea is biting fur and scratching (like yours), the breeder said to avoid the use of steroid at all cost, as steroid can have negative effect later in her life. So I am not sure by that if it means just an injection of steroids? or wiping?

I think the OP means "used a steroid to clear up" the inflammation. Steriods are given by both injection and orally.

Steroids are powerful drugs and come with side effects that can produce harm to some vital organs in some dogs.

That's why I've suggested herbal remedies for long-term treatment b/c it's far safer IMO.

[BlitznBear]

THANK YOU so much guys for your feedback and advise!, after recieving the above information we have decided we will start with an elimination diet, get him off the dry food and introduce him to a complete raw diet.

We have a medicated shampoo (MALASEB) that we will soak him with once a week, to strip him of any yeast on his body, trial that for 6 weeks and if no improvement we will look at getting him in to the dermatology clinic for assessment.

He has been placed on a stronger dose of steroids along with more antibiotics for ANOTHER infection in his paw, but as soon as his infection has cleared we are dropping his meds to half, then less again with antihistamine whilst closely monitoring his reaction to change of diet and regular washes.

Im hoping we will see a change!

Thanks again

Rangitoto

[Kavik]

My GSD also has allergies - tends to be itchy on his tummy and sometimes he chews his tail. His most recent problem was an aural haematoma.

My vet has also suggested allergy testing but I am just not sure it is worth it - might pay all that money and do all those tests and the results be inconclusive or something you can't avoid or make a vaccine for.

I also hate giving him cortisone, but we are finishing up a course at the moment related to his ear.

I use Aloveen as a shampoo, I tried the medicated ones like Malaseb etc and they made his skin worse, Aloveen is gentler. I also give fish oill, and when I can find it give a fish food as well (we have ruled out food allergies already).

Good luck and keep us updated, allergies can be frustrating!

[aniangel]

from what i can gather from your post, your dogs allergies are located mainly in the feet? which suggests a contact allergy... staffy's are prone to allergies of all forms, but contact allergies are quite common. i agree that you should check your yard for potential allergins, but do you find the allergies are seasonal? steroids on a short course (without causing long term damage) may be required to control the initial flair up, and i fully recommend looking into natural therapies for long term management, but sometimes you need "conventional" medicine in combo with natural therapies to control medical situations.

[Lynlovesdogs]

sorry to hijack this thread and to bump it up.. but i just returned from the vet with Hazel and when we got her (adopted her earlier this year and is 6.5 yo), she'd been on steroids almost all her life (as far as we were told). Vet said she probably had allergies and to stop the steroids as they cause a hormonal imbalance which is bad for them etc etc.... anyway we shaved her, used aloveen and throughout winter, her scratching just stopped gradually. we had given her a elizabethen collar cos she doesn't know when to stop, she'd scratch her face: mouth and eyes, till they bled... anyway she got so well till we even had the collar off her during the day...

Come spring, and she starts itching like mad... constant chewing of her feet, bum scooting and her eyes and mouth were just ALWAYS itchy!!! so we were advised about considering allergen testing and stuff.. and we weren't sure if it was her food but like aniangel says its a contact allergy (well seems like it the paws)

She's on Nutrience derma for her skin, and we give her ACV in her water (started a few weeks back) and fish oil. the only treats we feed her are pig ears which our friend does which we don't think is too bad for her...

Anyway sorry about the whole sob story, but I was hoping someone could either reply or PM me with more details about the allergen testing. like is it the pricking one, or the blood testing one, what does it test. how good is it? and how much it costs, how much will the eventual vaccines cost and is it worth doing these? i just see her and its so sad because there's nothing you can do and u just wish you could make it all better? i'm sure all of you understand hehe

THANKS SOO MUCH GUYS!!

oh edited to add : ps. do u know if insurance would cover all this?

Edited September 10, 2007 by Lynlovesdogs

[Golden Rules]

Hi Lynlovesdogs

Can't help you much with your specific queries......but another forum I am on highly recommends zinc tablets daily to assist with allergy symptons.

Steroids compromise the immune system, so this needs boosting to cope with allergies and to lessen the effects of allergies.

There are other tonics available as well which are useful for boosting the immune system.

Just FYI

Good luck.

[Lynlovesdogs]

thanks heaps duncan+dougal, do i just get regular zinc tablets? what's the dosage like?

[Golden Rules]

thanks heaps duncan+dougal, do i just get regular zinc tablets? what's the dosage like?

Yes, just ordinary zinc tablets - you can get them at the supermarket - and I give one a day to each dog.

The allergy dog was also getting "Metagenics" Allergy capsules - these were recommended to me by a naturopath, a bit pricy and you would have to go to a naturopath to get them (I just did a telephone order and they sent them to me) but they were very effective - my allergy dog shows no symptoms other than the odd scratch. I just gave him the one bottle which lasted about a month (and was about $45)

[Ptolomy]

I could write a book on this subject!!!

My toller developed allergies at 12 weeks of age - the initial presentation was ear infections and then a very red fanny and bottom and we started on the merry-go-round of antibiotics every few weeks. At 6 months of age I decided that it might be food related - so attempted to eliminate all foods with preservatives - and then randomly other foods. Eventually I went to Murdoch Vet Hospital and we are now under the care of a dermatologist.

The only way food trials work effectively is to start your dog on two foods that they have NEVER had before - this will ensure that the dog is not allergic to this food. Our base diet was goat and sweet potato. On this diet we were able to clear up my dogs ears and redness around her belly and bottom. Then every 10 days I was allowed to introduce one new basic raw food eg chicken, lamb or beef, pasta, rice etc. I then had to document any skin changes I noticed. Things like beef I saw a reaction within 24 hours hours where wheat took 6-7 days before we ran into problems. If after 10 days there was no reaction - then I could safely say she was not allergic to that food. It was a long slow process but I now know that she is allergic to beef, lamb, wheat, corn and milk. I know that she can eat mixed veges, chicken, rice, potatos and sweet potatoes, goat, pork, cheese and yoghurt and fish oil capsules (which are a natural anti-inflammaotry and will help allergies). I also enquired about RAS testing which is the blood testing you can do for food allergies - but this test does give a lot of false readings and because of her severe allergies I was advised against it.

At 12 months of age - my little cherub then developed atopy - GREAT! She began chewing her feet, she lost all the hair around her bottom and her mouth - her eyes were red and she was a mess. So I went down the allergy testing line. It cost me $750 and yes they shaved her side and tested her for 71 different things which were graded on a scale of 1 minor reaction to 4 severe reaction. I now know she is allergic to cockraoches, black ants, flees, dust mites, different grasses and pollens.... the list goes on. We started on the interdermal injections which I do myself - which is a combination of everything she is allergic to made into a vaccine. The schedule for the vaccine is such that you start off on a very mild dose and gradually the strength and quantity increases as does the duration between injections. Here we ran into another problem in that every time we increased the dose we had a severe reaction - so we now have settled on a very small 0.1ml injection every 3rd day. We are due to have the allergy testing done again (I believe free of charge??) at the end of September - BUT we only need 12 more points for our CH title - so I will hold off until we have those and will then have her retested and she will then be steralised as there is no way I want to pass on her problems to anybody else.

As a side line to this I sent some of the dogs hair to a human homeopath for hair analysis and he made some drops for the dog and since she has been on these - her coat has improved heaps, she is scratching less and she is actually bouncing out of her skin. The dermatologist calls him our witch doctor - but is happy that the dog has improved so much and doesn't mind us continuing to see him. The witch doctor picked up that the dog also had high levels of mercury (probably due to the fish oil capsules), high levels of benzene and also aluminium. I sent some hair to the US and had it analysed and it came back with the highest levels of mercury they have ever seen in a dog, also high levels of arsenic, aluminium, copper and boron. I am now using mercury and arsenic free fish oil which you can only get through a vet and we are on a detox program. The vet also suggested twice a week giving beetroot, carrot and parsley juice/pulp to help detox the liver.

The dog will be 2 in October and she is worth every cent I have spent on her.

[Lynlovesdogs]

Ptolomy: thank you so much for all your advice.. Do you think that we should start her with an elimination diet first? Or should I ring the recommended dermatologist to have a chat? How did u manage to find this "witch doctor"? is there one in Sydney? Its such a frustration because she just sits there and tries to scratch her mouth raw and chew her feet and yes her bum and fanny are red. and there's not much we can do about it to immediately stop it. What would be your first step to recovery?

I'm only a uni student (supported by my parents who live overseas) its a good thing I have savings. I don't mind spending any amount of money as long as it'll help her.

Really appreciate the replies

[Ptolomy]

I have to say I don't necessarily believe in homeopaths. This witch doctor is actually a human homeopath (he is an engineer who gave up engineering and took up homeopathy) - who has helped my dog so much so that my friend who also has allergies went to see him. I then saw him and several of my work colleagues have seen him and numerous friends with dogs have also had a hair analysis done by him. I don't know how it works - but the proof is in the pudding. I would think there should be homeopaths in NSW you could contact - but if worst comes to worst I can send you his details. It cost me $70 to have the hair analysis done and you get two bottles of drops.

As I said I tried to do the elimination diet myself and I wasn't severe enough and I wasted a couple of months. It took me probably 2 months before I found something other than goat and sweet potato that my dog could eat and goat and sweet potato is not something they can stay on long term. If you saw a dermatologist they could probably tell you whether it was atopy or diet related. I did not want to go down the steroid route and I made this clear from the start and the dermatologist is doing everything in her power to save this as a last resort. My dog is still a baby and I want to try everything else first.

It would be worth seeing a dermatologist to get an opinion - and then you can make decisions from there. Apologies to normal vets - but I don't think a normal vet would have the skills to deal with what I have gone through with my dog. But then again if I had a lame dog I also wouldn't take it to a normal vet as I don't believe being prescribed anti-inflammatories is treating the problem - but now you've got me started........

I must also say all these hypo allergenic bickies and bickies for dogs with sensitive skins - my dog is allergic to them all!

[Lynlovesdogs]

Thanks again ptolomy, once again a very useful and great response. I used to see a homeopath in Malaysia but its a bit far

Well the vet actually TOLD me to go to the specialist and recommended me to Beth Mcdonald in USYD... Would the dermatologist be able to test for food allergies too?

Thanks again

[Ptolomy]

I initially went to the dermatologist to get RAS testing done - however she explained that RAS testing gave a lot of false positive results and the only way to get accurate information was through the elimination diet - which unfortunately is a long slow process. The dermatologist is great I have her email address and can email her at any time and I will receive a reply back within 24 hours. They will ask you a serious of questions to work out if it is in fact food allergies or environmental ones. I was lucky in that my girl was so young I could give very accurate information and I had been keeping a book of what I had tried and what the result was.

I also forgot to mention that my dog is now taking 1 Zyrtex - a human anti-histamine tablet every day.

Spring is the worst time for allergies so does your dogs problems increase as the weather gets warmer?