GSD with severe allergies - Page 2

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GSDSamsonsmom

by GSDSamsonsmom on 30 April 2008 - 01:04

That poor girl, that does look bad. I sure hope you can find some help for her. Samson's rear looks very similar to that, his worst area is above and around the top of his tail. And he is always chewing on the tail. His areas look black, then of course red when he scratches it enough. Down the top of his back is where he is trying to scratch/bite and where his hair is thinning. I really think getting a flea on him when we go for walks is what sets his off. I keep a preventative on him, but still...

by Blitzen on 30 April 2008 - 02:04

Most dogs do not have food allergies, about 90% are caused by inhalation of pollens, molds, danders, etc.. Humans sneeze , dogs scratch.  Skin testing can identify the allergens. Desensitizing works in about 65% of allergic dogs; it can take up a year or more to see an improvement. The above mentioned drug, Atopica, helps many dogs.

Atopy just means the dog is itchy, it is not a disease in itself.  The term generally used by most vets is atopic dermatitis. All that means is a dog that scratches a lot and has sore skin. The sores and scabbing are the results of secondary bacterial infections. The bacterial infection compounds the itching. This is why most atopic dogs also need an antibiotic like keflex in addition to the treatment to try to control the itching. Since many vets dispense steroids for the itching and steroids retard healing, the bacterial infection may appear to be healed only to return a few weeks afer the antibiotic is discontinued.  If you don't do both - eliminate the cause of the scratching and heal the bacterial infection 100%, it will keep coming back.

Been there, done that too with a GSD. I ended up taking him to a veterinary dermatologist where he was skin tested. He was allergic to every local pollen and mold. I gave him injections for a bout a year until he finally showed some improvement. Sadly he developed leukemia so I had to discontinue the injections when he had chemo.  He died 7 months later.

Allergies are an indication of a malfunctioning immune system, not just a superficial "skin problem". Dogs with allergies are not good breeding candidates.  I also think that dogs with allergies are more likely to develop other autoimmune problems like lupus and certain forms of lymphatic cancer. It is not a fun disease to treat, in fact it can be pure hell. I feel for all of you.

 


by Blitzen on 30 April 2008 - 02:04

GSDSamsonsmom, one flea bite can cause intense itching in a sensitive dog. When a dog that is allergic to the saliva in a flea bite is bitten, every area that was bitten previously can respond by becoming itchy again. A dog doesn't necessarily need to be infested by fleas to have an allergy to their bites; you may never see  one  single flea on a dog with FBA (flea bite allergy). A flea only spends a very limited part of it's life on the dog, it generally take the blood meal and hops off. 

Your dog seems to itch at all the right spots for  FBA, around the base of the tail is very common. Do you ever see anything in his coat that looks like pepper or grains of salt? If so, that could be flea excretement or eggs. The excretement is fairly easy to identify, put a sample on a paper towel and add a dab of water. If it turns blood red, you'll know that's what it is and that your dog has been in contact with fleas.  Since you live in FL, I'm sure you know how to control fleas the best you can. Nothing works 100% where there is no killing frost. Fleas are bionic !!


Silhouettes

by Silhouettes on 30 April 2008 - 02:04

 I really think some vets are out to get your money, because they did nothing for her.  I will run her up to the vet tomorrow see if I can get some steroids to go along with it.  I wonder why they have never given it to her before, though.  I had it comepletely gone for 2-3 months, then suddenly, open sores, I'm amazed at how bad it gets so fast.

I have heard some nasty things about keflex........am I misinformed?


by Blitzen on 30 April 2008 - 03:04

I never heard of any problems with Keflex.  I think your dog may have severe hot spots (moist dermatitis). That is very common with allergic dogs. Sometimes they seem to occur out of nowhere almost overnight.  Do you know a dermatologist in your area or are you near a vet school? Most vets don't know much about allergies and skin problems in dogs.  In the end, a dermatologist would probably save you money and a lot of aggrevation. Good luck.


Two Moons

by Two Moons on 30 April 2008 - 03:04

I finally figured out my males allergy was food based and hopefully have it under control.     I will never breed him as I hope anyone would not breed such an animal.   That would be just plain wrong.    I also wonder about any animals suffering.

Just thinking out loud.


Silhouettes

by Silhouettes on 30 April 2008 - 04:04

Two Moons, I completely agree.. she was bought as a pet from a BACKYARD BREEDER.  Having first hand experience, I would never want to put anyone in this situation, or a precious animal.  When breeders breed, they are responsible for every single one of those little lives, and it is heartbreaking.... when the 2 shephs died very young, (sadly I was away) my Father called the cops, crying his eyes out, feared someone had poisoned them.. It is not only wrong, but it is CRUEL to bring innocent animals in this world, if you KNOW there is a good chance that dog could end up ill.

I do plan on breeding in the future, please don't bash me for this, I want to do everything right one reason is the terrible experience we had with allergies and HD, I don't want to break someones heart... Dogs are my life, I've always wanted to get into competition since I was a little girl, that is my real goal.  My female I work with  is 2 years old, I had a set back with her, she cracked her k9 at around 8-9 months of age, she gets her root canal and capping next month, but she will be titled, and koerd before any breeding is done assuming she does well, if she doesn't.. I have a great dog, and I will try again... I am in no rush, this dog does everything for me.. she is like Lassie with an edge. 

I seek guidance and understanding in the sport, there are many good trainers in my area, but recovery time for the root canal is 2-3 months.

Wow... I just completely changed the topic


Sunsilver

by Sunsilver on 30 April 2008 - 04:04

Good for you, Two Moons. I have a friend with a beagle that is severely allergic, and it turns out his father has allergy problems as well. The problem is so bad, the owner has nearly lost him twice to allergic reactions, and once to an adrenal system meltdown!

I wouldn't wish this problem on anyone...owner OR dog!


by carebear on 30 April 2008 - 05:04

Hi I sent you a private mail yes it was Atopica and no problems with Keflex (cephalexin). 


Rezkat5

by Rezkat5 on 30 April 2008 - 06:04

Atopica is wonderful for bad allergies, though very pricey.  It's way better than keeping the poor dog on steroids for it's entire life. 






 


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