allergy testing

[jennw]

We're finally at the point of allergy testing. After a year of rashes, fungal and bacterial infections, major fur loss all over his body and endless food trials, Jake is getting his testing next week.

It is extremely expensive, but is less in the long run than the monthly vet bills!

What should I expect with having to give him shots at home? Any good tips?

 

[petdoc]

From what I have seen how many shots will depend on how many things he is allergic to. Usually there are two vials one for environmental and household allergy and the other for outdoor allergy items. One shot from each vial or a total of two shots monthly.

 

[x19er]

What should I expect with having to give him shots at home? Any good tips?

Our vet recommended we give Dino some anti-histamine before his shots in case of a bad allergic reaction, so that's what we do and it makes him sleepy. So we started off giving him his injections (he gets 2, one for his pollen allergy and one for his cat allergy) when he is sleepy, one person to do the shot and the other to hold him - but now he's not bothered at all and will sit and let us put them in without moving a muscle. The trick is to stay as calm as possible, I know not easy to start with, but soon you'll both get the hang of it - good luck

 

[jennw]

x19er- how is the cat allergy shot working out? we also have a cat and I'm worried that Jake's allergies might be from that. Our cat is elderly and rehoming her is not an option.

 

[aaplunkett]

Dubby is on the Allercept program for his environmental/household allergies and I watch his food intake like a hawk since he has serious reactions to corn. What I noticed at first when giving the shots frequently (every 4 days) is that he developed a small rash (bout the size of a half dollar) at the injection site, but that was resolved when his shots went to every 20 days. It took him almost a year before his allergy issues were resolved (I think it was around 8-10 months).

 

[x19er]

x19er- how is the cat allergy shot working out? we also have a cat and I'm worried that Jake's allergies might be from that. Our cat is elderly and rehoming her is not an option.

We don't have a cat in the house - Dino's results came back saying he was allergic and there are cats that wander round the village where we live - so I can't honestly say if that is working or not. Dino had a much better summer on the shots that he had without then last year but he has had a horrible autumn of itchy feet, ears and scratching and we had to resort to a steroid injection. Having said that we have noticed that there are lots of bugs still going round our garden and he has been bitten which is not helping matters. Autumn coincides also with his shots stretching out to once a month so possibly this is too long without for him. I'm still happy we're giving them a go though - anything to try and makes his life happier is worth a go I reckon.

 

[jennw]

thanks for the replies! His test is tomorrow- I'm really hoping that we find out exactly what is going on! He looks awful.

 

[SILLY6PAK]

Jessie has three vials that we combine into one shot. At first Jes hated the shots but we are now to every two weeks and Jessie is fine with getting them. Our Dr. also suggested a benedryl pill ( I thought AFTER) in case of a reaction. We have never had to worry.

Our Dr. warned that results are often not immediate but with our dog it was. Jessie had a normal summer and fall. No itching, scabs, hair loss... I am thrilled we did it. Our regular vet wanted us to try pred pills first but I was not thrilled with all the side effects and I am so glad I listened to my gut.

Hope all goes well at the test. It is very interesting.

 

[jennw]

jake had his test today. he had a 4 out of 4 reaction on 53 out of 56 allergens!! Yikes!

His fungal infection is under control, but we're battling some skin infections that are causing his fur loss. His derm is confident that we'll have that under control soon and that the shots are going to make a big difference.

This is the best thing we've done for him- knowing exactly what is going on really helps! And, the shot I gave him in the office was a piece of cake.

 

[ScamperButt]

Yay for Jake! I am getting Molly scheduled for allergy testing this week. She's just miserable!