Got Oscars Allergy results. Serum Questions

[AskumsDad]

I'm really glad you posted this thread. Our boy has enviromental allergies, and to learn that injections can be given really surprised me. Askum takes steroids for allergies. Our vet didn't want to put him on them because of his age ( 15 months ) but never mentioned the option of an injection. Sounds to me this would be a better route to take. The frequency in urination on the steroids is unbelievable and the mood swings .... welllllll there mood swings ( LOL ). I guess I'll be calling the vet today and asking why this wasn't suggested to me. I'm sure you'll make the right choice. and hey, we all do whatever it takes to make our babies happy.

Big Slurps from Askum

 

[elbykitty]

Askumsdad. Of what I understand the shots are a small amount of the allergen. This is supposed to desensitise their bodies to the allergen. It starts out with 2 shots a week and then once a week and then once a month for maintenance. But I have heard that it doesn't always work, but when it does it is wonderful. And the alternative seems much worse with steriods on such a young dog. Which my vet is highly opposed to since Oscar is not even 2 yet and steriods can cause other health issues. Let me know how it goes after you talk to your vet. Of what I understand this is a new therapy for dogs but been around for years for people. If your vet is not aware of it then you may have to do some research for a lab that does it. I went through my vet but allergy testing and serum comes from Spectrum labs. I am not sure if it is the same here as in Canada. Good luck and big kisses from Oscar and Lilly

 

[Ronin1]

I myself get allergy shots and they're really no big deal Doggie allergy shots are just like people. The dosage increases with each shot you give. There is a build-up phase (once/twice a week) and then a maintanence phase, which is once a month. I was told by the allergist that it can take a few months of shots to see if they work for your dog. If it does turn out that the shots don't work, you at least do have the benefit of knowing exactly what your baby is allergic to and do your best in trying to avoid the things that bother them.

 

[Bobbarker]

I have heard it is a about fifty chance that serums will work, and often have better results when there are fewer allergins. But it still maybe worth it.
Another thig youmay consider is many hollistic vets try boosting their immune system. this has worked wonders for my boy.

 

[Cerberus2]

I stopped into my vet's yeaterday and asked about allergy testing prices. They quoted me "Around $500".

We have another appt. on Wednesday to see what our next step with regards the the food allergies will be.

 

[Cami]

I have never heard in my life that a dog could be allergic to CAT HAIR!
I was actually told by a vet that it was impossible......wow. Learn something new every day.
When I inquired about allergy testing for my girl I was told that it was mush more in depth than a simple blood test. They actually shave an area, usually on their sides and make a grid with a Sharpie pen. They inject certain possible allergens (common in dogs), into the small squares on the "grid" and then wait for reactions. No false negatives this way. You actually see a genuine reaction to whatever they are allergic to.
This is also how one of my cats was tested. It was far more expensive at that time for my at (early 90's) then $250, closer to a thousand.
We did injections every 3 days for 3 weeks, then once a week for 6 weeks and then once every other week for 3 months and then he didn't require any more and was allergy free for the remainder of his life.

 

[SILLY6PAK]

"...are apt to develop cancer at injection sites if they are used repeatedly. Some vets have even switched to giving vaccinations in the leg because if cancer does develop at injection sites, "Cerberus2

That is what my vet said but someone on this board said it is only the injection site of vaccinations not all injection sites.

I
They actually shave an area, usually on their sides and make a grid with a Sharpie pen. They inject certain possible allergens (common in dogs), into the small squares on the "grid" and then wait for reactions. No false negatives this way. .

That is how they did it to Jessie. I just had her tested last week. I too am worried about giving the shots. Jessie is a whimp. She just now recovering from the test trauma. She HATES me for making her wear a shirt. ( the 8 inches is half her body).
My reg vet wanted me to try steroids first but to me Prednisilone is a last resort.

 

[elbykitty]

Well I ordered the serum for Oscar. The vet will call me when they get it in and have me come in to show me how to do injections. So I have removed the allergens that I could like the jute rugs and now smoking outside. I already noticed a difference. I actually can see the whites in his eyes, I never knew that his face was so swollen I just thought that was the way he looked. THe food is not doing as well. He can not have the yogurt anymore and with the change in food the gas is killin everyone in the house. He has a rash on his chest that is still there, but his ears already look better. I think the smoke may have been a big trigger. Yes I understand the wimp factor. THat is my biggest fear since Oscar is the biggest whiney baby. Thanks

 

[Ronin1]

The doggie allergist I saw, did give me a prescription antihistamine (not steroids) that I could give Ronin if he really had a problem, so you might also ask about that. I never did need to use them, but at least I had them if need be. I'm glad to hear that these things you are doing are already making a difference for Oscar.

 

[gmacleod]

I have never heard in my life that a dog could be allergic to CAT HAIR!
I was actually told by a vet that it was impossible......wow. Learn something new every day.

Some time ago, there was a member here whose dog had the misfortune to be allergic to dog hair... LOL. Fortunately, only mildly.