Just wanted to share this info to anyone out there that has a dog with A.F.  I recently attended a GSD Research seminar that told us that using Atopica alongside this anti-biotic 'Doxycycline' works really well.  My boy has AF and is on Atopica daily but his bottom had become so sore I was wondering what we could do next for him.  He has a 6 weekly trip to the vets for a sedation and has his bottom and tail area shaved and washed.  This has been going on for a long time now and to be honest it has been so bad i thought his time was limited.  I asked my vet if we could try this anti-biotic to which he agreed.  The results are amazing and his bottom is looking almost normal. 

I know it may be short lived but had to share this just incase anyone else is in a similar situation. 

It has made my Christmas and can see how much more comfortable and happy Oscar is. :-)

That great news , long may it continue
xx

That's wonderful news for you.  Can you give me any more details of the seminar and who did the research.  I also have a GSD with AF and would like as much info as possible before going to my vet as he's bound to ask where it came from. 

Hi, the seminar was done by GSD Research.  If you require any further info you could contact Dorothy Cullum (www.cermar.co.uk) who is very knowledgeble in GSD's and is closely connected to the research.  She was very helpful to me when I contacted her and arranged for my dogs pedigree to be studied by the university to see if they can link this horrible disease genetically.  It seems to be possible that it is genetic and stress related.  How is your poor dog doing? What treatment have you tried?
Happy to pass on any advise I have picked up along the way if it helps atall.

That is wonderful. Thank you for sharing it, you never know when we might be able to help someone whose dog has this awful disease, just by your posting it.

Thanks Barking Mad I am really grateful for that and will contact Dorothy Cullum.  My boy was given Atopica but it didn't have any effect so he has now been on a mix of Steroids and antibiotics for a few years now and that is keeping it under control.  The downside of the that though is the long term use of steroids.  Like you I tried everything in an attempt to find the ellusive cure from Honey to swims in the sea water.  I even trimmed the hair from the base of his tail so I could see what was going on more easily.  Lets hope the cause of this awful disease is found sooner rather than later, and until that cause is found that people don't breed from infected dogs.  Good luck with your dog and I hope it keeps it under control.

My vet was not aware of this combo of Atopica and Doxycycline so it made me wonder how many other vets would not be too.  I think its important to have a relationship with your vet so you can make suggestions especially when they can see that we as owners have researched the disease.  I am very lucky as my vet is fab and we always discuss any treatments we undertake.  He knows I have a vet nurse background which helps.  I believe we should all look into any illnesses our dogs have and be as informed as possible. 

Just looked at his bottom and its still looking great, he will even let me put his cream on now without growling which he has not done for years. Will still continue with the regular bottom and tail area shave to keep the area hair free and clean.  He has just finished the course of doxy so will have to see what happens now, he may have to be on it forever but will cross that bridge....