Maisie had her blood test on Monday following episode of itchy skin and biting some of her fur off.  Still some itching and has been to see vet.  She is shaking and trembling most of the time now but vet says that this is part of the condition as in the allergy.  I don't really understand this.  He has prescribed steroids yet again which I have not yet started as I am really unhappy about using steroids.  Husband brought them home after vet saying that this is the only way to stop all these symptoms.  She has been to the vet three times since Thursday.  I am not happy as Maisie is not herself.  She is normally a very outgoing, over the top friendly dog and now she is quiet  - this is not her.  I don't know what to do and I am very worried.  Husband doesn't seem that worried - thinks I am worrying too much but I know something is not right.  He seems to think that if vet is not concerned neither should we be.  Could it be that she is simply miserable and depressed (she is prone to mood swings - not bad tempered just quiet moments). Please could somebody advise.

It sounds like Maisie is really feeling quite out of sorts. If she is anything like my last two dogs were, her skin will not only be really itchy, but also sore so it no wonder she appears miserable and withdrawn.

Steroids (usually prednisolone) are commonly used to treat allergic dogs whilst the cause and treatment are investigated. I can understand your concerns about using steroids, but I have used Prednisolone on two different dogs and it has been an absolute godsend. Whilst it is not ideal for them to be on steroids long term, I really would not worry about short term usage. At least if you tried her on them and saw an improvement in her demeanor, then you would know that it was the itching that was getting her down.

Hi Goldimad.  Thank you for your reply. 

I will do that then. If you don't mind me asking, what was wrong with your two dogs?

Both suffered from environmental allergies, one more so than the other. Initially we went along the autogenous vaccine route with both dogs, but that didn't prove very successful in either case.

Leia, the second dog was described by a leading dermatologist, as being one of the most allergic dogs she had ever come across.  She had to be fed a very restricted diet, as she was allergic to most food stuffs, was regularly bathed using Malaseb and treated with a low dose of prednisolone at the first signs of a flare up. It took us about 12 months to find a way to manage her condition, including working out what pollens were about at a particular time, and exercising her in the least hazardous areas, strictly controlling her diet and regularly treating both her and the house with Acclaim.

Allergies are a horrible thing. It's a bit of a viscious circle really, the itch comes first so they scratch, then they damage the skin, secondary infection sets in, and that makes them itch all the more. It wasn't easy, but we found a routine that worked for her and managed to keep her irritation/pain free, only having to resort to steroids occassionally.

Good luck and I hope Maisie's allergies prove to be something simple.

Have you thought about visiting a qualified homeopathic vet?  There are a few that are 'conventional' vets but are now trained homepaths.

I have a dog that was on steroids - there was no other choice apart from to lose her but she was also treated homeopathically and now she doesn't have the steroids.  I understand your concern as even the specialist of my dog sounded relieved know she is fine without the prednisolone.

I have used homeopathic remedies many times and have been plesantly surprised by the results!

Well having been to hell and back in the last two years with 'westie skin' I can tell you that prednisolone seems to us to be the least of our worries. Our boy had suddenly become allergic to just about everything including his own tears ! Atopica damn near poisoned him, antihistamines had no effect but we have him controlled on two half tablets of prednisolone per week and you would not know he has any problems. He used to shake in pain and discomfort and his feet broke down regularly. Whether he will have to be on the steroid long term we will have to wait and see but my view is a happy healthy dog now is worth any risk of problems later and if he could talk I am sure he would agree. Best of luck.

I understand how you feel about steroids,but just to tell you one of my dogs has been on steroids for about 3 years(not for an allergy though) the benefits out weigh the risks,you usually start on quite a high dose and then lower it gradually,which is what we did,the lower the dose you can get to, the better.this is a wonder drug to me,my poor girl was in so much pain with arthritis she came close to giving up.
The lower the dose also less side effects,there is always so much to worry about when they get ill,so go with it in the short term and see how your dog responds.
Ash.

Thank you all so much.  The little lady is now on steroids and showing a marked improvement.  Still not through the woods yet but getting much better.  I now feel cruel for denying her!  The vets tests should come through in up to two weeks from last Monday and they will try to work out a 'vaccination' for her allergy.  They are also suggesting more frequent use of malaseb but I am waiting for her to calm down before doing this.  She hates being washed.  She puts up with it bless her because she is so good - standing so still and passive but she doesn't stop shaking for up to an hour afterwards and she runs around the house getting cross with the world!  I'll keep you posted!xxx

Glad you have seen a marked improvement and well done for giving the Preds a go. IMHO I wouldn't delay bathing Maisie with Malaseb. It is probably that she has secondary infection in her skin, and the Malaseb will help treat this. In turn this will give her further relief from her pain and discomfort. Although she doesn't like being bathed, it really is essential to help clear the infection. At her worst, my GSD used to have to be bathed every day, although she hated it, it was an essential part of managing her skin problems.
Good luck and I hope you continue to make progress in learning how to manage Maise's allergies.