Hi , just wanted to say a BIG Thanks for the info on yorktest and quistel.
I have just had molly tested today, for all allergies , and would not have gone down that route only for your advice tohme, my vet has put me off testing for the past two years even although I am insured.
It will be fantastic to know what Molly is actually allergic to in food, food trials, are awful especially, when you think that your dog is suffering from both atopic and food, its impossible to tell what is causing the scratching, you become paranoid;;; I will also be taking Barney on monday to be food tested, he is doing great on the atopica for atopic allergies, but I want to rule out food,  we did food trials with him off and on for two years; (to think a test could have told me) I was led to believe they injected the allergens into the dog, to see how he reacted, I could not do this to Barney becasue of his reaction to his Booster) I will keep you posted as to how they both get on. Also Quistel shampoo has given them great relief from scratching, especially Barney, it has meant that I can cut his dosage of atopica to one very other day, fingers crossed, no other shampoo, that I have used in the past has helped, allermyl, oatmeal, and so on. Molly at the moment is on atarax, fishoils vit e, and a couple of other supplements that were recommended.
Thanks again to everyone who has helped me regards eleanor

Please keep us informed as to the test results; if it comes back with definite answers it will help your dog to eliminate these things from his diet; after all the dog's welfare is all important.  Cannot understand why your vet did not want to explore this route....................

Hi Eleanor
I replied on your earlier post offering advise but have just seen this. Well done for going for the test it's so much easier. One vet that I went to did say the only solution was to inject the allergens etc but another just took a blood sample and I found out from the lab in a few days that she was allergic to dust mites.

I'd like to know what is Atarax and also Atopica??

Thanks

Jo

Hi Jo,  how is your dog doing now, what method of treatment are you using, for the dust mite allergy ?
Atarax, is a antihistamine . Atopica is just a new drug that came on the market this year for dogs, it is for dogs with severe atopic allergies, it  is not as bad a steroids, but does have some side affects, it contains ciclosporin, , it has made a major difference to Barney, he has had a terrible time for the past two years, with no respite from itching day and night all year long, he started this 10 weeks ago, and hopefull we will be able to get the dose down to a minium.  If you do a goolge search, on atopica by novaris, it explains it better than I can, they see it as major break through for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, my vet has used it on 6 dogs and it has been successful with all of them, barney has not suffered from any of the side affects mentioned. It can be expensive depending on the weight of your dog (how much you need), you start on a daily dose for 6-8wks, then reduce it down slowly, hopefully, that they may only need one or two capsules per week, in the summer months, so the cost will be reduced then. regards eleanor

Hi Eleanor
glad the quistel has made the dogs more comfortable...
Archer

Hi Eleanor
Thanks for your reply. I'm using Piriton, alfalfa, fish oil and vitamin c. I have also sprayed the house with a dust mite spray. She is still very itchy though. It depends from day to day how bad she is but she's always licking her feet and scratcing her stomache and her ears.

Would I just go to the chemist and ask for Atarax??, also how do I go about getting the Atpoica, do I just need to speak to my vet about it??

Any advise on helping my poor little Bichon would be great.

Thanks again

Jo

Hi Jo, You have to get atarax from the vets, you do not need to see the vet, if he has been dealing with your dogs allergies, you telephone and say you would like to try another antihistamine,  that piriton is not working, the atarax is only £3.00 you do not need to pay £15.00 consultation. Some vets don't charge for seing the dog for the same illness. Atopica you would have to see your vet, the cost of the treatment depends on the weight of your dog, mine is 10kilos roughly, the atopica is 20x50grms £55.00 , they also do a 25mg size its about half the price, again the dogs only on the full dose for 8wks then you start to reduce it, its only for atopic allergies, it would not help with food allergies, have you done food allergy testing ?  Also its not a cure,  its a step between antihistamines and steroids. I also read that antihistamines, need to be given at regular intervals, how often do you give them ?
hope this helps eleanor p.s. where does she sleep what type of bed ?

Hi Eleanor
Thanks for the infomation. I'll call the vet tomorrow. I give her 2 Piriton at night with her tea. Also she sleeps on my bed which I know is the worse thing to do. It's very hard as she slept in her last owners bed and she's very clingy to me.

I'll try the Atarax and see how we go.

Thanks

Jo