The vet has now perscribed Atopica for Milos allergies as Steroids caused his suspected stomach ulcer to bleed as well as other problems.
She has also given me Antepsin for him to help his stomach and Zantac as apparently the Atopica can also irritate the stomach.
I was going to start all these tomorrow morning, but today milo has been looking anemic (sp) he gets this somethimes because of the suspected stomach ulcer.
So this afternoon I started the antepsin and Zantac to try and sooth his stomach before starting the Atopica in the morning.
Do you think I would be wise to hold off the Atopica in the morning in light of him looking anemic and speak to the vet first?
Also have you ever used itor do you use it? How good is it? have you ever had any bad side effects? i was just concerned as I read that one dog had fits on it.

Hi Bev

Atopica (cyclosporine) can cause upset tummies.   This drug was an option for Billy when he had AIHA but I opted to remain with Aziothroprine (sp) due to the side effects.  From what I have heard from other users you have to be very regimented on dosage times.

I have posted you a link - hope this helps.

http://www.buyatopica.co.uk/

Hello Bev,

Sorry to hear Milo is still having problems. I would research the Atopica very carefully as it can have some awful side effects. A lot of old threads come up if you do a Google sitesearch on here.

Hope he feels better soon x

Really sorry to hear about Milo's problems.

One of my dogs has allergies, and after exhaustive testing by a dermatologist, Atopica was prescribed. You do have to follow the directions carefully, especially when first using it as it can cause stomach upsets (particularly vomiting), but in our case by following the guidance of the dermatologist and the vet, this problem disappeared. You also need to ensure that you give it at least 2 hours before or after feeding as they need to have an emptier stomach. I give mine first thing in the morning, and confess that I cannot get him to swallow it unless I wrap it in a soft cheese triangle - this hasn't caused any problems.

We've been lucky in that he has suffered no other obvious side effects, and has blood checks done as well. He was first prescribed it 2 years ago at 1 capsule x 100mg as nothing else was working and he had scratched himself to bits and was suffering inflammed bald patches around his eyes, ears and tummy. I was also very concerned about giving it and read as much as possible, and asked questions until I must have driven both the dermatologist and vet mad, but in the end felt I had little choice if I was going to reduce his suffering. His allergies are worse in the autumn, winter and early spring, so late spring and summer we wean him off it (with the approval of my vet).

I have to say that his condition now is brilliant - in fact most people when they see him don't know he's got an allergy problem, and he is so much happier. However, with Milo's suspected stomach ulcer, like you I would want reassurance from your vet before giving it, and I would also want a referral to a dermatologist first if this hasn't already been done.

Good luck with Milo.

My dog has atopy and one of the few things I've found beneficial is Skin-Eze http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/acatalog/Skin.html#a1516 (you'll need to page down to find it).

Hope little Milo improves soon.

Just to close this thread and let you know Milo will not be taking the Atopica.
All will be explained on my new thread.
Thanks for your help and replies.