TerrierTown General Forum Allergies  From:  Message: Zeus August 09 at 19:46 Allergies Wow I havent been on the site for a couple of years!! We moved just over a year ago, and we are almost settled in. The last time I posted a message, it was in regards to Zeus constantly liking his paws. And the vet said yes, it was allergy related. After we moved, on top of his intense paw licking, he developed large dry patches, that eventually turned to thick scabs. Which he itches the ones he can reach. And when the scabs appear, so do ear infections. Ive taken him to the vet everytime and the give him the same old 'steroid' pills along with antihistamine and oil caps. It bothered me everytime symptoms reoccured. I thought it had to do with the area we moved to. Different dirt, dust, etc. Everything occured after the move. So I took him to a doggy dermo for a skin biopsy. Which was helpful, but it wasnt. All they told me was that it was a food allergy and nothing else. Then came the task of trying to figure out what foods (chicken, beef, veal, etc.) I was almost 100% sure its chicken. The test trials of the food took FOREVER because he wouldnt eat new flavors too quickly. I believe I saw his itching reoccur on the chicken. Since I was not 100%, hes been on a vegaterian only food. Which he LOVES. Paw licking has never really stopped. Now 6 months later, the dry patches and thick scabs have come back, complete with out of control paw licking and I think his ear infection might be as well. I am bathing him in a special solution from the vet and also cleaning his ears daily. I seemed to of stopped it - not getting any worse, but not getting better. Other than his licking, scabs and ear picking - hes totally normal. He never really stopped his paw licking. EVERYTIME i took him back to the vet, I tried telling him that I think he licks his paws so much, because they are raw. Bright hot pink!! YEARS of licking 2 paws (allergy or not) has got to affect them some how, right??? The vet never agreed with me and always stuck him on the same ol' steroid, antihistamine, oil caps. Paw licking would greatly slow down, but never end. And now with the patches and scabs back, paw licking is bad. I need to take him back to the vet, but I already know whats going to happen. Has something like this occured with anyone elses baby? I see others saying they give a daily, over the counter human antihistamine. Would something daily prevent this from happening? Also - anyone ever try going to a different vet to get another opinion? I wouldnt be able to afford another skin biopsy, but taking him to a different vet to get their opinion, would be no problem. If anyone has taken their pride n joy to another vet for a second opinion, how did that turn out? Any opinion would be greatly appreciated. and sorry for causing your eyes to dry out by typing so much :) Checkers August 09 at 23:04 Re: Allergies Checkers is a licker. He licks his front feet all the time. They don't get worn out because he takes time to lick everything else. He loves to clean the floor fans now that we have them out and running. (just the other night at dinner we heard "zip", he stuck his tongue in too far) He goes around the kitchen everynight licking down all the counter doors and makes sure the floor in front of the stove his clean. When I vacuum he follows me around licking the legs of chairs like he's trying to help. When he settles into his bed at night he takes time to lick, lick, lick the pillow. He lays on the floor and licks the rug until it drives me nuts and I get him to stop. I think licking is more of a nervous habit he's gotten himself into. I think he uses it sometimes just to unwind his tightly wound little brain. He has given himself lick bumps on his front paws in the past. I wouldn't feel bad getting a second opinion. I've found in the past that their opinions can vary widely on some topics. Does Zues get alot of exercise and activity. Does he have a favorite toy or raw hide to keep him busy? Zeus August 13 at 17:41 Re: Allergies Zeus does not get the proper excersise that he deserves. My husband has been off of work, due to back surgery, which means ALOT of laying around. He (zeus) gets to go on a play date, once a week. Tires him out for atleast 2 days. I know that is not enough, but between me only working and coming home to tend to healing husband and house and doggy, thats about all the time we have at the moment. Dont get me wrong...we do go outside with him and play, but nothing like he needs. Yes he has specific "monkeys" that he has full access too. One for sleepy time and one to throw around the house. Along with ALOT of misc. chew toys, squeakys, etc. Regarding the licking - he doesnt lick anything else. Just his front paws, in between his pads. When I beg him to stop licking (trying to goto sleep and he licks his paws so intensely that he shakes the bed) he will do a "haha i can get one more lick in!" and like the sheets, just once. He really only licks his 2 paws. No furniture, walls, etc. I for sure am going to schedule an appointment with another vet. If it turns out, the other vet is correct - so be it!! Thank you very much for responding! I will let ya know what a new vet finds! Cap August 14 at 18:26 Re: Allergies Tell had severe allergies that developed when he was a puppy. It got so back that he was causing a lot of damage to his skin and was miserable by the time he was only six months old. He had bald places, scabs, raw skin that was beet red. We took him to our vet and he drew a blood sample and sent it to a lab for allergy testing. Tell was one of the worst cases ever, and they developed antigen for him (just like in people). He gets once a month injections now and is itch-free. He's been on them for five years. You can check out the lab at www.bmslab.com for more information. I know it has saved us a tremendous amount of money in the long run, Tell is much happier and looks great, and we got away from the awful side effects of the cortisone injections he was going to have to live on. They will test for everything, including food allergies, then you KNOW for sure what brands to buy. They give you a list of what is compatible with your dog's allergies. Best thing we could have done for Tell. Zeus August 15 at 01:07 Re: Allergies Thank you for the info about www.bmslab.com. I already signed up to have someone contact me!! We are SO excited to hear from them. I just woke Zeus up to tell him the good news! I cant believe we couldnt get this type of detailed information out of the last allergy tester who said they 'specialized' in allergy testing. And it was a well-known facility too! (U of M) Thank you again, I will update as soon as I know more! Cap August 15 at 11:36 Re: Allergies In going over Tell's list, we found that he was NOT allergic to cats, of all things! We had a laugh over that and told him he could have all the cats he wanted. He's such a goofy dog anyway, and I'm so glad we're able to keep him healthy. Patsy and Lily Belle August 16 at 22:20 Re: Allergies I have a westie with food allergies and she is on a prescription antihistamine daily and the vet put her on a special dog food for dogs with food allergies. I also got a second opinion from another vet which was really helpful. Lily Belle is doing much better now but I can't let her have chicken or beef or wheat which she is allergic to. Good Luck, Patsy and Lily Belle Charley September 24 at 15:08 Re: Allergies Both of my terriers had allergies... I finally took them off of the pet food found in regular stores after finding some better quality pet food. Their allergies went away. Here are some recommendations and websites so that you can learn about these foods: Wellness Charley September 24 at 15:09 Re: Allergies And here is another one: Solid Gold Charley September 24 at 15:11 Re: Allergies The food is more expensive, but you feed less and their stools are smaller (because they are actually digesting and utilizing the food, rather than it going straight through their digestive tract). My dogs, with firmer stools, no longer have anal gland problems, either. Their coats and health are much better. I hope you are able to find help for your fur-baby! It has to be one of the most frustrating things for a dog owner to go through; trying to figure out what their pet is allergic to. Teresa

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