That's why, when we moved here and took him to the vet, we told them he was on Prednisone, and that we'd like to look into other treatment options. Once they found out he was on Prednisone, they just kept saying how BAD that was, and quite honestly, made me feel like a horrible pet parent. I was relieved when, after thoroughly checking him, one of the vets said that she didn't think any irreversible damage had been done, and that if we weened him off now, he would probably not have any complications from having been on the Prednisone.
We started a weening schedule, right a way, that took several months, and he also began taking a prescription antihistamine 3 times a day. I was so hopeful, and everything seemed to be going smoothly, until 4 days after he had completely weened off of the Prednisone. He started licking and chewing his paws, which is what he always does when his allergies are bothering him too badly. It has gotten so bad, that he will chew them until they bleed and sometimes he will even chew part of the paw pad off. Even upping the dosage of his antihistamine to 4 times a day, still didn't give him enough relief.
I also want to say that the Prednisone/antihistamine are not the only precautions we've taken either...I bathe him with hypo-allergenic shampoo, and wash ANYTHING (blankets, rugs, comforters, dog beds) that he lays on with ALL free and clear and Downy free. Recently, just in case it was a food allergy, we even switched him to a very strict, limited ingredient diet, and David purchased him some hydrocortisone shampoo. It breaks our hearts to see him suffer, and we are willing to do whatever is necessary to help him have relief.
So, last Saturday, David took Riley to a pet allergist. Riley had an ear infection, which we were aware of, and the vet also found bacteria on his tummy and yeast on his paws, all due to his allergies. We had been giving Riley ear drops for his ear infection, which the vet said to continue to do, he also gave him an antibiotic to help clear it up as well as the bacteria, and he suggested that we wipe his paws with baby wipes to help with the yeast. He also said that we should bathe him every 3-7 days and that the hydrocortisone shampoo that David ordered was perfect. Almost a week later, his ears, tummy, and paws all look much better.
The allergist believes that Riley's allergies are environmental, and not from food (although we are keeping him on a strict diet until we are 100% sure). He said that we have several treatment options: Prednisone, which is the cheapest but has the most side effects; another medication that is a little more expensive and has fewer side effects; or what David and he believe to be the best option, allergy shots, which will cost us $175 every six months, which may seem like a lot but is actually less than what we would be paying for his antihistamine (which isn't working) for the same amount of time. The best part about the allergy shots is that there is a 50/50 chance that Riley could be completely cured of his allergies after a couple of years!
Tomorrow morning, David is taking Riley back to the allergist. He will be sedated and will have allergy testing. The testing should show what he is allergic to, and will help the allergist to make the shots to treat Riley's specific allergies. I am praying that the sedation and testing go smoothly, and that we are able to begin the shots as soon as possible. I am praying that the shots will give Riley complete relief from his allergies, without any complications or side effects. I am even hoping and praying that within a couple of years, Riley will be completely cured of his allergies.
Please, please be praying for our sweet boy! Thank you so much!
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| Our sweet buddy, Riley |
Riley is home, but still drowsy. The tests showed that he is allergic to fleas (which the vet said we were doing a good job of treating), mosquitoes, and very allergic to moths?! He is also allergic to most grasses. We've already got the shots and will start giving them to him tomorrow. He said the studies show that most dogs start seeing a difference in 3-5 months. He said his poodle was getting better within a couple of weeks (but not to expect that).
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