What do I do when my dog's allergy medication doesn't work?

[bullyhc]

My dog is suspected to have severe allergies (we are yet to be diagnosed with exactly what type), but the meds she is on don't give her any relief. At all. She has been on corticosteroids (cortisone /prednisone) and antibiotics on and off for 3 years, and is currently complimenting them with Atopica (2 months) but she's getting worse. The vets (yes, plural) are at a loss. I think it is an anxiety thing as well, but everyone thinks that I am crazy. We have been through every medicated/natural/home remedy shampoo, flea, tick and mange control, soothing creams, diet change, environment change etc available (everything we have tried for a minimum of 4 weeks) but nothing's working.
Here's a link to pics from her facebook page so you can see I'm not exaggerating when I say that it's severe. http://www.facebook.com/HelpLilyToGetOnB...tos_stream
Our (ex) vet said it's the worst case he's ever seen, and he's seen some bad cases. So what do I do now?
On a waiting list for the specialist, our appointment is next year. Looking for something to help in the meantime.

[Kee Kee 23]

Have you tried a dermatologist ? Did they do allergy testing ? A dermatologist should be able to pinpoint what he's allergic to.

[Xanney]

Grain-free diet. No wheat, rice, brewer yeast. Been there but it wasn't that severe, I feel so bad for her that it's gone on this long. Demodectic mites feed on the dog's blood sugar. Grains/carbohydrates raise the dog's blood sugar, were never part of her ancestors' diet. Eliminate the mites feeding ground. After two vets couldn't help my dog I spent months searching the internet and found this answer. I switched her to grain-free dog food, threw away chew bones, treats and vitamins that contained brewer yeast that were recommended by the vet. At four weeks most of her hair was growing back. At eight weeks all her hair was grown back.

[Del Mer]

Have they run the thyroid panel? screened for cancer?

[Painted Pony]

Do any of the vets you're using specialize in dermatology? Your dog's case does seem very severe, but after 3 years it seems implausible that none of the vets can diagnose her, yet continue to prescribe meds that apparently are doing nothing for her condition.

I would seek out a vet or even a veterinary clinic that specializes in dermatology - there are many. Just google one near where you live and give that a try.

ADD: A year for an appointment!? Try another dermatological specialist. There should be one that can see her soon.

[Sharad]

you can go to a animal doctor

[NewfieMom]

Has she been tested for auto-immune disease of the skin? It looks like she has blisters and crusty patches on her skin.

My dog was tested for contact allergies, he is highly allergic to grass (of all things) brewers yeast, and various plants, but his allergies affect his respiratory system, not his skin. I should add that while I know some allergies (esp. food allergies) affect the skin, I think this is something more than just allergies, you would have seen SOME improvement, somewhere down the line, with everything you have tried.

If I were you, I would email those photos of your dog to the specialist and politely ask if there is any way you can get in sooner. If I was the Vet Dermatologist, she would be in my office the next day. Poor Lily, my heart goes out to her.

Edited to add links - auto-immune disease of the skin:
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin...Gu2wmKGf3A

You should read up on allergy testing before you go:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...44&aid=504

[Thumper]

Every time that I hear about a dog being treated with steroids I shudder. Your dog's skin problems are most likely caused or aggravated by the use of steroids.

Many vets nowadays assume that pet owners just want to see their pets get better at all cost and prescribe steroids knowing the risks, especially if they are not sure about what the problem is. Steroids do not cure anything, they just mask the symptoms temporarily but the underlying cause remains.

Never, ever give steroids to your dog. If you do, you are setting yourself up for a long time of misery and huge health problems for your dog, including chronic skin issues.

As Dr. Karen Becker, DVM states - "Steroids (also called prednisone, cortisone or the nondescript “allergy shot”) are the least optimal treatment choice, as they work by suppressing your pet’s immune system. Not only can steroids have a negative effect on your pet’s liver, adrenal glands and kidneys, but suppressing your pet’s immune system with steroids also allows for opportunistic yeast and bacteria to grow on your pet’s skin..." Please read the information below: 'Steroids The Great Pretender - Even Low Steroid Doses Can Be Trouble'. http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/steroids.htm

For your dog's skin issues I recommend a powder called 'Flowers of Sulfur' (also known as 'brimstone' or 'sublime sulfur'). This substance has been used for thousands of years to cure all kinds of skin ailments and if there is itching, it will stop it very quickly. Among many other uses, it has been effectively used as a remedy for bacterial and fungal infections. Google it to learn more about its healing properties.

Even vets have forgotten about this wonderful and inexpensive remedy but fortunately you can still purchase it at your local pharmacy for very little money. You can also buy it online at http://www.pennherb.com/search?mp=s&se=F...hur+Powder

Flowers of sulfur is safe to apply to your pet's skin but take care not to inhale sulfur powder.

You can dust this powder on your dog's skin OR mix it with an oil to rub on the skin. I prefer the latter.

The dusting can easily be accomplished if you use a powdered sugar duster or an empty talcum powder bottle. Separate the hair as you go around dusting to expose the skin until you have covered it.

Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons of flower of sulfur with 1 cup of Jojoba oil and put it in a bottle. Always shake to mix well before applying to the skin as it tends to separate. You do not need to wear gloves as it is not toxic to humans either.