Inhalant Allergies/Atopic Dermatitis

scientistescientiste
edited August 2008 in Food, Nutrition, & Health
Looks like Tsuki is suffering from an inhalant allergy - at this point I am praying that its seasonal, considering it picked up so much in the month of August (the foster told me she had no symptoms at her house, Im not sure if she's lying or not).

I know that steroids are acceptable for treating seasonal allergies, and that allergy testing must be done for year-around, followed by desensitization shots - anyone have an idea of the ballpark cost for this? Should I start eating ramen?

Poor Tsuki, with her adorable face, and AMAZING temperment (I literally can just put her meds on her tongue with some peanut butter!!) - now I know why she was passed around til the age of four. I can't believe she hasn't ever been treated for this D:

Thanks!

Comments

  • sunyatasunyata
    edited November -1
    Aww... Poor Tsuki. I am glad she now has a home that will help her with her issues. And I am glad you have a diagnosis! Keep us updated on how she is.
  • tsukitsunetsukitsune
    edited November -1
    now you know what it is! that is excellent!
    Did the tell you what inhalant it was? I had a foster that was allergic to dust and mildew, but I know that it can be anything like tree, weed or grass pollen, mold, etc.
    I'm sure treatment is NOT cheap - but there are pet insurance plans. I thought they were bogus but with 3+ dogs, I think it has been a lifesaver for us! Maybe you should look into that while she has to undergo treatment?

    I'm allergic to ragweed, and I'm only really affected in the early spring/early fall, I feel her pain! Poor Tsuki... keep us updated! I can't wait to hear about her improvements!
  • kwyldkwyld
    edited August 2008
    Pet insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, and I think since she's already been diagnosed they would consider it pre-existing? :( A vial of allergens usually lasts roughly 4-8 months maybe, depending on how often you have to give the shots, whether is be once every few days or once every few weeks. The testing itself is pretty expensive, are you taking her to a dermatologist or her regular vet?
  • scientistescientiste
    edited November -1
    We haven't gone to the dermatologist yet - this is just what its looking like, no formal diagnosis yet. Either way, if I were to sign up for insurance, Id have to pry and ask specific questions about what relating to allergies is covered, Im not sure if it would work/be worth it.

    They put her on steroids for a month, on chance that it is seasonal. They are a tapering dose, and once they wear off, if the itching returns I guess I can assume its not seasonal ):

    I understand the testing can be up to $300 - but Im worried about the upkeep cost of the shots. Im just really upset that the foster didnt fully disclose this, she said that Tsuki had no symptoms at her home, when she obviously did because of the scarring.
  • tsukitsunetsukitsune
    edited November -1
    yeah thats a pretty low blow on the foster and the rescue's behalf, when they expect you to be a forever home, you should be aware of what you are getting into.
    But despite all of that, you are with her now and getting her the help she's been denied. That is awesome of you Janaki, it really is.
  • kwyldkwyld
    edited August 2008
    To get to the bottom of everything and treat it correctly and efficiently, don't be afraid to ask your vet for a referral to a dermatologist. They usually get right to the point and diagnose and treat very quickly. But it sounds like your vet is on the right track though, good luck with her!
  • scientistescientiste
    edited August 2008
    Thanks Jen! Thats what keeps me focused - knowing that I'm the final stop on her pretty rocky journey. I can cut back on things - maybe I should return my Dyson vacuum haha - I bought it to help with the dust that could be harming her!
  • dlrobertsdlroberts
    edited November -1
    Janaki, I know your pain. I don't have much to offer on the cost of allergy upkeep, but I can tell you that in my experience continuing to see a regular vet for Lucy's problems was throwing money down the drain. I completely trust her regular vet, but there are certain things she just doesn't see on a daily basis. If you take Tsuki to a specialist who has seen her problem hundreds if not thousands of times during their career, you will get a much more efficient treatment. In the short run, it may be more expensive. But over time you will more than make up for it. If you can't afford it directly, consider carecredit. I would suggest insurance (as I have it for both my dogs) but I can almost guarantee they will consider her problems a preexisting condition and not cover them. I'm still fighting it, but for now I got hosed on that with Lucy.

    I hope for both your sakes that the steroids do the trick. But, prescribing steroids without a concrete diagnosis is a bit unprofessional in my opinion. In fact, getting to the point where we decided it was time to try Lucy on steroids is what made me decide to take her to a specialist. If I had made that decision a few months earlier I would have saved myself a LOT of money.

    Good luck and keep us updated on her progress!
  • StaticNfuzzStaticNfuzz
    edited November -1
    Janakai I would take Tsuki to a veterinary dermatologist. They will get to the issues much much more quickly. Continued steroid option is best for pets who have allergic symptoms less than four months out of a year. Therefore if it is chronic, you will need an alternative plan from the dermatologist. Steroids can only be used in small doses without some side effects. It should only be used for short durations for dog that can actually tolerate the meds. Some dogs do not do very well on steroids even in the smallest doses. (I have one who becomes very ill on any steroid meds so we had to go with a multiple step plan by a vet dermatologist). A good vet dermatologist will be able to treat more effectively and I would not wait for a further progression. There are some dogs that rub their faces so much they will actually perm.damage their nose, eyes ducts and corneas if things are left untreated. It is just awful to watch and nerve wracking to be around, especially at night when some some of the worst scarring is done. When dogs are active outside on walks and playing or even at the vets during a vist they don't scratch as much, but when alone or resting it can get pretty bad with rubbing and scratching on furniture, wood, concrete and carpet borrowing. If the damage goes on too long the under hairs sometimes do not grow back fully on areas under the eyes, tips of ears or feet or where the skin is thinnest.

    There is more than one option if allergy shots and steroid use is out of the question. Talk to the pet allergist. The initial work up is will be the majority of the cost and after that the $ levels out for treatment once the dog's flair ups are controlled and its body back in balance. It really is worth the advice of an expert in this type of specialty treatment.

    Good Luck!
    Snf
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