:( :( :( We didn't find out...:(

:( :( :( The vet called today, and the other alergy test didn't show what Jasper is alergic to :(

I spent all my birthday money, hoping this would be it, and we'd find out, but no :(

I feel so bad, I feel like Im a horrible fur-mom because I can't fix him!! I don't know what's wrong with my baby and it's driving me crazy!!!:( :mad: :(

They said he could go on alergy pills, but they'll shorten his life because they are really bad for his liver :(

I don't even know where to go from here, I am so depressed and angry because I hate not knowing what I can do to help him :(

Oh no. :((
{{{{{HUGS}}}}} Robyn.
I don't know what to say. I feel terrible for you. Don't blame yourself for this. You never wished for him to have such a thing, so it's not your fault. You're doing the best you can, and that's what matters.


{{{more hugs}} to you and to Jasper.

Oh Robyn, you can't blame yourself. :( I'm hoping and praying that Jasper will be alright. Your constant love and care for Jasper is what matters to him most.

What do you feed him now?

Are there not sucessive tests that the vet can do? Or is there a dermatologist that your vet can recommend? I don't know if it's ever been done before, but, I know I'd donate ten bucks (I know that's not a lot) to help with Jasper's testing if that's what the problem is, maybe we could help out or something. That sucks that those tests didn't find anything. :( Don't blame yourself, though, there's nothing you could have done to prevent this.

Thanks Kay {{{{Hugs}}}} :)

And Thanks Liana...Im trying not to blame myself but I hate not being able to do anything

Karen, Im feeding him Wellness fish and sweet potato

Quote:

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Originally posted by DogLover9501

Im feeding him Wellness fish and sweet potato

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How long have you been feeding it for? Sometimes it takes awhile for a new food to show it's effects on a dog's skin and coat.

guster girl, sorry I think we were posting at the same time! I have asked about things like that, but none of it's available here. The vet told me we could bring him to P.E.I(Prince Edward Island) to get lots of better tests, but we cannot afford to go to P.E.I, so I have no idea where to go from here :(

Thanks

Robyn, I was really hoping your problem with Jasper would be solved. ((((HUGS)))) Sweet Robyn, like Kay said you are doing the best you can, and that really counts for a lot. Taking care of the pet you love, and we really love you for the love you show Jasper. Your a very good pet mommy, so don't be so down. You will find the right thing that works for Jasper.

We are all praying that you find the best solution, and soon. Jasper looks to be very well cared for and very happy! Why? Because he has somebody that is willing to go to the ends of the earth for him!

Willie

Quote:

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Originally posted by Shelteez2
How long have you been feeding it for? Sometimes it takes awhile for a new food to show it's effects on a dog's skin and coat.

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The problem is my grandparents AND my mom, my grandparents live in the same house--upstairs, they feed him other things, lots of things, either on the sly or when Im not around, thinking hes always hungry(being a growing puppy, that is what he acts like), I really "went off" on my mom, telling her she's only making it harder on him, and also told my grandparents that if they don't stop giving him food he is not going to be allowed upstaits, which my pop would hate(because he just adores Jasper, and sometimes reminds me that he hasn't seen Jasper yet today!)

Thanks Willie {{{Hugs}}}, wow everyone is posting at the same time today :eek: I am just scared that we're going to run out of options, and my parents will hold that "we can't buy anything, all our money is going into the dog" thing over my head for the rest of my life :(

I am really trying to help with all this, I am willing to return my camera to pay for his things, was willing to give up the camera to pay for his things in the first place.

I also babysit almost all week long and am still looking for another job to go with it!

Bleh :(

I'm sorry the tests didn't give you any answers.

One of mine has allergies. We've never been able to determine what it's to and my vet can't do any testing. Sleet's skin turns black in spots and she get extremely itchy. So she scratches and makes big sores mostly on her belly and front paws. When the itching gets really bad, my vet gives her a shot of Depro-Medrol. It's a steriod, basically a milder version of prednisone. It doesn't address the allgery, but it does knock out the symptoms for several months. Prednisone did nasty things to Sleet's personality. She stays her usual sweet self on this drug and gets to be comfortable as well. Might be something to ask about anyway? (oh, and it's relatively cheap--Sleet gets a couple shots a year at abotu 30 bucks a pop.)

I know this is a strange thing to say, and, I don't know how often this actually happens, but, I do know I've seen things like this on Animal Planet. Where a person with a bad situation goes to a few local television and radio stations and they end up on the news, and, people donate money and time and services and all sorts of stuff to help out. It's a lofty aspiration, and, probably unlikely, but, it does happen. How much would it cost just to send Jasper to Prince Edward Island (which, by the way, I've always wanted to go there because of Anne of Green Gables!)? Maybe he could be boarded there while the tests were being done? Is there anyone on here that could do a transport to get him from point a to point b? Just brainstorming, I just don't want to leave any possible options ignored.

Have you contacted his breeder and asked how his siblings were faring? Did his parents or grandparents have any allergies? I'm sorry, I've not really been following Jasper's story, so, these may have already been asked and answered!

Maybe you can contact one of the specialists in PEI and ask about payment plans? You could even try arranging to have him transported with rescue dogs from various rescues. I know around here, it's not uncommon to see dogs (already with homes) in the same transport with rescue dogs to get somewhere they really need to go.

Have you looked into home cooking? Even temporarily, it might help you pin point what he's allergic to. A lot of raw feeders only feed one meat in the beginning and slowly introduce new foods one at a time just in case the dog doesn't react well to a certain food.

Don't feel bad Robyn! Sometimes, we just get unlucky. You're still a good dog mommy. Kaedyn's been getting really itchy lately and I suspect it has to do with food allergies. I'm in the same position as you. I can't afford testing which makes me feel bad but remember that you're trying your hardest and will eventually find something that will help out your dog!

Perhaps you could buy a box of treats that are okay for him - lamb and rice are sometimes safe for itchy dogs, and give a bag pf biscuits to each grandparent for when Jasper's begging. Or, if he'll eat carrots, buy a bag of baby carrots for them each to keep around.

From what I have heard, a lot of dog allergies are due to grains, how long has he been on the food he's currently on? Limiting his food sources will do a lot to help eliminate his allergies - or at least pin down what they might be!

And I know you cannot answer this, but how come they make over-the-counter allergy medication for humans that doesn't cause liver damage in a life-shortening way, but cannot do it for dogs?

I think the suggestion of contacting his breeder is a good one - I know MY allergies are in a great part inherited, maybe his are, too.

And, it's for sure something in the food? Could it be something as mundane as grass? My friend's chihuahua was allergic to grass! She indoor litter trained him and he was fine after that. But, he was little, too. I know dogs that have allergies respond really well when switched to the raw diet, but, people are understandably nervous about that switch, but, it is an option. And, are you involved with any boxer chat forums? Maybe someone out there has a similar situation? Couldn't hurt to join a couple and post pictures along with questions....

You know, guster girl, come to think of it, I used to have a spitz that was allergic to carpet! So there is a good chance that it is something besides the food.

Something to think about though..

So sorry you didn't find out what causing Jaspers itching. You're a good "mom" or you wouldn't be trying all this for Jasper. Don't give up, there has to be an answer.Looks like you're getting a lot of suggestions from other posters and I'm sorry I have no new ones to offer, but I will keep you and Jasper in my thoughts and prayers.

Quote:

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Originally posted by guster girl
Have you contacted his breeder and asked how his siblings were faring? Did his parents or grandparents have any allergies? I'm sorry, I've not really been following Jasper's story, so, these may have already been asked and answered!

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Yes, I have asked her, TWO puppies in the last FOUR years had alergies, and no his parents, sibling(he only had one sister) or other family members did not have any.

Quote:

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Originally posted by binka_nugget
Maybe you can contact one of the specialists in PEI and ask about payment plans? You could even try arranging to have him transported with rescue dogs from various rescues. I know around here, it's not uncommon to see dogs (already with homes) in the same transport with rescue dogs to get somewhere they really need to go.

Have you looked into home cooking? Even temporarily, it might help you pin point what he's allergic to. A lot of raw feeders only feed one meat in the beginning and slowly introduce new foods one at a time just in case the dog doesn't react well to a certain food.

Don't feel bad Robyn! Sometimes, we just get unlucky. You're still a good dog mommy. Kaedyn's been getting really itchy lately and I suspect it has to do with food allergies. I'm in the same position as you. I can't afford testing which makes me feel bad but remember that you're trying your hardest and will eventually find something that will help out your dog!

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I will try to find out about the PEI stuff, and will also try to find out about home cooking/raw diet, I wanted to find out about raw diets before and asked my vet, but she didn't tell me anything except she was against it.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Karen
Perhaps you could buy a box of treats that are okay for him - lamb and rice are sometimes safe for itchy dogs, and give a bag pf biscuits to each grandparent for when Jasper's begging. Or, if he'll eat carrots, buy a bag of baby carrots for them each to keep around.

From what I have heard, a lot of dog allergies are due to grains, how long has he been on the food he's currently on? Limiting his food sources will do a lot to help eliminate his allergies - or at least pin down what they might be!

And I know you cannot answer this, but how come they make over-the-counter allergy medication for humans that doesn't cause liver damage in a life-shortening way, but cannot do it for dogs?

I think the suggestion of contacting his breeder is a good one - I know MY allergies are in a great part inherited, maybe his are, too.

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My grandparents still give him other things, left-overs, their food, CANDY..anything, my pops convinced that hes always hungry just because he'll eat anything :rolleyes:

And I think it's stupid that the alergy pills are really bad for their liver, it doesn't seem like they try hard enough!

Quote:

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Originally posted by guster girl
And, it's for sure something in the food? Could it be something as mundane as grass? My friend's chihuahua was allergic to grass! She indoor litter trained him and he was fine after that. But, he was little, too. I know dogs that have allergies respond really well when switched to the raw diet, but, people are understandably nervous about that switch, but, it is an option. And, are you involved with any boxer chat forums? Maybe someone out there has a similar situation? Couldn't hurt to join a couple and post pictures along with questions....

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Before this food alergy test, Jasper had an environment alergy test, that tests 48 things in the environment(grass, dust, carpet..etc) and was also all negitive as well.

I'm so sorry to hear about your frustration and difficulty in all of this. Poor Jasper :(. I wish I knew more to suggest, but I really don't. I know my Willie had a flea allergy, he used to get fleas in Missouri and get horrible raw wounds on him from their bites and then he wouldn't leave them alone.

Then Advantage came out and we got a lot of relief from that, and then I moved to Minnesota where I never have had problems with fleas since.

I remember how horribly frustrating it was though and how miserable it was for Willie. I truly hope you are able to find a solution for Jasper.

Oh Jasper, i am so sorry to know about your allergies problem.
I hope they will find a way to help you.

Sincerely

Rosana
and
Rex

Oh Robyn i was hoping so much that the test results would come back with something. You are a fine Dog Mama and are doing a great job raising Jasper.

I will have a talk to my Boxer friends and see what they have used for allergies in the past and will get back to you as soon as possible.

{{{Hugs to both you and Jasper}}}

Jessica-We tried many things, after food trials didn't work, the vet did several skin scrapes and tested all kinds of skin diseases, and he also gets a pill every month for fleas, and all kinds of worms.

Rhiannon-Thanks, I hope someone can help, I am also going to join some boxer groups, and am already part of a boxer forum.

{{{Hugs}}} Also the hugs were given to Jasper ;)

This is so weird!!! I hope they find whatever it is soon.. Those pictures of Jasper looked awful!! He's still a cutie though. :)

The vet was talking to the person in toronto, the lab that they sent his blood to, and that person thinks it may not be alergies($350 later :p) So now they think it could have something to do with his skin, and a few things that boxers are prone to that has to do with their skin(not really sure what yet) but I guess we're going to do more and more tests.

First they want to do a biopsy of his skin or something, Im not sure, but I will keep you all updated...my poor boy :(

Robyn, Arthur and I are sending you both GREAT BIG hugs and puppy kisses!! (the puppy kisses are from Arthur, not me. :) )

I'm so sorry to hear you're going thru all of this. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. If you only knew what he was alergic to. It's the not knowing which is worse than anything I think. :( Your grandparents are starting to tick me off I'm sorry to say. You're being a lot nicer than I would. I'd be marching up there and really going off on them! And I'd hit them where it's hurts too... "You could be killing him! Then it'll be on YOUR conscience!" But then, I'm kinda vindictive like that... :D Lord knows Arthur would eat everything in the fridge if I let him. It doesn't mean he's hungry, it just means he's a puppy. I'm just sorry you have to go through all of this.

I hope you can find some way to get Jasper to PEI and to the right vet. If I lived closer I'd be totally willing to help you out. Who was it that suggested some of the PTers offer help? That might not be a bad idea. I'm sure we could get something organised, if someone wanted to. We could open a PayPal account or something, ask for donations then get a check and send it to you to help with transport and vet bills. I'd be willing to help out with that too, definitely.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, and I'll light a candle with a thought for Jasper and hope for health. Hang in there, kiddo! We're all right behind ya!

I'm sorry all the testing didn't turn anything up. How frusterating.

I hope they can figure something out for poor Jasper. Poor baby :)


What allergy pills were they giving himthat would cause liver problems? We have always used human pills, as recommened by two different vets. Benedryl and Clairitin are both safe for dogs and do not have any negative effects.

I know you said they think it may not be allergies, so that might not matter, butif you are treating as it is, you may talk to your vet about one of those drugs as an option.

heinz57_79- Thanks {{Hugs}} and awww puppy kisses from Arthur! I love that guy ;) Im not sure how I would feel about asking PTers to help out:o

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Originally posted by Cincy'sMom
What allergy pills were they giving himthat would cause liver problems? We have always used human pills, as recommened by two different vets. Benedryl and Clairitin are both safe for dogs and do not have any negative effects.

I know you said they think it may not be allergies, so that might not matter, butif you are treating as it is, you may talk to your vet about one of those drugs as an option.

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You have helped me tons before! You are the reason I asked them about the shots and about those tests, I just wished it would show something :(

I have said about 2-3 weeks ago, that if it was alergies I think he would only scratch whenever he was fed other things, not constantly, even days when he wouldnt eat his food or all night, something wouldn't be in his system forever, making him scratch all the time, so I was also thinking it was something else making him so itchy.

Right now they are talking about putting him on stronger anti-biotics, since the last ones did nothing, they want to clear up his sores.

They were also talking about a thing that I could bath him in, but they said it could cause brain damage :eek: :confused: how could a bath do that?!?!

I think the biopsy is going to cost about $200, so with babysitting money that would usually take a month(Only get paid $50 a week, never babysit for family :rolleyes: ) But I owe my mom for the $84 she put with the last test...

So he may not be able to get anything else done until next month sometime :(

I am also hoping to switch him to a raw diet, but if its not alergies I may not have anything to pin point, arrrrr I really hate all this :( atleast before I *THOUGHT* I atleast knew it was alergies, now I know nothing, I have absolutely no idea whats wrong with my baby :(

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Originally posted by DogLover9501

They were also talking about a thing that I could bath him in, but they said it could cause brain damage :eek: :confused: how could a bath do that?!?!

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A bath that could cause brain damage? Sounds awful|!!

Weuse a shampoo called Keratolux for Cincy and that has helped her tons. My mom uses one called Malaseb for her Airedale's skin problems and that has worked well for him. Maybe you could ask your vet if either of those are available?

How the heck could a bath cause brain damage??? That just doesn't sound right. That would be like telling someone they couldn't use a type of soap because it could cause a heart attack or something. :rolleyes: There are lots of allergy/relief shampoos out there, so I'd ask your vet if any of them could provide at least temporary relief.

Keep us posted!!

Ugh I feel so bad! I wish there were some way I could help, especially since Im sure my dad (he is a veterinary dermatologist for those of you who dont know) would be able to tell you what is wrong with Jasper. :(

You should have your parents read this info..

The "allergy" medicide you are giving him is probably prednisone or some other steroid. It stops itching and relieves allergies wonderfully, but over a long period of time can be extremely harmful and destroy the liver as you said. Steroids also increase the dogs appetite and thrist and causes them to gain a ton of weight. Steroids should be avoided at all costs and should always be used in the lowest dose possible. And if the dog has to be on them, it should have a bloodtest done every so often to check the liver. There are other medications to help allergies such as antihistimines (like Benadryl or Hydroxyzine), and a drug called cyclosporin (also called Atopica). You should definately ask your vet about cyclosporin. Or have them ask a dermatologist about it. It works like steroids but with none of the harmful long term affects that steroids have. But it is only for inhalent (pollen, dust, etc) allergies.

The inhalent allergy test he had (to test for allergies to grass, dust, etc), was it a blood test? Because as I said in a previous post, allergy blood tests are very inaccurate. So even though it said he was negative, this may not be true.

Also, when doing a food trial it is imperative to make sure the dog ONLY gets the food that is being tested. (Which foods have you tried by the way? There are special diets only vets can get that you should be using to test, such as Hill's Z/D, Eukanuba K/O, or Purina L/B, not just something from a petstore like avoderm or some random lamb & rice formula.) It is frustrating I am sure to have other family members giving him snacks, but theres no way for you to know if he has food allergies or not if they are giving him treats. You or your vet need to make it clear to them that he must NOT receive anything extra (this includes bones, rawhide and flavored toys) while on a food trial. Also, some dogs are actually allergic to animal protein and need a vegetarian diet. But that is not very common.

I have no idea what bath would cause brain damage, that is just weird.

And yes, allergies are hereditary.

You should definately ask your vet to consult with a dermatologist. Maybe even before doing the biospy because it may be unnessecary.

Dont know if I have given you this link yet or not but here:
http://www.acvd.org/public/findaderm/international.htm
There are 6 dermatologists listed in Canada.

Good luck, dont stop trying, and dont make yourself feel bad! Definately consider seeking out a dermatologist if at all possible, (or at least ask your vet to consult with one!!) because you will save money in the long run, I guarentee it! There may be something your vet is missing, or diagnosing wrong simply because they dont have the experience that a specialist has. It isnt their fault, but you might be spending money for things you dont need. A dermatologist will be able to pinpoint what is wrong right away (whether it is allergies or not) and it will save you from frequent visits to your regular vet and from unneccesary tests and treatment. (Believe me, I see the same situation everyday at work).

Be sure to share this info I gave you with your parents as well. I really hope you figure things out soon, I am sorry you have been having so much trouble. :( Keep us posted.

I don't think we have a dermatologist around here!

Also, like I said, now they are saying it's not alergies, and I sort of agree, but I thought that way before they did, so maybe we could have skipped all the alergy testing.

See, I thought this because, dogs with alergies, get itchy when they are around whatever they are alergic to(if its dust, carpet..etc) or if its food, they get itchy when it's in their systems.

But, for Jasper to scratch ALL night, ALL day, outside, inside, days when he doesnt feel like eating until the evening(which would mean no food was in his system the entire morning), and just all the time, I would think alergies would be different, so I am also thinking it's his skin.