for dogs with allergies as severe as jaspers, benadryl will do nothing. most of our clients who come in and say pred is the only med thats ever help their dogs' allergies, also usually say no antihistamine has worked on their dog, esp not something as weak as benadryl.
"We did the blood test when Chester was a young dog, but just recently did the skin test and found that some of the things the blood test said he was allergic to, he isn't."
yes that is true. blood tests are pretty much a waste of time if you have access to a derm. but when blood tests are your only option, thats hard.
"..for her to say she's never seen allergies like his, is a bit odd. Allergies are probably the single most common problem vets see these days."
yeah it is a bit odd, but I know you said she has been trying different things, and since you did try testing for allergies and found nothing originally it was probably confusing. a lot of regular vets, to no fault of their own, dont know much about skin, esp compared to a derm whos specialty is skin. a lot of our clients come in for the first time and are amazed that we find an answer for them almost immediately, or at least know exactly how to get an answer.
I know its really hard for you to sit there knowing what needs to be done, but knowing you cant really do anything about it. I know youre doing the best you can, and love him dearly. $800 is a lot of money. but when you think about it, all these tests youve been doing with your regular vet, and all these meds youve been trying, and all the recheck visits youve been doing, and now talking about buying a couple hundred dollar air purifier that probably wont help anything, I mean if you go to a dermatologist who will be able to get you a clear, certain answer, right away, and a safe, effective treatment plan, you will save a lot of money in the long run! $800 right off the bat is hard to come by though I know. something you might want to keep in mind though also is its really just the initial visit that costs a lot. for most of our clients who get skin testing the initial visit runs around $450-$00 (USD). the skin test (where they actually inject different allergens under the skin) & the allergy vaccine are the most expensive things, but a skin test is a one time thing and the allergy vaccine lasts abour 6 months each time you order it (at least ours do). you could always just go to a derm and just have an exam done, and see what s/he suggests. or even get allergy testing done then too, but start the allergy vaccine injections later. that will help spread out the costs for you. If you are considering getting a 2nd opinion, you may as well have that 2nd opinion be from a dermatologist. another regular vet is just going to tell you everything yours already has.
anyhoo.. Im so sorry youve been struggling so much with this.youre doing the best you can. good luck with everything
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