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

[Cincy'sMom]

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.

[DogLover9501]

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

[DogLover9501]

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.

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 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 ) 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

[Cincy'sMom]

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 how could a bath do that?!?!

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?

[heinz57_79]

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. 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!!

[veegan]

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.

[DogLover9501]

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.