Viewer Question Topic: Allergies
I noticed that someone else has contacted you regarding their boxer and
itching. We have had a similar problem. Our boxer (female) has been
itching on and off since we got her. THe vet has suggested that we put
her on lamb and rice - which we did right away. She doesn't get
ANYTHING else but her IAMs lamb and rice food as well as her IAMs
biscuits at night before bedtime - so I don't think it is a food
allergy. However, I am very concerned. Not only do her toes get red, but
her ears as well as her chest and armpits. She is constantly itching and
sometimes to the point of making herself bleed. We have started to give
her Dermcap with her meals - which appears to help a bit. Our vet wants
us to give her an allergy test - which she has advised will cost over
$250. She then said that the first treatment is another $250 and that
our dog would be on shots the rest of her life. I hate to do this to
her.
Do you know anything about this test - is it worth it. My husband and I
will spend just about anything on our dog so it is not the money
(however, I must say I do think it is a lot). I just want to make sure
that we are doing the right thing before we put her through the
treatments. Is this common with Boxers?
Hope you can help
Cali
Hi Cali,
I'm not sure if you read my previous article on "the poop" regarding allergies
in dogs. It deals with the RAST tests and it may give you more information. I
don't know how old your boxer is, but it seems to me that a thorough
dermatological exam and diagnostic workup is needed here, to get to the cause
of her itch.
You should ask your veterinarian to consider skin scrapings to check for mites
e.g. Sarcoptes and Demodex. (More common in younger dogs) Also consider
bacterial culture and sensitivity tests on any skin sores or perhaps biopsies
of affected areas. While allergy testing for both regional and food allergies
is a good idea-make sure everything else has been ruled out too! P.S. Some
dogs are allergic to lamb and rice-so if you do the allergy screen, test for
food allergies as well! Good luck
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