Viewer Question Topic: Allergies

Dr. Milwicki, My almost 2 year old cocker, Bella is doing the same thing you described in your article on allergies.I have taken her to the vet, and he has given her antihistimines to take 2 x a day, as well as derm caps liquid to put in the food. I have been giving her fatty acid vitamins for two months now, as well as putting biotin powder in her food. We also got sulfur/tar shampoo and bathed her with that last week. She isn't chewing the hair off, it's more like a nipping thing going on, but last night she woke us up doing it. I'm not sure if it is an allergy, or a mild case of obsessive/compulsive disorder. Should I ask the vet to begin the RAST testing? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Mary Jo M.

Hi MaryJo, It sounds like Bella is typical of her breed. Lots of Cockers are quite allergic, so I think you should discuss all the options with your vet, including allergy testing. She may need some corticosteroids to help her through the really bad itchy season, but I wouldn't want you to give her the drug for too long. Since she is young, now is a good time to get her skin problems under control.

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