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Ainsley · Adult Chi

Chewy's Vet Visit

6Chishere · Adult Chi

If you dont mind me asking what meds did he put him on and how old is chewy exactly? Steroids seem like a really rash option at this point. Has he had allergy problems before? I'm surprised the vet didnt try antihistamines first.

-- Edited by 6Chishere at 17:05, 2006-11-27

Jessie · Senior Chi

It could still be food allergies that just appeared. Food allergies can appear at any age, regardless of how long the dog has been on the food for.

6Chishere · Adult Chi

I agree with that completely Jessie. Food allergies can not be ruled out.

Jessie · Senior Chi

I like to go with a holistic approach to pet care... I know that if you can avoid medications, it is so much better for the pet. Medications can cause health problems further down the line... and if things can be fixed by something as simple as a food change, it can save an array of problems from appearing later on.

Did they put Chewy on prednisone? I know that prednisone is not a good drug to be on long term (I've been an asthmatic all of my life, and I am actually on prednisone right now)... and it is some nasty stuff.

I wouldn't rule out food allergies... I know that our old vet recommended Science Diet for food allergies... which is a food full of allergens. I know that we are supposed to trust our vets, but I have a hard time trusting them when it comes to animal nutrition.

Ainsley · Adult Chi

It is Prednisone. I was a little cautious about it myself and I'm thinking about calling the vet tomorrow to see if I can change his diet first. We did try eye drops and antihistamines first but that didn't seem to phase whatever is going on with him.

Other than the itchy red eyes and bald spots he seems fine so I don't want to make matters worse if it's just food allergies. Since I have been trying Chicken and rice I think I'll try one of the foods on those websites you all posted for me.

I really don't want to make matters worse for my poor Chewy lol. I want to do what's best for him.

Jessie · Senior Chi

I would look for a food that doesn't contain corn, soy, or wheat at first. After waiting 60 days, if nothing changes, I would find a food with a new protein source (many dogs have allergies to chicken and beef). You could find a food with a new protein source right away, though... duck and venison are great for dogs with allergies.

The problem with Pro Plan chicken and rice is that it contains one of the lowest quality rices (brewer's rice) which some dogs have digestion/allergies issues with. It also contains corn and miscellanious protein sources other than chicken.

I really do like Wellness Simple Solutions for allergies... they have duck and venison varieties. When I first realized that Rylie had food allergies, we switched her to this food and they cleared up in a couple of weeks.

I hope that Chewy feels better... it is no fun to see our babies not feeling well.

WeeKidsMom · Senior Chi

I don't want to be an alarmist but I would really REALLY try other things before I considered steroids on a young dog for any length of time. One of mine hurt his back when he was younger. The vet told me how much "better" it would be to avoid back surgery and keep him on steroids for quite a while. I didn't question him about the long term use, and I should have. The steroids have wreaked havoc on his system. At four years old, and on steroids again, he had a bout of pancreatitis that we thought would kill him. He ended up diabetic, with a bad heart murmur, and his life span will be greatly shortened. He is five years old and goes to the vet monthly (new vet) for bloodwork to keep an eye on his diabetes and also liver and kidney function. I will never forgive myself for not asking more questions. At least talk to the vet about other options.

6Chishere · Adult Chi

I agree, prednisone should be used with extreme caution and only in the most extreme of situations. A lot of old school vets will default to pred or any steroids for that matter, and they can reek havoc on a babies system. Now that he has started taking them you must taper him off, never stop a steroid abruptley, that can cause more harm than good. Which antihistamine did you try? How much was he getting? If you only tried one type there is a chance that another type would work for him instead. There are quite a few I can think of off the top of my head (hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, chlorphenemarine, etc)

Excuse my poor spelling.