Winston's allergy test is done: He is allergic to...

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

...Kitties, Dust mites, feathers (my duvet) and the yeast that grows between his paws and in his ears when they get infected from all the chewing/scratching (viscious circle).***Update - forgot to Add Pigweed ?!?! What the heck is pigweed???

Here are some pics of his test patch and him in his Bluesfestival Volunteer t-shirt :o) He may not look happy, but he does look super cute and it keeps him from licking his 'patch'.

He's quite irritable from the testing and is snapping at Sophie a bit. I really wish the vet would have sedated him or at least given him some valium. Anyway, what's done is done, and we have a plan for treatment. His bacterial infections (ears, paws and skin) haven't improved despite the two week course of antibiotics he was on earlier this month. She suspects he's become immune to the antibiotics he's been getting. She's doing cultures to learn more about the bacteria. I'm not quite sure I understand this part but she says the cultures she's taken will tell her what kind of antibiotics are going to be most effective for him. She did send me home with drops for his ears and instructions to clean them out with a vinegar and water solution before putting in the drops. On the car ride home I was thinking about how when I went on a yeast free diet I was told to avoid vinegar as it is fermented with yeast. I am thinking that washing his yeasty infected ears with vinegar might not be so great....

I'm to take photos of the patch where the skin test was done in case there are any delayed reactions. That way we can be 100% sure to cover everything in the immunotherapy treatment, which will cost about $700 and she says is 75% affective. So basically, it better work!!

The visit cost me $850 plus a $200 speeding ticket :( but I'm so glad to have taken this step and can now move forward with treating him. Could have done without that darn ticket though.

One more thing, the vet remarked on how well informed I am and was surprised by some of the questions I was asking-I even stumped her once. I have only Karen and the rest of DK to thank for that! Thanks everyone for all your support, and mostly thank you Karen for guiding me through this process! I don't know what I would have done without you!!!

Ok, I'm going to take Sophie to the park, she needs to burn some energy and Winston needs a rest.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I know, that is why I was so surprised that Winnie wasn't. She said she tries not to if she doesn't have to. Thing is, he is so grumpy now. Has seriously snapped at Sophie several times and he never does that. I hope he feels better soon.

...and wow, I really can't seem to stay away tonight. I really need to go now.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The test itself is a momentary prick. But then the reaction may be itchy and/or painful just as the allergy shots themselves are.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's nervous energy, Sherri, from all the worry and anticipation leading up to today, and then today itself. When it wears off, you're going to be exhausted. Try to rest.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here you go Laurie.

JD's Allergy Test

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Karen. Wow...what a lot to go through for dogs or humans. I am glad sweet Jack was sedated.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No choice but to go through it. I had a foster who died from Atopy years ago. He was trying to tear his own feet off, at the end, he was in so much agony. They didn't have the treatments then that they have now, but there is so much inaccurate information out there about it, people are confused. That's why I'm so passionate about it and committed to making sure people understand that it's a big deal and they need to get real professional help for their allergic dogs.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

How sad for that foster. It must just be so awful to itch and have no relief. Thank you for getting the needed information out there! It sure helped Sherri ask the right questions with her vet.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Of course, I could have been like the man whose dog was diagnosed with Atopy and he told a rescue group that if they didn't find a home for her, he was going to have her put to sleep because he couldn't afford the treatment.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Another good reason to get Pet Insurance when you bring a puppy home. Hopefully, you never need it, but if you do, what a blessing to have it for your dog. I hate to hear when people give up their pets for reasons like this.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

I had a patch test on my back when i was younger - it was inconclusive but I have since removed all chemicals from my house and hardly ever have reactions now (except to insect bites and stings, and occasionally hayfever). I now use 100% natural everything, from toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, even makeup

I had paper circles with holes in them put on my back with a dab of stuff in each circle. Then it was taped up and I could not get it wet for 10 days. Then they removed it and looked to see what caused a rash

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Kaytlin! My one daughter had everything known to man, but luckily did not have to have this done.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

So glad that you're are making progress in solving the mystery that is Winston! He is going to feel soooo good when this all comes together.

He looks so cute in his shirt!   Sorry about the ticket. That sucks!