Allergies and Licking Obsession

[Max, Sunny Girl and Jeanine]

Hi all,

Max is having allergic responses to Food? environment?  Vet is not sure but thinks it may be food.  Allergy testing is pretty expensive and not a sure thing with the allergy shots.  He gets pretty miserable licking and biting himself a lot.  I have tried to hone in own his food - removed yogurt and dairy type products - feeding Wellness and trying to switch to Blue for sensitive dogs.

This month he developed a growth like granuloma near the elbow of his front left leg.  It is also referred to as a lick granuloma.  We opted for surgical removal versus topical treatment - WRONG.  This last 2 weeks has been a nightmare for both Max and us.  The E collar was horrible - so we tried wrapping with coban to keep him off the stitches - that kept the incision too moist so finally the vet offered to loan us a cervical collar which has worked to date.  The stitches come out on Tuesday.

He had three steroid shots over twelve months for the itching/biting/licking.  We hate the idea of shots but he is so miserable - Does anyone have any suggestions - anyone experiencing these problems.

Thanks in advance for any info.  Jeanine

[Lucy, Mila & Issy]

I'm so sorry you are going through this! It is frustrating and worrisome to watch our babes endure these types of things!

Issy is Max's sister and she had what I (and the vet) called hot spots on top of her head and on her cheek in the Summers of 2010 and 2011 -- with no recurrence this year. I treated her with Sulfodene Skin Medication morning and night.

I first shaved a large patch around the spot(clean down to the skin) and then applied the liquid to clean and dry the ooze:
http://www.sulfodene.com/medfordogs.htm

Then followed that with the Sulfodene 3-way ointment to sooth the pain and itch:
http://www.sulfodene.com/3-wayoint.htm

The liquid stings and Issy HATES it but interspersed with hugs, kisses and reassurance, she does OK. The ointment is a welcome relief.

I bought the plastic E-cone at PetSmart because it is shorter and more flexible so that she has more freedom of movement-- enough that Issy could dash under the bed at the first sight of the little yellow bottle. She now holds out her neck for me when she sees me pull it out of storage. I only removed it to allow her to eat.

We tried antibiotics the first time and tried the vet's ointment the second time but the Sulfodene is the way to go -- cheap and easy!

Issy is on Wellness Whitefish and Sweet Potato with a Tbsp. of AvoDerm wet food(all varieties) mixed in for variety.

Periodically, she gets vanilla yogurt and cheese -- and the occasional Milkbone from well-meaning acquaintances.
She gets one Nutro Ultra Biscuits for skin and coat daily:
http://www.ultraholistic.com/all-natural-dog-biscuits/healthy-skin-...

That has been my recipe for success so far. I hope it helps!!

Best of luck and kisses to Max from his Sissies! ;)

[Max, Sunny Girl and Jeanine]

Thanks Lucy - great info.  We go in the morning to get the stitches out. I am definitely going to order some of the sulfodene to have on hand.

Thanks again.  Jeanine & Max

[Melanie White]

Fido has a terrible allergy to all proteins except rabbit. He sees Dr. Daigle at Central Texas Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology, and she has helped him immensely. From the day we brought him home, Fido had allergies. He couldn't walk more than a few feet without having to stop and scratch. Dr. Daigle put him on an elimination diet, and literally within a few days, he stopped his scratching. Now he eats a prescription diet and we're so happy he feels so much better. He also has been diagnosed with irritable bowel disease, and is on a low dose of steroids every day. Hope this is helpful! Good luck with Max!