Bonnie Barber's Page

Hi Bonnie, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words. Means a lot. <3

Hi Bonnie, I did give you this info before, but here it is again. PLEASE read it. I had already addressed the Apoquel and food allergy blood test nonsense but it looks like you didn't really "get" it. Again, blood tests are worthless, and I'm sorry you wasted money on that. FYI, it impossible for a dog to be allergic to something he hasn't ever eaten on a regular basis, so the fact that your dog tested positive for rabbit just proves that. 

We just can't address these issues in the Atopy Group. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/thefoodgroup/forum/topics/facts-about-food-allergies

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topics/some-basic-facts-about

That sounds like a good plan! 

Also, I would strongly urge you to get pet insurance today, for all of your pets. We have lots of information and discussions here about it. You never want to have to make health or treatment decisions based on cost. I can tell you from personal experience that dogs with Atopy are also prone to other immune-mediated diseases, and the cost of diagnosing and treating those makes the allergy testing look laughable. Insurance would not cover your Shih Tzu for the allergies, but it will for anything else that comes along down the road. The biggest mistake I made was in not getting it after Jack's Atopy was diagnosed. The next immune-mediated disease he got cost me almost $5000 just to diagnose, and that would all have been covered if I'd gotten insurance. That $800 for the allergy testing didn;t look so bad after that, lol. 

Well, it does sound like he has Atopy, which is otherwise known as environmental, inhalant, and/or seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, the only way you can know for sure and get him the help he needs is to consult a veterinary dermatology specialist and have skin testing done. There's just no way around that. Atopic Dermatitis is an incurable immune mediated disease which can be managed, but there are only two forms of treatment: immunotherapy shots (you must see a dermatologist for this) or immunosuppressant drugs like Atopica or Apoquel. Obviously, the immunotherapy is by far the less dangerous route to take, as there are really no side effects to speak of. "Bandaid" treatments like antihistamines, fatty acids, topical preparations, and occasional steroid use will not cure it or prevent the dog from suffering in the long term, and it does get worse with age. Once you have had the initial testing done and get to a maintenance dose of antigens, immunotherapy generally costs about $50 a month; the immunosuppressant drugs are much more expensive. So over time, that initial investment in testing pays off. And of course, there is no risk of cancer or other serious side effects as there is with the drugs. 

Here is some good information on this: http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/healthandmedicalissues/forum/topics/some-basic-facts-about

Hi Bonnie, the Atopic Dermatitis group is really meant to be a support group for those whose dogs have been diagnosed with Atopy. Is that the case for you? 

Here is a link to the so. Cal group  http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/southerncalgroup

Here is a guide to choosing a good breeder: http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/What_To_Look_for_In_a_Breeder

If you came to a romp, you could take note of where different people got their doodles and then use the guide to decide which ones are reputable.  One of our members has done all the testing etc, and bred her dog twice (did all the testing etc).  She won't be there this time, but most likely will be there the next.  We tend to meet once a month - usually at Arbor Dog Park.

My smaller doodle is from a breeder who has moved to Arkansas.  He is a 7th generation Australian labradoodle and does not shed - he does have a very high maintenance coat - mats and need lots of brushing and combing and professional grooming. But - no shed and not doggy smell.   My larger doodle is a a rescue guy - most likely first generation.  He happens to shed a LOT.  What you do not want to get is a 2nd, or 3rd generation doodle because they are as likely to be like a retriever as not with a greater chance for shedding.  Some people like what is called an F1b which is a first generation doodle bread back to a poodle.  While doodles are mutts and nothing is totally predictable, a reputable breeder can steer you to the coat and temperament most likely to fit your wants.

The two Doodle Rescues in the US are DRC and IDOG.  If you want a 'road trip' I would like to invite you to meet many doodles at our monthly get together at Arbor Dog Park in Seal Beach on Sunday, January 25.  Information is in the Southern California Group, the EVENTS section, or you can contact me.