Itchy doggy now has hot spots (Update post vet visit)

[Heather & Brinkley]

Brinkley has developed two hot spots since I last wrote about him being itchy. A few suggested he could have seasonal allergies, which I wouldn't doubt because it is certainly worse after he comes in from playing. He has a vet appointment on Monday. I have him on allergy meds, I just gave him his first dose of evening primrose and I sprayed the red spots with hydrocortisone anti-itch spray. I also wipe him down after he's been outside. Is there anything else I should do for the weekend to sustain him until his vet appointment in Monday? I've never seen him itch like this! the allergy meds helped at first and they are working to an extent but they certainly haven't stopped the itching all together. He's asleep right now and he hasn't gone for the red spots since I sprayed them. I hate seeing him like this!

This seems to be a repeated topic on here lately...I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I can until he sees the vet.
Thanks!

[Heather & Brinkley]

Well, Brinkley and I went to the vet. This was our second visit to the new vet, since we moved (the first visit was only for shots) and they are already calling Brinkley their favorite. They said they haven't had such a well-mannered and well-cared for dog walk through their doors, along with a very well informed owner (thanks to Doodle Kisses!!). The vet told me the only thing I needed him for was to hand out the meds because I already was doing everything else perfectly (administering allergy meds, EPO and hydrocortisone spray). Then when they did the exam they were shocked to find a dog with with great teeth and no plaque and asked if I brush Brinkley's teeth. I said yep and he was overjoyed and said, "can you please come teach a seminar to all of our pet owners on how to be the best owner around?" He also said even with his allergy and itchy skin, Brinkey is obviously being fed a fabulous food because his skin and coat are in wonderful condition (yay for Orijen)... And that he wouldn't have one suggestion for me because I'm doing everything I need to raise a great dog.

Now on to the itchy dog. He said he's convinced that it is seasonal allergies, as many of you suggested, especially since it gets worse after playtime outside. He said he'd prefer we not start with loads of unnecessary tests because this the worst year for allergies in a very long time...and that he's pretty sure, while possible, Brinkley didnt develop a food allergy this fast at the height of allergy season.

He looked at the hot spots and was happy that I was able to decrease the itching to give them time to heal and he looked at the areas that were potential spots. We ended up deciding together that steroids were the best because of how much he was itching. Brinkley was given one shot and then the pills start tomorrow for 20 days (dose decreasing throughout that time.). The reason for the first dose being given as a shot was because it takes a few days for the effects of the pills to kick in. The vet wanted immediate relief (well relief in two hours), then as the shot effects begin to wear off, the pill's effects will begin.

Brinkley hasn't itched once since the shot kicked in but he's eating and drinking like a horse!!
Thanks for the help!'

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Wow, sounds like you found the perfect vet. And big YAY for the perfect doodle mom that you are. Hope Brinkley's allergies get better over time.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Yes, it does look like we found a good vet! I was so nervous to bring him to a new vet because Brinkley was with one practice and one vet since we brought him home! But with each visit I'm feeling better and better.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Glad to hear Brinkley is feeling better and your vet sounds like a winner.

[Kathy Brady]

WOW! Thanks so much for sharing! When I take Tully to his vet today, I'll know what to look for, although she's great and we love her, mainly because she's not always anxious to medicate (except when truly necessary). I expect he'll get prednisone and a spray amd maybe an antihistimine as the spots are getting raw-er and more pronounced. Thanks for all the help in this discussion!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The prednisone will increase his appetite and his water consumption, and he will also need to pee a lot more. The only time JD came close to having an accident was the first time he had a steroid shot; he did make it to the rug by the back door, so we think that doesn't count. :)

Sounds like the vet visit went well and I'm glad your vet concurs with the DK diagnosis & treatment plan, lol.

[Heather & Brinkley]

I know! I'm so nervous to leave him home alone. Luckily, I am off this week so I will be home a lot more, but what happens when I go back to work next week? I don't want him in distress. My dad is a college professor so he his home more since it is the summer, so Brinkley won't have to pull an 8 hour day alone byany means, but my dad does still go in for part of the day. Just how long can they go while on prednisone?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would think it's an individual thing. As the dosage decreases it should ease up too. I'm sure it will work out.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack has no trouble with it any more, but he's on the pills, and he has the bladder of a camel anyway. The first few days are going to be the worst, because of the shot. Once he's on the pills, it should be fine. You can't limit his water consumption when he's on steroids, but he should be pretty much back to his normal schedule by next week, and if not, he should at least be able to hold it 4-6 hours.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks! So glad I am off this week!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great reviews for you and a nice and competent vet! Glad to hear the news.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Yes! Relieved and so is Brinkley to be itch-free for a bit!