Camus' allergy testing results

[Christine & Camus]

Camus has been through a lot, not least of which is his constant scratching, licking, and biting of his nails.  I decided to follow Karen's advice to take him to a specialist and he had the Southern California Intradermal allergy testing done today.  Excellent advice - he had 24 reactions rated @ 2 (moderate reaction) lots of trees, weeds, cotton, & human and cat dander; 3 rated @ 3 (strong reaction) mold and mites; and 4 rated @ 4 (very strong reaction).  Those with very strong reaction (4's) were moths, Dermatophagoides farina dust mites, storage mites and a histamine control.  Apparently he does not like bugs.   Of interest, he had a moderate reaction to human dander – he's allergic to me!  He is not feeling very good; he is lethargic and looks sad.  I hope he does well with the antigen injections that will be every other day for the first three weeks.  The next few months may be tough, but in the long run, he should feel much better.

[Christine & Camus]

Thanks Jennifer.

[Lee Seidman]

Billabong was given the series of tests. He has been getting the series of injections at home and is now on the injection weekly. The vet said it might take up to six months before we see results,  but it has been around three months now and he is doing great..

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Actually, it can take up to 18 months to see full results from immunotherapy. But you will see some results sooner, and it just keeps better, at least it did with Jackdoodle. IMO, it's really the only way to go with dogs who have severe inhalant allergies.  

[Christine & Camus]

That is great news!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Glad you have a course of action - we are lucky to have Karen here to point people in the right direction when it comes to allergies. I have given a friend her advice and it has helped her dog tremendously.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Glad to hear it!

[Christine & Camus]

Allyson, You are so right.  Karen has helped many and I too have passed her advice along to others.  Don't tell Karen, but I think we should nominate her for an award. 

[Sue & Lily Grace]

I agree and I won't have my puppy home until early November, but I already have learned so much from her. Thanks!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

It sure sounds like testing was a very wise choice for Camus. I am sorry he is allergic to so much stuff, but know he is in good hands with you. Hopefully, the meds. will get this under control and he will be feeling better in no time. I hope he doesn't have to re-home you, since he is allergic to you :) LOL  Good advice, Karen!!

[Christine & Camus]

Thanks Laurie - I'll have to be very good so he doesn't get it into his head that I might need to be re-homed, the emotional stress would definitely push me over the edge!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Poor Camus.  I am so glad that he has you for an owner, even if he is allergic to you :-}  You are doing everything possible to make his life comfortable.

[Christine & Camus]

Thanks Nancy.