Ava at the Allergist Part 2

[Stacy]

I really like this vet dermatologist’s office. I didn’t want to leave her, and I knew that she wouldn’t want to go – and she didn’t. She kept trying to come back to me and I was trying not to cry. She was just breaking my heart. They let me walk her back and put her in the kennel. I promised her that I was coming back for her and that I wasn’t leaving her. But her English is sort of limited to “let’s go to bed” and “want to go for a ride?” so I’m not sure she understood. They usually schedule pickups for after 3, but they promised they would put her at the top of the list and try to get her home sooner than that.  And they called me to tell me that she was ready after 2 ½ hours! I was so grateful that they were able to accommodate her that way.

 

The verdict is in. She didn’t have a ton of positives, but what she reacted to, she reacted to fairly significantly. And she had some environmental allergies that make sense with the way her symptoms don’t seem to be seasonal. I will attach a photo of her allergy test, but she reacted most strongly to two different dust mites, and the yeast that is just normal body flora. She also reacted to cats. My dog is allergic to cats! (Me too Ava)

 

We will be starting her on allergy shots tomorrow. They said tonight, but I want to give them in the mornings, so we will just start then. I’m very pleased with the outcome. I hope this helps! I feel like the dermatologist was a real success. I’m glad that I went ahead with testing. 

I do have a question that I didn't think to ask regarding her sensitivity to corn. Do you think that she should avoid eating anything with corn in it, because she's allergic to the physical substance? I don't think that there is corn in any of the food or treats I buy for her (I buy off the approved list, I don't think any of them have corn.) But sometimes I let her have the junk treats at places we go. I mean, sometimes I eat McDonalds too! But I'm not sure if I should restrict those now?? 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so glad you got Ava tested and the experience was positive for you and as positive for Ava as could be. What a nice office you visited.  I am glad that Ava is less allergic than you worried about and that the plan to help her is in place.

[Stacy]

I was just so impressed with the dermatologist! They were extremely caring and compassionate toward both of us. I've never had another dog who would look at me and so clearly convey 'please don't let them take me away from you.' It just broke my heart.

She did the same thing when I handed the groomer her leash. I wasn't even leaving her that day. I was just trying to untangle her and Katie - because Katie was so excited she was tying us in knots! But when I handed the leash over she crouched down and just looked utterly terrified. Luckily I also have the nicest groomer who let me stand right beside Ava while she trimmed her face. Ava is doing really well, but she's definitely my dog. She's much braver when I'm there with her. 

I really hope we see good results from the immune therapy. Ava should live a life of luxury from here on out!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Stacy, here's some information I found about moth allergies in humans:

Other than occasionally flitting about the house or eating holes in your favorite sweater, moths are seemingly harmless. However, moths are actually a significant cause of allergies, both indoors and outdoors. Exposure to the wing scales and other body parts of these flying insects can cause skin irritation and respiratory distress.

Wing Scales

Moths and butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera, which is Latin for "scale-wing." Their wings are covered in a layer of powdery scales. If you've ever handled a moth, you may have noticed a powder-like residue left behind on your hands. This is because the scales are shed when the insect's wings come into contact with another object. In addition, the scales fall off as the moth flies through the air, creating an airborne allergen.

Other Sources of Allergens

Moths may produce allergens other than their wing scales. If inhaled, the frass, or excrement, of a moth can elicit an allergic reaction. In addition, direct contact with many species of moths can cause skin irritation, due to the presence of urticating scales on the underside of the abdomen. These barbed scales can imbed into the skin, causing severe inflammation and itching. If inhaled, urticating scales can cause asthma and respiratory irritation.

I thought that was pretty interesting. I'd never heard of allergies to moths before. 

[Stacy]

That's really interesting! Who knew! Our second day of the shot went much better than the first. This one I don't think she felt. I feel a lot more comfortable with the process. And no allergic reactions!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's great. :)

[Stacy]

You know what else is interesting? I know the allergy shots aren't working yet, but I haven't given her any more apoquel since the allergy test and she still seems much less itchy than before. I wonder if a couple weeks of apoquel was enough to break the itch/scratch cycle for a little while. I picked up more apoquel, but I was hoping to get her on an every other day schedule. And I think it would be great if she didn't need it very much!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think so, too. Here's hoping! :) 

[Stacy]

So I thought you might find this interesting. The itching reprieve after 2 weeks of daily apoquel was about 10 days. Just long enough that I started to think that just maybe the worst of the itching was gone. Then today she was laying on the floor and I thought she was chewing on an antler but when I looked over she was making a total mess of her foot. I really have all my hopes pinned on the immunotherapy, because there's just no other good solution. I'm hoping we'll start seeing some good effects in a few more months!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I hope so too. And there's every reason for hope!