Allergy shots

The statistics aren't good -- they only help in maybe 60% of the cases.  I don't like what allergy shots do to the immune system generally (it seems to increase the incidence of cancer among other things).  But that's me.  It's an expensive process if it doesn't work.

calliecritturs

The statistics aren't good -- they only help in maybe 60% of the cases. 

  Actually, the numbers are better than that; 

Results of allergen-specific immunotherapy in 117 ... [Vet Rec. 2006] - PubMed result 

 64% of the dogs had a good to excellent response, and 85% had a moderate to excellent response. And, it is not true that it makes them prone to cancer. That misconception is because of a statement by Martin Goldstein in his book  " The Nature of Animal Healing";

Amazon.com: The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat (9780345439192): Martin Goldstein D.V.M.: Books 

  I read the book and to paraphrase, he said that since Golden Retrievers have a high incidence of cancer and also are known to be prone to allergies, allergen immunotherapy causes cancer. I think that association is illogical. Shawn Messonnier, another holistic veterinarian, considers it a holistic treatment;

 Amazon.com: The Allergy Solution for Dogs: Natural and Conventional Therapies to Ease Discomfort and Enhance Your Dog's Quality of Life (The Natural Vet) (0086874526723): Shawn Messonnier: Books  

   I'm so sorry about Maze. Jessie has been on allergen immunotherapy for seven years now and it has really helped, but she has severe year round allergies. Immunotherapy isn't recommended if the dog is only itchy a few months of the year, because the shots have to be given for life. Jessie gets a shot every three weeks. The initial testing is expensive, but after that the serum costs about $160 every six months. Have you tried bathing her and giving her antihistamines and fish oil?

This is a very good allergy shampoo that I have used for Jessie; 

Amazon.com: Allermyl Shampoo for Cats & Dogs 8 Oz Bottle: Kitchen & Dining 

 This conditioner also helps;

  Amazon.com: ResiCORT Leave-On Conditioner (16oz): Home & Garden

 A link about fish oil and antihistamines, including which antihistamines are better;

  Allergies & Atopy in Dogs

   This is a link to the company that makes the serum for Jessie, so you can learn more about immunotherapy;

 Bio-Medical Services - Home

  Have you read Shawn Messonnier' s book? It has many holistic suggestions for allergy dogs that may help Maze. Unfortunately, they didn't work for Jessie because her allergies are too severe, so that's why I tried immunotherapy.

As a senior citizen, my cocker Sam developed allergies, and when his scratching became severe and other treatments failed, we started him on allergy shots.  I remember a long wait - first to get the results of the allergy tests (he was allergic to various trees, plants, grasses and mold), and then to get the actual shots.  The shots were customized for him, and were therefore very expensive.  We were able to save a few dollars by injecting him at home, maybe once every 3 days or so in the beginning, rather than bringing him to the vet.  Sam needed 2 courses of shots, although he didn't need to finish the second one.  In Sam's case, the shots were completely effective in relieving his symptoms and restoring his skin and coat to good health.   

Janice, I haven't read that book before. But I'll def look it up. If I can keep Maze off the steroids as long as possible, then I will. She usually gets Benedryl but it isn't helping this year. Also she gets a fish based kibble in her rotation plus salmon treats during training. Thanks soo much for the links.

jessies_mom

  I read the book and to paraphrase, he said that since Golden Retrievers have a high incidence of cancer and also are known to be prone to allergies, allergen immunotherapy causes cancer. I think that association is illogical. Shawn Messonnier, another holistic veterinarian, considers it a holistic treatment;

No, it's more my own conclusion having studied it for myself, not just dogs.  I have known a number of humans who have relied on allergy shots and a very uncomfortable number of them have also developed cancer -- and that isn't something I can research further.  But it's simply that for me, the idea of making the immune system "ignore" certain allergens, when that immune system may already be badly wired just makes me really uncomfortable.

It's not an uncommon conclusion among holistic vets, but I can't lay that one at Goldstein's door. 

My sister has a dog who recently started on allergy shots.  Her dog has improved tremendously.  It is pricey but she's glad she decided to go ahead and spend the money for her dog's sake. 

My sis is giving the injections to save the trip and costs of the vet doing it.  If you decide to try the allergy shots, you could talk to your vet about this possibility. 

calliecritturs

I have known a number of humans who have relied on allergy shots and a very uncomfortable number of them have also developed cancer -- and that isn't something I can research further. 

   Callie; I haven't known anyone who gets the shots, but I can understand why you're concerned about them if that is what you've observed. I really hope there isn't a connection,  but Jessie's quality of life is so much better than before she started the shots. She started them in 2004, before I joined i-dog. I had read Goldstein's and Messonnier's books, plus a few others, and tried various supplements that they suggested, as well as frequent bathing, frequent vacuuming, etc. I did this for about 2 years and Jessie was still miserable. She was on antibiotics frequently for skin infections, and we made 3 trips to the e-vet with emergencies caused by her allergies. In one case her head swelled, the skin on her nose became very smooth and turned red, and she developed blisters on her nose, eyelids, and muzzle, and we were worried about losing her. She still needs an antihistamine in late summer, and I gave her 2 baths for itching last month, but that's a far cry from what she used to go through.

oranges81

Got a spray from the petstore that a person I trust highly recommends. Fingers crossed.

  Fingers crossed here too; I really hope the spray helps her. 

jessies_mom

oranges81

Got a spray from the petstore that a person I trust highly recommends. Fingers crossed.

 

  Fingers crossed here too; I really hope the spray helps her.