Vetalog /Cushings disease - pet nurse marie;

Question
Dear Doctor, My 10 year old Beagle/Walker hound mix has broken out in a stomach rash every fall since the age of 4. My previous vet (now retired) gave her Prednisone tablets for a 2-3 weeks and the rash would go away. By the time she was 7 she needed the Prednisone for 6-8 weeks for it to be effective.   
  My new vet give her Vetalog and said her rash was from an allergy. He also said the Vetalog was a lot safer, and has left her on Vetalog for 3 years with no break. For the past 4-6 months, the Vetalog has not been doing it's job, and her rash spread painfully under her tail and she was licking the area continuously for 4 days,  her hair is falling out in small patches, she has a pot belly, panting, ear infections, urine infections and weight gain of almost 20 pounds in the past 3 years.
   I took her to the Vet last night, and he said her skin condition may have built-up a tolerance to the Vetalog, and he would like to increase the dosage. Because she is in obvious discomfort, I did consent to a cortisone injection, but asked him for a temporary break from the Vetalog, and now have .75 Dexamethasone.
   My Vet now wants to do blood tests for Cushings disease... I guess that's okay, but deep down, I feel a lot of the problems are stemming from the long term use of Vetalog.
   I would like to keep her on the Dexamethasone just long enough to let her skin heal from the current rash, change her diet, get a good flea killer and dump the drugs altogether. Unfortunately, I'm not a Vet and my Vet isn't me. (I love my dog!!)
    I'm just lost as for what to do now.  Any input?  

Answer
Vetalog for beagle; Special recipes:
Let me know if you need more help?

Beagle with allergies and itching; beagle rash on belly; Alternatives to steroid usage;
Vetalog for beagle:
Wow Billie - I am so sorry but it sure does sound like LONG term steroid usage.
( sad adverse results from the Vetalog )

Yes - I would love to help you and your Beagle mix kid.
What have you been feeding?  ( brand and flavor)
ARE you willing to do some home cooking for this kid?
I have some wonderful recipes for dogs with allergies.

Sounds like your dog has many Environmental allergies along with some food ones, too.

Sure keep the .75 of Dexamethasone going - short term.

I would still have your dog's liver tested for liver disease related to the Steroid usage.
Just so you will know.  If there is liver disease, I have some recipes and supplements for that, too.

Let me know if you want the home-cooking recipe to start this NEW Year -
A New year for you two!


Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse