severe itching and scratching due to allergy; steroids boston terrier;

Question
Our three-year-old female Boston terrier has a severe itching and scratching problem.  We've had her to our primary care vet dozens of times, been to vet specialists in allergies, had her on shots for a year and consulted with charlatans, holistic practitioners and tried almost all supplements and external sprays, etc.  Nothing has worked except Temaril (prednisolone).  We're aware of the risks of Cushing's Disease, but can't allow her to scratch herself bloody.  We limit the Temaril to 1/2 tablet daily and on bad days one tablet.  She is also allergic to beef, corn and salmon, all of which we discovered doing trial and error testing.  We are seeking new options to try since up to now nothing has worked except Temaril, and we'd like to get her off it.  Thanks.  P.S. She's a really sweet dog and doesn't deserve this.

Answer

Grain Free SoJo Hi Rob, Poor little Boston Terrier kid.... Yes, I have heard this story over and over again!  You two are not alone.
Bostons are prone to skin and coat problems and allergies...

Here are some ideas for you and your gal...

1.  I have worked with 100s of Bostons and we find they do well on a Grain-FREE food :  I would refer you over to the SoJo's green bag of Grain-free mix... you can add your own cooked meats... ( so , no beef)
YOU are in control and you are your pet's Chef with SoJo -
this is sold in many pet stores all over the world or here is a  free shipping link:
http://www.sojos.com/index.aspx?affiliate=petnurse
Because of the BEEF allergy and Salmon allergy the SoJo mix is your best bet...
Also, SoJo makes 2 grain free treats : check out the ingredients.... just to make sure they are ok for your gal.

2.  Next - Sure - 1/2 the dosage of Temaril is needed during the transition .... I hope you can go off of this drug in time:  Do it very slowly with your Vet's help.
I would love to see her start on the NuVET Program - 1 1/2 wafers per day for the first 30 days and then go down to 1 NuVET wafer per day very long term... This is an Immune System Booster and Allergy Blaster - helps to reduce inflammation, too...
.60 cents per day for 1 wafer..
MOST dogs need 1 wafer per day.
I would like to see you start out with 1 1/2 ---- NuVET is all natural and very safe to take with anything your vet gives you.
BECAUSE it is Natural and SAFE you don't have to worry about the Liver being hurt in any way.  ( Down the Road, as you know, the Steroids can hurt the Liver).

CAll in your first order for fast service:  1-800-474-7044
TELL them pet Nurse Marie sent you over and your referral code is 81098/  They don't sell to the public without a referral.
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

3.  How about a Probiotic?  Has your gal ever been given anything like this?  I refer many of my clients to Flora Force - just 1 per day for about 60 days - It gets rid of the Excessive Yeast in the gut and skin.
SEE here:  ( This is good for pets and humans - for your gut)
http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=4080

Ok,  A Grain free food program;
A probiotic ;
NuVET supplements.
***and continue with the Temeril - for now---- You may be able to go down or even off of this drug in time.
Please talk to your vet about this as I am not a vet....


I hope this helps.
Keep me posted

Here is my private e-mail

mtnmom@gci.net


Marie Peppers LPN MA