red itching rash

Question
I have a 7 month old jack russell parsons that has a really bad red itchy rash on his stomach, chest, and feet. I believe it is dermatitis from all the research i have done, but can not come up with a cure for it. I have taken him to he vet multiple times and all its doing is costing me money and not getting rid of the problem. He has been on steroids which does take it away, but the minute you take him of the steroid it comes back in full effect. We have him on an allergen free food, we don't feed him people food, he also has medicated shampoo and is now on an allergy medicine, but none if it is working besides the steroids, but we cant keep him on that forever. What can i do to get rid of it for good? My vet wants me to take him to a dermatologist, but that is going to cost way too much money that i can't afford...can someone please help?

Answer
Hello Jammie ~

Unfortunately Jack Russells are prone to allergies - and they can appear at anytime.
This definitely sounds like allergies to me.
Unfortunately again, there is no known "cure". They are usually treated just as you describe with all the allergy medicines and topical ointments. Some work great, some don't. Some work for a while and then stop working. It is a very very difficult condition to pin down.  The hardest part is to try to find out WHAT is causing the allergy, and it's extremely long and tedious because you have to take and remove every possible allergen from him and see if there are any changes. You changed  his food which is where everyone starts - wheat is very allergic - so you take the wheat out of his diet for a few weeks and see if there is any change. If not, then it could be something else, or it could be wheat AND something else. Maybe you are using a new laundry detergent? Maybe a new grass has grown outside? Maybe it's dust, maybe it's your carpet.... and this list goes on.  There are THOUSANDS of things that it could be and it's heartbreaking :(   Living with allergies in a dog is a lifelong commitment, there is no cure, only treatments for symptoms. :(
The dermatologist or specialist can do special testing to find out EXACTLY what the allergens are but you're right, it is and will continue to be expensive.  The good thing about allergy testing is that it is FAST and will give you quick results as opposed to elimination testing (removing suspect allergy triggers).
I wish I had better news for you, but it's not something that you are ever going to get rid of for good. Where did you get the dog? Allergic dogs should not be bred and potential owners should absolutely be made aware of the possibility of this happening.  On my own website I dedicate a page of information about all the bad things about Jack Russells and let people make decisions from there. I hope your breeder told you that allergies were are very distinct possibility. I'm sorry, hang in there and hopefully he isn't allergic to many things and you can control the outbreaks and keep him comfortable. It's not his fault. :(
Here's a good article that may explain more:
http://www.ingleburnvet.com.au/atopynovar.htm
Very best of luck to you both!!!!!