itchy shih tzu ; Atopica for allergy canines;

Question
Hi Marie...
Am desperate here as the LOVE of my life, Percy, is suffering terribly with skin allergies. He's miserable, throught the day and WE are up at night incessantly as he itches and licks, and itches and licks incessantly.
I rescued Percy 9 years ago (he's about 10 now) from a rescue league in TX and we currently live in FL. Yes, I believe he has had skin allergies from the getgo, but it seems but moreso in the last year than ever - and I am beside myself. I hate to see him suffer like this with redness and hotspots from all the itching and licking covering his body.
He is on Comfortis once-a-month for fleas, I only use hypo-allergenic, non-scented shampoo (once/week or two weeks) and I have switched his food to "A Taste Of the Wild" Pacific Stream formula (was on Royal Canine, but thought I'd try something different with the hopes that it would help with the itchy-lickies. To no avail!! When I spoke to the Vet today, he said that normally, 10-yr-old pups are not allergy tested...never mind the expense, so we agreed to give Atopica a shot.
The ONLY successful medication for his extreme itching and licking has been Temaril P - a miracle drug indeed. However, his liver enzymes have rocketed to the 800's! I am TERRIFIED and will not give him any more steroids, that's for sure. I've tried several antihistamines to no avial - after Tem P, it seems nothing can measure up. Today I went to the Vet and purchased the Atopica - darn, that's expensive stuff - $40 for 15 days worth- but, as mentioned, I am desperate!!
My question to you is about Atopica - any thoughts? GOSH I hope it will help my little love - he truly is my world (single, no kids...need I say more??!)!!
Thank you in advance for your help!!


Answer
Hi Percy and Family!  Boy, I sure do understand the long term steroid usage and the poor Liver.
You are correct in looking for other options for your Percy...
Sure, try the Atopica and see what results you get.  The main side effect of the Atopica drug are stomach upset and loose stools.  It sure is expensive as it is a fairly new drug.

I would love for you to try some More Natural Options:
Anything that I offer is safe to take with the Atopica drug from your vet.

What I would refer to is the following :

1.  Acidophilis 1 billion CFUs, give 1/2 per day long term :  Just to reduce the excessive yeast bacteria in the gut and skin.

2.  Vitamin E 50 IU, just 1 per day of this very low dosage ( cat sized dosage of E)

3.  NuVET Plus dog skin vitamins: Allergy Blaster and skin-coat healer...
NuVET wafers reduce the inflammation and aide in healing the skin.
OUR clinic has had great luck with the Holistic NuVET products.
You would need 1 per day for your little shih tzu boy.
SEE here : not sold in stores:
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled5.html

4.  The Comfortis is a fairly safe medication for flea and tic control.
I also like to use a TEA Tree oil spray to keep fleas away... PLUS, soothing to the skin.

5. The food you are feeding is fine.  I sure do think your kid has more Environmental allergies than food allergies.

Please keep me posted at my private e-mail.
We can also take home-cooking for Percy, if you feel you have the time for this.
I home-cook about 5 days and week and use Commerical dog food the other 2 days.


**thanks for your question:  I hope my suggestions help!
Marie Peppers LPN MA
e-mail;   mtnmom@gci.net
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