Do you use Atopica for your yorkies allergies?

[Sugaroo]

Just wondering how many here use atopica? My baby 3 years Furgie needs some relief. Cortisone is no longer working I mean it does for a month then she can't get anymore for another 3. uggh

I want to share this link with my vet as they don't know about atopica. I asked a year ago and they said no...but I may have said the wrong word. I am waiting on a call back now. And have it right NOW...as I have the page loaded and ready to give her the info.

Judy

------------------------ I wanted this to be a poll but I missed something I guess. ; (

[Ellie May]

Atopica is a great drug. It's an immunosuppressant though, so if these are environmental allergies that need to be treated long term, skin allergy testing and allergy shots are preferred. Steroids long term when there are other options is almost never the answer.

I've used Atopica with no issues as have many others.

That said, if you want to stick with steroids, there are other things to try. Temaril-P daily or every other day can work quite well for some dogs.

Are you sure these aren't food allergies?

[Sugaroo]

Well she said no! uggh!

[ltret0294]

Use it on Zeke for flea bite skin allergy. Why No? Are they offering any other suggestions for relief, natural or chemical? I've used Witch Hazel to temp cool down hot spots overnight if that's of help.

[Patti]

Cali has been on it for over 3 years. It was the only thing that worked. I was just recently able to wean her down from every day to every other day and now she is getting it every 3rd day. So far she is doing fine. It is great to not see her scratching day and night. I asked my vet about it and she had one other dog in the practice on it. She made sure it would be ok for Cali as she has mild MVD. Hopefully your vet will research it and it will give Furgie some relief.

[Ellie May]

Is this pup <3 pounds or have serious medical issues? If no, then I'm not sure why they are saying no at all.

A second opinion is needed so your pup can get some relief.

[Sugaroo]

Thanks you all for your replies.

I was wrong...my vet does know about this med and said it is too high risk. That it causes more problems in the future. So what can I say...do it anyway?

Furgie weighs 7 pounds and has had lab work done and has no other med...problems. She is allergic to chicken and beef this is by my own testing of elimination.

Other alternative?...Yes we use cortisone shots which helps for about month. But can't get another for 4 months.

Also fish oils helps but doesn't get it all gone. And sometimes nothing works. I believe in my vet and just maybe she is being overly cautious. I dunno but I trust her.

Does anyone here do anything different than fish oils or atopica that I can try...antihistamines do nadda!
Judy

[107barney]

My Daisy has beennon this drug for over 5 years. We have had great results and no problems. My Daisy is almost 11 now and a high risk dog with liver and other medical problems. Her entire team of specialists is supportive of her staying on Atopica and it ha greatly improved the quality of her life with regard to allergies.

[Sugaroo]

That is awesome for daisy...Ya know everything has it's own risk. I may check in with another vet... Thanks!

[Ellie May]

Long-term, I'd be more concerned with steroids.

Another opinion is needed.

Also though, if this is stricly a food allergy, then Atopica won't help. Only steroids (or avoidance which is the first line of treatment). If they are environmental and the vet doesn't want to use Atopica, then your pup should be skin allergy tested.

[Sugaroo]

not sure this is "stricly a food allergy" Could be anything really. Yes she does need testing.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Sugaroo

Well she said no! uggh!

If your vet says no, I'd find a new vet or, even better - a Vet Derm who really understands the complex nature of allergies.

I had a vet who said Marcel (3 pounds) couldn't be on Atopica; I then went to Vet Derm who said "of course Atopica may be an option and he has other options too...here are the pros and cons of each". To me, that's what a knowledgeable vet would say...

[Sugaroo]

Thanks and I agree!! But first I have decided to try Natural Balance Grain Free Limited Ingredient Venison for 3 months to see how this works before moving on. I pray, pray it will work!!!

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

If your vet says no, I'd find a new vet or, even better - a Vet Derm who really understands the complex nature of allergies.

I had a vet who said Marcel (3 pounds) couldn't be on Atopica; I then went to Vet Derm who said "of course Atopica may be an option and he has other options too...here are the pros and cons of each". To me, that's what a knowledgeable vet would say...

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Sugaroo

Thanks and I agree!! But first I have decided to try Natural Balance Grain Free Limited Ingredient Venison for 3 months to see how this works before moving on. I pray, pray it will work!!!

Hey, did you see this thread on how to approach allergies? It's originally from another site, and so helpful in breaking it down:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html

[Sugaroo]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Hey, did you see this thread on how to approach allergies? It's originally from another site, and so helpful in breaking it down:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...tart-here.html

No I hadn't, thank you!