Our new vet has really taken advantage of us.

[Britster]

Allergy testing is not very reliable from everything I've heard anyways. Way too many false positives and false negatives.

It seems easier just to do a trial and error and elimination diet. Get a very simple food with only one source of meat, etc.

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by Britster

Not necessarily true. While I prefer grain-free (I like it for it's lower carb options), the most common allergens are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, and fish... beef, dairy and wheat account for 68% of all dog food allergies.

I've determined just through trial & error, that Jax is a bit sensitive (morelike an intolerance than an allergy) to chicken and barley. Usually foods with them cause larger softer poos and he gets a bit itchy. But food allergies only actually affect 10% of dogs.

Different dogs are...well different..what works for one may not for another.
Have you ever tried totally eliminating the grain?

I still suggest this to the op. Grain is the number one reason for itching and scratching.

Try it before it's discounted.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Britster

Allergy testing is not very reliable from everything I've heard anyways. Way too many false positives and false negatives.

It seems easier just to do a trial and error and elimination diet. Get a very simple food with only one source of meat, etc.

I used the Varl test, I disagree. I had her tested through 2 vets and 2 names...so no one including Varl knew it was the same dog. Both tests came back exactly the same.

Varl serum helped show improvement within a couple months, I would say 1 year later we are now, finally at the 95% mark.

p.s. I do realize all dogs are different though...

[my2boyz]

Originally Posted by Britster

Allergy testing is not very reliable from everything I've heard anyways. Way too many false positives and false negatives.

It seems easier just to do a trial and error and elimination diet. Get a very simple food with only one source of meat, etc.

The allergy testing we had done seems to be pretty accurate. She had a positive reaction to rice, if I feed her rice she is itchy like you wouldn't believe...she had a positive to milk, if I feed her yogurt she breaks out in little bumps on her belly and gets itchy.

Not saying it's 100%...just saying it seems to be pretty accurate for Megan and removing grains and potatoes from her diet has relieved a lot of her allergy symptoms.

I agree with bchgirl...try it before it's discounted.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

Different dogs are...well different..what works for one may not for another.
Have you ever tried totally eliminating the grain?

I still suggest this to the op. Grain is the number one reason for itching and scratching.

Try it before it's discounted.

Originally Posted by lynzy420

I used the Varl test, I disagree. I had her tested through 2 vets and 2 names...so no one including Varl knew it was the same dog. Both tests came back exactly the same.

Varl serum helped show improvement within a couple months, I would say 1 year later we are now, finally at the 95% mark.

p.s. I do realize all dogs are different though...

Originally Posted by my2boyz

The allergy testing we had done seems to be pretty accurate. She had a positive reaction to rice, if I feed her rice she is itchy like you wouldn't believe...she had a positive to milk, if I feed her yogurt she breaks out in little bumps on her belly and gets itchy.

Not saying it's 100%...just saying it seems to be pretty accurate for Megan and removing grains and potatoes from her diet has relieved a lot of her allergy symptoms.

I agree with bchgirl...try it before it's discounted.

That's good to know! I had seen a lot of vets that wouldn't even do them, because of the inaccuracy. Maybe these are some newer ones I haven't read about yet. Don't know a whole lot about canine allergies.

Oh, I totally agree trying grain-free is totally worth a try.

I find Jackson does better on grain-free in general (or very minimal grains). The food he's on now is very simple, and one grain (oats).

[bchgirl]

Well changing the diet is a lot cheaper than allergy tests and shots. That's all I'm saying.
I have several dogs who did great on what I fed...I had one which did not. Eliminated all the other possibilities...finally switched foods...now no one has an issue.

[bamawife]

I will be happy to post a list of all his allergies when I see the vet on Wednesday. His testing was done through the Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine.

[gracielove]

Grains do cause problems in many pets but because of the quality of meat many pet food companies are using, meat has also become an issue. Chicken in particular. The chicken and beef that we are eating these days are pumped full of antibiotics, steroids, hormones and other things you would never want to put in your mouth. Many pets are reacting to these types of substances. Some pet food companies are using grass fed animals as their source of protein. Many stores are now giving the option of buying "hormone free" meats for humans. How nice.
I feed grain free raw dog food that obtains it's meat from grass fed animals. Have had fantastic results. Small stool, clean healthy teeth, happy healthy dog.

If your vet charged you that much for allergy testing I would look into what they are charging for basic services. I would bet they are high as well.

[bamawife]

I am not sure why so many of you think he is having food allergies. I did not mention food allergies at all. Raley had the environmental allergy test done. I posted about how we were ripped off by the vet that submitted the test. Thank you for so many thoughts about my little one's allergies but I am leaving his treatment up to the experts at Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine.

[McheleM]

The vet told you his diet is fine and not to switch...


The same vet who screwed you out of money for the tests and serum?? The same vet who knows that if you switch foods, the allergies may go away and therefore you might not have to come back and pay the overpriced money for the serum, because your dog may not need it anymore? That vet???

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by bamawife

I am not sure why so many of you think he is having food allergies. I did not mention food allergies at all. Raley had the environmental allergy test done. I posted about how we were ripped off by the vet that submitted the test. Thank you for so many thoughts about my little one's allergies but I am leaving his treatment up to the experts at Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine.

I can't wait to see the results, any chance you can black out your demographics and post a pic of the report out...just curious to see how they do it.

Hope your pup is doing well, I know very well, how frustrating this is. My Mini's most highest was on "human dander" shes allergic to us!

[gracielove]

Almost any thing you have done at a university hospital is going to cost more than a general practice vet. In our area we have Cornell University Animal Hospital. That is where all the general practitioners send the cases that they cannot handle. It is very expensive but they have the facilities to do the special testing. You have to keep in mind that some of what they do is experimental. Many of the more advanced testing come out of these universities.
I hope they can pinpoint what is bothering your pet. I think the reason most people are assuming food allergies is because it has become a wide spread problem for all pets. Pet food today is not the same as it was even 10 years ago although it is not widely advertized to the general public.

[my2boyz]

Not all allergies are environmental...not all food allergies are food related.

However, some of us who have dealt with the whole allergy issue have found that a simple change in diet has given great relief to our dogs if not cured the issue...it's simple and a whole lot cheaper up front than testing. I have had the allergy tests done but the change I made that has made the biggest improvement for Megan has been a change in diet...which is grain and potato free kibble and pre-made raw.

Some of us have been there...done that...made the change and saw the difference...we were just trying to help.

[Ringo1]

Change in diet can help if some of the allergies are food related. If they are environmental (which is what the testing was for) then food changes are going to have a limited impact.

Still can't hurt if you think that some of the itching could be caused by diet. I keep my Westie (notorious for skin allergies) on Blue Buffalo Wilderness - but I use the lamb formula.

So far so good. That said, he's still going to have a lot of itching in spring and fall that a change in diet is not going to cure. He'll have to have a special cortisone shampoo and probably a round of steroids at least twice a year. I have found that putting some fish oil on his food seems to be helping.

Good luck OP. I hope your vet is not ripping you off.

[BiewerYorkie]

Originally Posted by bamawife

We felt like we were doing the right thing by going to this vet. He came highly recommended. However, he is no more educated than the other vets around here and they all went to the exact same veterinary school--Auburn University. His clinic is not any nicer than the other clinics in this area. He does have more staff, though. When I questioned the $500 over the phone, the little vet tech told me, "well, we're giving you a $100 discount and you will receive syringes, a tote bag, a little cooler for traveling with the serum, a chart to keep up with alternating the serum, etc...." I'm sorry but just give me the serum and keep all of your swag!!! Grrr. The more I think about it the more angry I get.

My vet has no "extras" in his clinic. But the prices are very reasonable. Unfortunately, the clients of those "we have everything" vets are paying for EVERYTHING.

I just signed Zachary for medical insurance. I hate the idea of $32 a month premiums but decided that since Yorkies have the potential for a lot of health problems, it would be worth it.

Sorry you got taken. I would definately look for another vet. There are always specialists you can take your baby to if necessary. My vet does the basics and will take it as far as he can but gives you the option of taking your baby to a specialist if you like.

Hope your furbaby feels better soon.

Louise