Re: Here we go again Annabelle, 9 Piriton a day seems a lot. Is that what your vet prescribed for Barley? Piriton makes me feel quite drowsy, if I took 9 a day I would be comatose.
Re: Here we go again No idea about Piriton doses in dogs, can't help on that one. Looks like you have to have a sustained high level of Vitamin A before it causes harm, Annabelle, so I'm maybe off target on that, but interestingly, it does mention joint pains and limping as a side-effect too. For interest, I found this.....http://www.vetinfo.com/vitamin-a-toxicity-in-dogs.html
Re: Here we go again The dose of Piriton in dogs is up to 0.4mg/kg three times daily, ie 1x 4mg tablet per 10kg bodyweight three times daily. As Barley is a big boy the dose is not excessive. However, Piriton is metabolised by the liver and he is getting a moderate dose of Vit A which can cause liver problems. If I were you Anabelle I would drop the cod liver oil, kelp powder and salmon oil, forget about the Dorwest easy green powder and give him an essential fatty acid supplement as prescribed by your vet instead. Essential fatty acids when in the correct proportions for dogs have been shown to improve the effectiveness of antihistamines and allow for a much lower dose of any steroids to be used in the longer term. Might be worth a shot.
Re: Here we go again Double Good Luck from Molly and Me for today. First Good Luck with the exams. Second Good Luck for you and Barley at the vets tonight.
Re: Here we go again Annoyed with the vets, receptionists told us lies as our favourite vet works at the other practice on mondays, if we had know that we would have waited a bit longer for his appointment as i don't fully trust the vet we saw today. He got given a steroid shot, if he starts itching again once it has worn off in 10-14 days time he has to go back so we talk through some longer terms options as piriton is not having the effect it used to on him even on a higher dosage. This vet does agree with the other vet in that they both think it is allergy related especially at this time of the year and he was in the vets around the same time last year for the same thing. No cream or anything to put on his sore feet just bathe them in salt water.
Re: Here we go again Is the poor boy any better? When might the shot give him some relief from the itching? Did the vet say?
Re: Here we go again [quote author=JulieT link=topic=6425.msg86765#msg86765 date=1402348724] Is the poor boy any better? When might the shot give him some relief from the itching? Did the vet say? [/quote] Nope, thats why i don't like that vet, he does not explain things at all. Said nothing about when it should kick in or about any side effects. TBH i can't see it doing much help although he is still itching his paws, he is itching them because they are sore and starting to scab over a bit which is making them more itchy, so the allergy itch has been treated but not his sore paw itch. Its more a matter of breaking the cycle of itching, and not breaking dads bank account (£42 for consultation and steroid shot) He has spent most of the time sleeping since we got back from the vets as it is very hot and humid. Will see what tommorow morning brings as he usually attacks his feet at night. He has been making them bleed due to him licking and chewing them
Re: Here we go again Hope Barley feels the benefit soon. £42 for relief from those agonisingly itchy feet sounds like a good deal to me
Re: Here we go again I totally agree Cheap at the price. When Obi started on steroid tablets (prednisolone) the vet said that we'd probably see a result within two days. He was much better within one day. I hope Barley also gets quick relief from this agonising itch.
Re: Here we go again Sympathy about not seeing a vet you like, I have varying confidence in the vets I have access to but luckily mostly see the vet I prefer these days (I think I've been "labelled" on their system ;D ). I really hope he is better today. I can see that you'll need to get his paws healed up, but that's going to be way easier if his allergy reaction is brought under control. I can't see another way of, as you say, breaking the cycle of itching. Just preventing him from itching might be very distressing for him and isn't a long term solution.
Re: Here we go again Calm has been restored. Itching has stopped, paws are basically healed just a few scabs left. Groin also has a few scabs on as well, he has the occasional nobble at it now and then, difficult to stop him as sometimes he is just cleaning himself other times he is having a sneaky nibble. He is still on 9 piriton a day. Starting to get into a routine of wiping down legs after each walk, or hosing them down if it is hot as that cools him down and cleans his legs. Desensitising him to green tea which was suggested by the vet to wash his paws in when they are sore, and he hates the smell of tea, or a mug of anything which is probably due to his previous home. On other things he is back on restricted walks as he has been limping slightly the last couple of days. He is only limping when walking, when trotting he is sound (usually the other way round). Still trying to persuade dad to get him x-rayed to find out what is going on with his joints. It will be cheaper at the moment as he is under 40kg so sedation is cheaper but still the same for the x-ray plates for his hips, knees and elbows, possibly shoulders as well. Better to get everything done at once and only have him put under once rather than twice. (his claws also need cutting again)
Re: Here we go again That's really excellent news! Brill. Be prepared though, that the injection will wear off - if you are getting everything healed up, that is just fantastic - very well done - just watch out for it starting again and him needing a course of tablets. Oh, so very pleased he has some relief from the dreadful itch!
Re: Here we go again That's great news about the itching. I'm sure it's made a massive difference to him Do be prepared to consider the tablets if it recurs, as Julie mentioned.
Re: Here we go again I'm really pleased there such a great improvement,I hate to think of him itchy x Maybe your exam results will be a bargaining chip to get your dad to agree to the xrays?worth a try ? X
Re: Here we go again No more itching so looks like the steroid shot has done its job. His legs on the otherhand have got no better, well they have got slightly worse. Just hoping he can hold out long enough until he gets x-rays and proper treatment from the vet not just anti-inflamatories and rest which does nothing. It is very noticeable that something is wrong when i watch him trot and walk from behind
Re: Here we go again Poor barley when are you thinking of getting the x rays done annabelle ? At leat the itching has stopped he must feel much more comfortable now.
Re: Here we go again [quote author=Jen link=topic=6425.msg91589#msg91589 date=1403796085] Poor barley when are you thinking of getting the x rays done annabelle ? At leat the itching has stopped he must feel much more comfortable now. [/quote] as soon as dad wants to get them done. Its been about 6 months since the vet decided that x-rays were the next step for him. He does not see how much worse he has got since then, he is a lot slower on walks, his gait is abnormal and is more reluctant to play with puzzle. He just keeps putting it off. I have already offered to contribute towards the cost of his x-rays as it is going to be around £400 and insurance will not cover it as his leg problems started before we changed insurer as his premium almost doubled for no reason as we only claimed once for a grass seed in his foot which came to £140 and excess was £70 so it was not a massive payout and could have been a lot worse.
Re: Here we go again It's a shame about your insurance. They are good at taking money and good at not giving it out if they can avoid it. :-\ I think it's lovely of you to offer to help your dad with the vet fees. Give him a nudge and remind him nicely.
Re: Here we go again Good that Barley is on the mend, just hope you can get those Xrays sorted soon, it certainly is a minefield with insurers though...
