Annie's Allergies

After months of treating Annie (Pookie Bear) for itching, licking, biting, redness, yeast, bacteria, my vet referred me to an vet dermatologist.  At the time we went, Annie had to wear booties on all four paws because she was attacking them.  They were so red, bloody, and scabby.  Luckily, there was a cancellation and Annie was seen a few days later.  The vet dermatologist tested her paws for bacteria and results came back shockingly high.  The blackheads, the scaps, the dryness, the waxiness, the yeast, are all secondary issues but the main problem is allergies.  Annie was tested for environmental allergens and then put on anti-itching meds, antibiotics, atopica, a rx shampoo (1x week bath, 1x week foot soak), special food (she gets it mixed with regular food), and within a few days the itching started to lesson.  A couple of weeks later, I began to adminster allergy shots.

(Pic of Annie after first visit with vet dermatologist -- her paws are scabby, sore and discolored from licking)

Today we had a follow up visit with the vet dermatologist.  She doesn't itch as much but does still itch.... her skin is darker, but the vet said that was normal and would eventually lessen, the bacteria level went down considerably but he still wants to keep her on another two weeks of antibiotics.  He said she is doing so much better and has improved so much in such a short time.  I thought so too.  Not perfect... not completely healed... but definitely on the road.

These vet visits can be quite expensive but her comfort is worth it.  I sacrifice here and there to afford it... and really, the initial tests, medicine (Atopica can be pricey but they do offer a rebate) and serum are the big initial costs. 

The staff at Animal Specialty Clinic in West Palm Beach are so nice and knowledgeable. 

Update and introducing Mocha

Annie "Pookie Bear"
 

Bella after a haircut

Callie after a haircut

and... The Mo... Mocha, my 9 year old chihuahua. 

So it's been a few months since I've updated.  We've temporarily moved back home and although the house is filled with little dogs, we have worked out a great routine and everyone seems happy.  I am happy that the dogs get along very well and that someone is mostly home with them too.  However, Pookie, Bella, and Callie love their mid-afternoon naps!  They run to their crates around one pm for about a two hour nap!  It's so funny!

Callie & Bella are in great health.  Pookie had been pretty stable but then when the fluconazole ran out, she started licking furiously at her paws.  She developed several very bad sores that looked so terrible.  Inbetween her toes gets so crusty and scaley.  The comedones are still there too.  She was on antibiotics for two weeks, back on fluconzole for life most likley, and a shot of cortisone about 2.5 weeks ago.  My vet is going to suggest we see a vet dermotologist just to see if he/she has any other ideas.  Other than the licking  -- which I usually make her wear booties to avoid that - she's a happy dog!  She runs, plays alot, loves her sisters, and toys... and poop!  UGH!  Sometimes she burps in my face and it's sooo gross!  I have to figure out a way to get her to stop that!!  Love her soo much though... she's a sweetheart.  We go for recheck Tuesday.

I've added a picture of Mocha-moo too.  She's my baby.  My MooMoo.  She's so happy I am back home... she sleeps in my bed... sits on the couch with me like we used to do at night... I am happy to have her with me again and I don't think I will leave her with my parents when we move.  I did take her to my old apt but she barked during the day and someone complained so I had to let her go back home where she seemed more comfy anyway.  She's having her teeth cleaned Tuesday.  Worries me because she's older, heavy... and I just worry about losing her.  I'm sure everything will be fine.  Her eye seems better too but not 100%... never really got a final diagnosis from the opthamologist vet... and since she's not squinting, then that is good he said.  All the tests he ran were negative so he said to bring her back when she squinted... and she hasn't.  Her eye is just a little smaller now and watery... shrug...

Anyway, that's my quick update...