Help with Atopy

What helps with atopy in my dog?

Atopy in Dogs

Question Comment 1: For the past several months, we have been trying to diagnose obvious allergy problems and finally got an appointment with a doctor from Auburn University. We have been placed on an Atopy "cocktail" of injections that have 3 separate vials of injections to be used in a certain sequence in increasing doses, ie: use the blue vial .5cc day 1, 1cc day 3, 2cc day 5, etc. when blue vial is gone, switch to green vial, repeat dosage instructions. After green vial, repeat with red vial and use the final dosage of 8cc forever, but less frequent after 5 months. It SEEMS that when I switch vials, our dog has a new break-out full on with red bumps, itching, etc. after a few days, it calms down and then we switch vials only to repeat the cycle. This seems explainable with the introduction of new allergens with each vial, but uncertain. The Vet is hard to reach and we've been explaining it away until late yesterday when our puppy decided to eat himself raw again-whether out of boredom or medical reasons is uncertain. He had about 6 large bloody areas that has now gotten all over the house and will require much cleaning and dozens of small bloody sores from scratching. Does this pattern sound typical with Atopy injection startup and can will washing him with Listerine help disinfect some of the sores and cool his skin? Is that even effective? On Monday, I will begin calling the doc again and my regular vet readily admits he’s in over his head with Atopy. He can give us steroids, but they lessen the effects of the injections.

Atopy is Genetic

Comment 2: If, as I surmise, the 'cause' of atopy and autoimmune phenomena in Newfs is genetic drift, the "force" responsible is the hermetic closure of the stud books. Is this a sinister force? I will relate that I have never bothered to register our dog with the AKC (she has been spayed). I purchased a Newfoundland because I wanted a specific type and temperament of canine companion. If someone convinced me they could offer a out crossed dog that looked and acted like a Newfoundland but was healthier over several generations, I would not have the least concern over the lack of AKC registration.

I do have a comment on Atopy...and it's very simple. Atopy may well have a genetic cause in some instances. As a breeder, it would be irresponsible to use any dog that shows signs of any kind of allergy. However, I work in a vet clinic. We are a rural practice, very few pedigreed, registered dogs come through our doors, the vast majority being "mutts" of not only mixed but questionable parentage. Sometimes you cannot even venture a guess what type of lineage the dog has. Atopy is rampant among these dogs - with various manifestations from just seasonal itchiness and ear problems to full blown atopic skin reactions. Further, it seems that it gets worse every year, with more and more dogs presenting. I'm not at all sure that introducing new blood would make much difference.