Re: [pyrnet] Allergies in Pyrs?

[Pacerized@aol.com]

> Hi Everyone,
> I was hoping for some advice on a hot spot problem I
> have been having with my 4 year old pyr Mandy.


         For what it's worth, my female "Bella" is allergenic.  I had taken her to a vet dermatologist a little over 2 yrs. ago.  I would think the test you refer to would be were they shave a large grid on the side, and give something like 48 different shots of common allergy agents to see what may be causing the problem. From the options I was given, they can then prescribe a monthly antigen to be given each month for the rest of the dogs life.  The cost was very substantial, with no guarantee it would completely solve the allergies. Bella's only flare up during early spring, and late fall, so I opted to try to treat the symptoms when they arise. We groom her more often during these times to look for problems. If a hot spot appears I've found Gold Bond Medicated Powder to be a far better treatment then anything the vet has ever given me. It dries up the spot in a couple of days, and the dog won't lick it due to the taste. We then put her on a low dosage of Prednisone for a week, or two, and that seems to solve the problem. This year she's only had one hot spot, and 10 days on the Prednisone. Hopefully her allergies are lessening as she gets older.
Good Luck: Charlie