Zeus went through exactly what your boy is going through, and I tried
everything.
We did end up giving him cortizone, but only as a short term "band aid".
At one point his licking, scratching and chewing was so bad that the vet
immediately give him cortizone by injection, and then put him on antibiotics
for a week because he had created so many raw spots on his legs, ankles &
paws.
What really worked beautifully is switching him to a dried food called
AvoDerm. I also shampoo him with AvoDerm medicated shampoo,
leaving it on for 10 minutes to really penetrate the fur and relieve the
itching skin. The Vet recommended this brand of food and shampoo, and
we started Zeus right after his cortizone shot (and when he just started his
10 day antibiotics regime), so that his skin was more comfortable and able
to
handle the transition. The BARF diet has always intrigued me, but because
AvoDerm has worked so wonderfully to clear up Zeus' itching, I am
really hesitant to change anything.
I empathize with what you're going through, because it's hard to watch
your furbaby so obviously uncomfortable.
Mention the AvoDerm to your Vet and see what he/she thinks about it.
On a side note, I don't believe I've heard this brand mentioned on the
Berner-L before, is it not widely available, or is there something I'm not
aware of?Any opinions about AvoDerm from all of you experienced
Berner moms/dads?
Good luck Emily-Jayne,
Antoinette & Zeus
San Ramon, Ca.
SF Bay Area
>>>>>>>>>>>>------------------------------
Subject: Allergies
To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2002 12:59:20 +1100
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi
Just wondering if anyone has had any problems with their BMD suffering
allergies in Spring/Summer? My boy has been licking his feet red raw and
biting and pulling at his pads and fur. It is actually quiet disturbing to
watch. He has been to the vet who put him on a course of antibiotics, but
said the next step would be quarterzone which i am reluctant to do as he is
quiet young.
Anyway would love to hear your stories and advice.
Cheers
Emily-Jayne Drew
Australia
