Dermatology Diary Part 1: Meet Simba and Asia

August 23: First appointment with Dr. G.

The Veterinary Specialist
Dr. G is very nice, and spends close to an hour discussing the history and approach we will take.

The Dogs
Though they both have very red skin, Simba looks absolutely awful and is covered in sores and peeling skin. I am embarrassed that I have let things get this bad.

Tests Done Today

• skin scraping to check for parasites - negative (not really considered likely, but one thing that should always be checked)
• fungal culture (results can take weeks)

Treatment Plan

• 6 weeks of antibiotics (twice daily - should be fun!)
• A topical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic topical medication which can be sprayed on really itchy areas.
• strict food trial -- minimum 10 weeks (see below for detail)
• weekly baths
• hold off on any more corticosteroids if we can (may interfere with intradermal skin testing if this is necessary)
• may use a different immunosuppressive drug if necessary but will wait and see if necessary, will refer to specialist for intradermal skin testing (like allergy testing in humans) to identify environmental causes. Based on results, we can do desensitization shots (like allergy shots in humans) to reduce the allergic response

Food Trial
The food trial will be the biggest challenge. With two kids and Simba being a compulsive food stealer, this was not going to be easy. Since I barely have time to cook for us, I wasn't all that interested in doing a homemade diet, so we elect to use Hill's Prescription Diet Ultra z/d. This is the new generation of hypoallergenic diets, where the proteins (and in the "Ultra" version, the carbohydrates) are hydrolyzed to the point where it is believed that the proteins can't provoke the immune system and thus there is no allergic response. Because our dogs have had a variety of diets over their lives, they have potentially been exposed to such a wide variety of ingredients that this is probably one of the best options at this point. Alternatives include a homemade diet with a completely unique protein source. We go with the "Ultra z/d".

At this point, I am willing to do anything so don't even ask about the costs. I know it will be expensive and am willing to pay. This turns out to be a good thing! I am floored by the price of antibiotics and the prescription diet, and can't resist commenting on it, but don't complain about the bill. After all, I've been on the other side of the counter. I jokingly tell my husband I should go back into practice to save money on vet bills.

A recheck is scheduled in one week.

Meet Simba and Asia - Derm Diary | Photo Gallery

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