Monday, July 25, 2016

Allergies and second chances

As many of you know - I the Reilly dog suffer from many allergies - when I had a patch test done by a dermatologist Vet in Memphis I tested as severe reaction to 98 out of the 100 irritants.  We have tried many different medicines, shampoos, food and diet restrictions but the only thing that helped was Depo Medrol Shots which I was getting once a month and then every two weeks. My allergies did ease up a little when we moved to Florida and I was able to go back to once a month shots. (Note - Mom never liked using these shots as there are other medical issues it can cause but scratching myself raw also wasn't an option as I was getting constant skin infections). When I had by foot surgeries though I wasn't allowed to have the Depo Medrol shots (it suppresses the immune system and that is not a good thing when you have surgery) and our vet decided to give Apoquel another go. We had tried it for 3 months when we lived in Arkansas but it didn't help at all.  Whether is different allergens here in Florida or maybe the climate is helping - we don't know - but the Apoquel is working awesomely now and not only has my scratching stopped - but my fur is growing back ! It has been a long time since I had my big old ruff around the neck - but look at it now.  So don't give up - even if you have tried something before and it didn't work - maybe look at giving it a second go.

31 comments:

  1. YAY!! Finally some relief for you my sweet friend. And you look absolutely awesome. XOXO - Bacon

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  2. Wow Mr. Reilly! You look very handsome! Katie sends kisses!

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  3. Thanks for the medical update! Always good to know what has worked!

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  4. Oh Reilly, Oz takes Apoquel too! If he doesn't, he itchs and scratches himself raw, loses fur...well, you know. It has helped him so much. I am glad it is working for you now too!

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  5. that are great news... maybe it is beacause you have YOUR own beach now and the fresh breezes and the sand and the sun help you to chase that allergies away?

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  6. Bentley has taken Apoquel too.. It is amazing how quickly it worked.

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  7. That's great news! But honestly I never notice you not looking fluffy, you must have a good comb-over. BOL

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  8. Hari Om
    Looking furry furry handsome there Reilly!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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  9. That's good advice! We're so happy that something is working for you. The itchies are horrible.

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  10. Oh look at your handsome ruff. This is such great news!

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  11. Your furs always look beautiful so white and so combed beautifully. Lee is lucky she has never had a dog who had bad allergies. Minor ones in the early early Fall but those are livable with a little Benadryl.
    We pray the Apoquel keeps working.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  12. That's great news and I must say your furs do look VERY handsome!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  13. Pawesome, Reilly!!! Good thing you gave it a second chance. Funny how different locations affect allergies differently.

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  14. We are so happy that it's working for you, Reilly! You are a MOST handsome boy!

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  15. What great news for you! I think the body also changes as one ages which might be some of it. Who cares, though, celebrate!

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  16. Hey Reilly!
    Wow, that's so great! Your fur looks wonderful and I'm glad you're itch-free. Your dogtor must be very good.
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, Police Commish

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  17. That's great news! allergies are the worst. You're looking very fluffy :)

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  18. That's great news. We're glad to hear you are feeling better.

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  19. Crikey Reilly ..... I'm glad your not itching mate but you always looked VERY handsome to me.

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  20. Apoquel has been such a relief for Arty too!!!

    You are looking so very handsome, Reilly!!

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  21. So glad you got off of the steroid shots and are getting relief otherwise. Your fluff is awesome!

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  22. We go to a dermatologist. The best med that works for me is Atopica, 25mg in the morning and 10 mg at night (now I use it every other day) Apoquel worked like magic for me for 1 week only. Good luck friend.
    Snorts
    Lily & Edward

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  23. Reilly! You are truly handsome!! Butt you always were - in a totally non-rottie sort of way!!

    -Otto, who has tummy and seizure issues that respond to different things at different times!

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  24. That is great that it is helping the second time around
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  25. That is pawesome news Reilly :D Your looking very handsome :) Milo & Jet

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  26. that is wonderful news you look so handsome. stella rose

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  27. Glad that APOQUEL is working for you now because it works great for me too. Mom's been getting some angry comments on her blog about it causing cancer in their dogs. She decided to find out for herself and it's just like what you said, it suppresses the immune system some and dogs with infections or cancer it can make worse. Love Dolly

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Thank you for woofing at us - we read each and every one of them