This week has it out for us, and to that I cry… ‘Uncle’! Jake’s skin is blood-red, his fall allergies are far worse this year than last year and he is beyond miserable. We have prescriptions antihistamines that are doing NOTHING (well that is not entirely true, they are making Jake throw up). We have two vets searching the universe for enough Apoquel to get us through to the first frost. This area is completely out of it and despite Jake being on before the shortage, we were unable to get him on the list to continue getting it. Add to the injury of his allergies is the insult of a double ear infection. He shakes his head so hard that I worry his eyes will pop out. We went to the vet this morning – he was literally unable to stop shaking his head. They infused medicine into both ears, never had this before, and apparently it is thick and will stay in and treat him from inside his ears for two weeks. Now if only his skin was not on fire.
It is almost certain that Melvin has Cushing’s. He is on prednisone (the cause) and has every single symptom. We can’t get him off the pred until after the first frost and that will take time to taper him until he can be off for two weeks to be tested. In the meantime we are trying a natural approach to treatment, Melatonin (what’s four more pills in the pill-box?!). The Melatonin has shown really great treatment results in some dogs and it’s something we can use while he is still on the prednisone. The side effect, he’s exhausted. He sleeps a lot now, even more than before!
Here is Jake post appointment. He keeps toppling over due to the heaviness in his ears. Melvin is too tired to care.
Take a deep breath mama! I can only imagine how stressed out you must be worrying about the pups! I’ve been praying for summer to hold on a little longer (as Michigan didn’t really get a summer this year). But, I will change my tune and pray for some cooler air to move into your area.
I was on Prednisone for 10 months last year and the weaning process is no fun! Best of luck to you and both doggers. Keep smiling…I just know this week will get better.
Hahaha, thank you! Maybe just pray for fall in the Northeast, you can keep summer in Michigan! We will persevere, it’s what we do!
Oh no! 🙁 I hope that the meds start kicking in soon! Sending love and kisses!
Thanks love!
Oh my you really do have a lot on your plate. I think I know the medication that was put in Jake’s ears and if I’m correct that stuff works miracles. I know that’s not much help but that’s all I can do beside sending you lots and lots of get well love from Colorado!
Thank you!!!! It seems to be working great! It is certainly goopy but worth it to not have to put drops in.
Oh my gosh! I don’t know how you do it, lady. I don’t know much about cushings but I hope you can get it figured out and Jake will live a long, healthy-ish and happy life!
We love learning about new conditions, I feel like one day I’ll just be made an honorary vet!
Seriously! You can be like all of those celebrities, getting honorary degrees from Yale and Harvard. You definitely deserve it more than they do.
Sending you lots of love and support. Pugs allergies also just kicked into high gear for some reason. xoxoxoxox
Everyone is miserable, even people who don’t usually have allergies. Why, universe, whyyyyyyyyy?!!!! Hope the little guy can get some relief!
Poop pups…poor you! So sorry.
We will bounce back! It’s the only direction to go!
When it rains, it pours. Hope you guys catch a break soon!
Thanks!!! Just waiting for the first frost!
Poor boys! I have a dog with allergies and I thought it was bad. Unfortunately, Jake’s are much worse. Hang in there! It’s finally cooling off here in Tennessee so it’s right around the corner. Hopefully we’ll have a good winter that’s cold enough to kill ALL the allergens.
Yes! Come on old man winter! Hope your baby can get some relief too!
Oh dear! If their is anything other than sending good vibes that we can do to help, just shout. In the meantime, please accept these good vibes. <3
We love good vibes! They are healing!
Oh, wow! And I thought I was having a rough week! Never mind, you win! So sorry the boys are under the weather. My sister’s dog is on Apoquel also and he is also out of it – with no news as to when they might be able to get more. So frustrating!
It IS so frustrating! While I’m trying to be patient about waiting for it to come back, I also think they suck for teasing us with a solution. Hope your week improves!!!