After waiting more than 2 months, Friday, May 26th finally got here. It was the day of Todd's long awaited appointment with the Allergist.
I don't venture much towards the craziness of I-95, especially on a holiday weekend, but that's where I had to go for Todd's appointment, so we did. It was over an hours drive to get there, and somehow I managed to get there early and with a few minutes to spare. Yay us!
For whatever reason, Todd didn't seem nervous. Even when I got him out for a little break before his appointment he was happy and relaxed. I was happy about that.
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| ~Do you think Todd snuck a sip of my drink when I wasn't looking?~ |
What I wasn't happy about was that the dermatology department (still) isn't allowing owners to come inside with their pets. So, I had to wait outside in my van while Todd was taken inside.
After waiting about 30 minutes, the specialist called and gave a preliminary diagnosis of "Allergic Rhinitis" which is a build-up of histamines in the sinus, that can be caused by damage to the nasal membranes - I approved doing what is called a HESKA blood test that will hopefully tell us what Todd is allergic to.
Todd will be on Apoquel until we get the test results and will have a follow up appointment in about 6 weeks. I'll just add that I'm not supportive of his being put on this particular medication, it suppresses the immune system and it isn't really an antihistamine ~ I questioned it being prescribed, but the Vet felt he should be on it, even though I really feel strongly that what Todd needs is a 'stronger' antihistamine than the Zyrtec that I've been giving him daily. But what do I know, right?
Todd was happy to be back with me, and we were both happy when we got home. So now, we wait for 10 or so days for the results, and hope he doesn't have any 'flare ups' before then.
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| ~Todd after his appointment~ |
Todd looks a lot happier in the " after " pic, but a wee sip might have lightened his spirits. And, at the end of the day, we know our own bodies and our own animals best. Apoquel, is it essential for Todd ?? You know better than the vets how Todd really is. Hope it works out for the best whichever way you go. XXX from Autumn down here in NZ.
ReplyDeleteTodd doesn't seem to have been upset by his appointment with the vet, and without you there with him. I do hope that whatever the medication he is given, it will make him feel better.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time in many years, I now have a dog, Amber, that doesn't, at the moment, (fingers crossed) require any medication. It feels strange to dish up food without adding pills to it.
I do so hate it when they will not let me go inside. Todd you look so handsome and happy and prayers for the test to show what is causing your allergies. you were brave to tackle that interstate. I try to stay off all interstates if at all possible. good luck and lots of hugs coming your way
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteTodd does not seem upset at all. I hope all goes well with the blood work and the medicine helps Todd. I do not like driving on I-95, it always seems backed up to me. Take care, have a wonderful week!
Not allowed inside? NOW? That is absolutely ridiculous! Anyway, here's hoping they sort it all out successfully.
ReplyDeleteWoofs,
Ollie
We have our paws crossed that Todd gets some relief from the new meds and they can figure out what is causing his problems.
ReplyDeleteTodd is such a sweetie. Glad his appointment is over and you both are back home safe. Hope Todd gets the relief he needs.
ReplyDeleteDr Will Falconer has done numerous articles on apoquel and I have read stories of dogs getting cancer from being on it. I hope this does not happen to Todd. It is hard when the et wants to put our dog on stuff that is not good. I have a gsd with pannus in the eyes. I have researched and this is an immune system disease. So when my dog had a problem with licking and it caused a sore, the vet wanted to prescribe steroids for it without even trying to find out what might have caused it-I said no. Steroids suppress the immune system and so we might have had a bigger problem with her eyes. It turned out the more I researched the more I found out it was food allergies. So I am glad I made the decision not to do the steroids.
ReplyDeleteHi friend Todd, Ojo here! I hope you feel better! I hear your person advocating for you! Sending licks and wags!
ReplyDeleteTodd is so handsome. I do hope this will be quickly resolved. Todd definitely looks up for some liquid refreshment or maybe an ice cream cone?
ReplyDeleteWe hope Todd feels better. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteWe are glad the appointment finally happened. And we understand your concern about the plan of treatment. We are dealing with two sick pups with similar GI issues. After five months of medication and diet change for Misty and little improvement, and now similar issues with Timber, we are at our wit's end with what to do next. It is tough when you want to trust your vet and yet wonder if it is the right thing. We hope Todd does well with the plan.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with Todd and that the meds work or you get better meds!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Hoping for relief for you both. Todd is a love!
ReplyDeleteBaxter has some kind of allergy also...he shakes his head all the time...the vet says Claratin or Benadryl...we will see. I sure hope Todd will be okay. Yes I think Todd is smart enough to drink out of a straw!
ReplyDeleteI think vet's office not letting humans in with their pets is really lazy and they just don't want to deal with humans. With no masking required in human hospitals there is just NO legitimate excuse not to allow humans in with their animals. They are still pulling this dirty trick here in the midwest also and I am so over it. I feel that same way about that drug. They seems to prescribe to everyone. I wonder what their kick back is?
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