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Sherrie
 
April 18 at 13:33
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Alternatives to Steroid Injections
My 4 year old Westie, Brodie, suffers from skin problems. They seem to be seasonal, and this time of year the poor thing is miserable and broken out underneath. I try to control it with over the counter creams, oatmeal baths, you name it, but today she was suffering so much that my husband took her to the vets. In addition to the antibiotics given to her, the vet injected her with a steroid (against my wishes, I might add). Question: does anyone know of any alternative or homeopathic method of controlling the severe itching rather than steroids? I am totally against her having them, but don't know what else to suggest to the vet.
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Lynda and the Minkies
 
April 18 at 14:19
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
I do hope you can find an alternative as once you start along that road you're stuck there. Hopefully other members here can help....
XXX.
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john / irene TOBY
April 18 at 18:11
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
Hi Sherrie I have Spent 4 years weaning TOby off steroids Have You Tried benedryl Or Tavist You might Try Evening primrose Oil As an addition You need To Check on Diet To Corn Products can cause alergies We wish You Luck And Give Brodie A hug from us
John / irene TOBY
Benadryl
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Sherrie
April 18 at 20:28
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
Thank you...yes, we're currently giving her Benadryl twice daily. Have you had success with the Evening Primrose Oil? I've read where others on the site use this, and have had luck with it. Do you give one capsule per day? Thanks again for your help. My vet only knows one way, and that is steroids, which makes me extremely nervous.
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Lynda and the Minkies
April 19 at 05:44
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
I use one capsule a day with the Minkies. They've been on it since they were pups and have great skin.
XXX.
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Siobhan
April 20 at 04:43
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
poor Brodie. I give one 500mg capsule of Eve Prim oil but no reason not to give a 1000mg for first few days. If you can get starflower oil (sometimes called flaxseed) even better! but really expensive. I found out all this from a website ages ago but have lost it. If I find it i will send you addy. I was also told to give garlic capsules too. We are off the steroids completely now, took a while but try and persevere.
Siobhan
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Sara and Theo
April 20 at 10:21
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
Years ago, when visiting my aging parents, poor Max was under attack from fleas brought in by a new dog to the neighbourhood. He was covered in horrible hot spots, my parents at wits end what to do.
The steroid shot gave him almost instant relief until we got the flea problem under control. Used sparingly it can be a blessing, but the side effects of long term use can be disasterous.
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SMomBecky
April 20 at 12:08
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
Unfortunately, most vets only offer the one solution. It is sad that any Westie is automatically categorized as allergy prone, start giving cortisone. They even call them allergy shots!! I wish they would all be required to take some nutrition classes so they can offer some more natural options!! I would look into special diets for her. Even though she may be reacting to airborne allergens, improving the immune system is supposed to help her body fight off the reactions to the allergens. I hope she is doing better now. It is so heartbreaking when they are going crazy scratching and you don't know how to help them!!
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Sherrie
April 20 at 15:23
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
I agree totally...vets that I have gone to, know nothing at all about nutrition. Brodie is doing better...the antibiotic must be kicking in, along with the topical cream we're using. I plan to start the Evening Primrose Oil soon to see if this helps. I appreciate everyone's help.
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Angie
April 21 at 23:25
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
Kim has this very problem with her Scottie, Allie... you might want to contact her for, if nothing else, moral support. :)
Angie
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Maisie MaeWest the Essex Girl
 
April 20 at 18:34
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
I suffered tremendously from itching and skin problems.
I was for-ever back wards and forwards to the vet, you name it I was given it, and then one day, after some sound advice from a westie notice board, My DAD finally blew his top, went to the vet and blasted them out, and said that if they couldnt find a reasonable explanation for my skin problems he was taking me somewhere else.
However that week a new vet had joined the practise (he was from Australia) and he Immediately started me on a allergy reaction course.After Blood testing and other tests, I was found to be allergic to a host of things, Beef, Barley House dust mite, various pollens. I have been on a course of anti-Allergen shots, not cortisones, and my problem has disapeared totally, I do not itch at all, no more scratching, and I am so much more contented. This was only possible however because my DAD had insurance cover for me since I was a pup, ( he was going through my invoices from the vet a couple of weeks ago, and the costs that have been incurred come to over three thousand pounds, since I was a puppy. Thank goodness I am insured, and that the anti allergen treatment has worked, I have to have a shot every once in a while to keep up with the antidotes, but well worth it. ( One thing about a lot of insurance companies is that when a dog reaches a certain age , it is deemed to be non insurable,that is about eight, and Im eight now, but My insurance company will cover me for life. Brilliant!!
Maisie XXX
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Sara and Theo
April 22 at 10:58
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
I should have added, that when Max had the steriod shot, it was a one-time thing. I will remember the primrose oil if any of my guys have such problems in the future
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Diana
 
April 24 at 04:47
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Re: Alternatives to Steroid Injections
My 2 suffer from allergies, and I was just about pulling my own hair out not to mention spending heaps on them and getting nowhere. I took them in to be allergy tested ($870)and then they started the Trial Food Diet (it finishes in 7 days). They have both started on the desensitizing vaccine ($176 for Kelsi for 30 weeks, $227 for Hannah for 30 weeks). Plus I have to get the Vet to give the injection $26.40 per week. It's definitely an expensive course of action. But I am so hoping that they will lose their itch and scratch and lick routine. I tried Phenergan but it really didn't help, they were on antihistamines from the Dermatologist for 4 weeks, but have to be off them for awhile due to the Food Trial, but I can start them again in a week or so. I really do feel for you as it's a big undertaking, but hopefully the outcome will be worth it. I only bath my 2 in Sebazole once a month, Malaseb and Oatmeal shampoos were making them scratch all the more. I have a list of things mine are allergic to if you want me to e-mail it to you. I wish you the best of luck!
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