Has anyone requested allergy testing from the vets?

[Skiffypop]

Just wondering how likely they would be to go ahead with it if I request it today. Any experience of asking?

Its an ongoing, long term issue of years but not something I have approached the vet about directly before so no real 'history' there.

Well I say that but she has had ongoing appointments with them over about 18 months due to her having anal gland issues which are severe and have culminated in popped cysts 3 times.

This had happened when I have attempted to swap her food from Forthglade to anything else but the Forthglade food may be the cause of her constant, constant itching, paw licking, bottom chasing, skin biting.

Also when it was her birthday, she was still on forthglade, but I bought her a load of treats as a present and after just a few days of her starting them her glands swelled up. She can't seem to have much of anything. Am thinking it might be something in dry food? Like wheat or something?

I've been swapping and changing her food about for about 3/4 years trying to find something that helps. Tried supplements, shampoos etc.

I did a home allergy testing thing a few years ago but think it was phoney TBH. The company was quite discredited.

I'm just wondering as I've read the vet might want to do an elimination diet first but I have tried removing poultry and things and I can't ever seem to find a definitive answer.

I would really like to just get the tests ASAP as it has gotten much worse lately, so may be seasonal too?

My dog had a basic blood test for food allergies at the vets at my request. It revealed he was allergic to five things.

I'd recommend you ask for a referral to a dermatologist. He did much more thorough testing, including skin patch ones. These revealed lots more food and environmental allergies. He had immunotherapy treatment, which was monthly injections I did at home. He also needed low dose steroids for life and twice weekly medicated baths.

It's not cheap. My first appointment was nearly £3k. But thankfully you said you have good insurance.

I hope you can find something that helps your dog. It's horrible seeing them suffer.🤞

Argh. Would I have to pay that upfront though and claim it back? I don't have that sort of money at all :/

My dog has seasonal allergies and up until this year was on Piriton from spring to autumn. This year however his allergies intensified and I was going to request allergy tests but vet suggested Zenrelia. He has been on it for about a month and a half on so far so good. I’m hoping he won’t need it past August as it’s around £100pcm.

@Skiffypop It depends who you're insured with. I am with PetPlan, so the vets have always been happy to claim direct from them.

Yes our dog had allergy testing as well, she came back as allergic to house dust mites, basically being indoors 😒she's on daily steroids and sometimes we bump up to twice daily if she's having a bad reaction. We did do some initial immunotherapy too, which was expensive. Claimed most of it back on insurance and she's now covered for life with these insurers for this issue.

How did you get on? Was the vet helpful?

No, it was actually upsetting, he was bloody rude and I don't think I will be going back.

He said the patches on her legs are infected so she is on an antibiotic, a steroid and an antihistamine for the itching.

I was trying to explain her issues and he kept talking over me and I tried to explain her anla gland issues and how her current stops those, but might be the cause of the itching he told me 'not to be silly and her food is fine'

I asked about allergy testing and he said 'who says she has allergies? We haven't treated her for allergies. Come back in 10 days and we will see what the antihistamine does'

But even if they help, they don't explain what is causing it?

He was so rude and kept cutting me off.

😮‍💨

I am so sorry the vet wasn't more understanding. He sounds very rude and opinionated. How can he possibly know the food is fine?
Hopefully the steroids and antihistamines will give your dog some temporary relief.

Is there more than one vet at your practice? Could you book with someone else for the follow up visit?
My vets has multiple vets across three surgeries and I often ask the receptionists which one I should see for particular issues.

I'm going to take her to a different vets, this isn't the first time I've had issues there.

Im glad she has some meds to get on with but I don't think we will return for the follow up and just register elsewhere.

What breed is your dog?

One of mine has both seasonal and food allergies. As soon as I put her on raw food her skin cleared up instantly. She is allergic to chicken, beef, turkey. Raw makes it really easy to identify what is causing the food allergy.

Her seasonal allergies are controlled as the start of spring with piriton and then with apoquel when piriton isnt enough.

Definitely see a different vet, the one you have seen is appalling!