Opinions, please?

Nik, from my experience and knowledge of systemic yeast infections (which is by far not extensive, but I thought I'd throw out what I do know about them)
it's not a geographical issue. Dogs from any location can experience them.

Buddy's symptoms, to me, indeed sound like a systemic yeast infection.

Didn't you say that he also have some digestive issues as well?

would it hurt him to try and treat him for a yeast infection? I mean, you haven't had luck with the other stuff?

I can't help from pouting and banging my head. I was absolutely convinced of a systemic yeast infection myself, but both Mordy and our vet is saying that it's not at all likely. I don't know what to do, I really don't.

have you TESTED him for environmental allergies? you said he responded to Prednisone, right? that is key for environmental allergies. if thats the case, then all the elimination diets in the world won't make a difference, and if you are willing, the hyposensitization vaccines could be a real benefit to him.

Not that I'm doubting either your vet, or Mordy, but I just don't understand why they feel like it's not likely. I've seen it more frequently as of late than I ever have before. Danes especially seem to be vulnerable to these issues so I've heard of several of my dane owning friends dealing with this.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to treat him as if it were a systemic yeast infection. You never know, it may be just the cure.

I also agree on the environmental allergies as well....

No matter what the cause is, I'm so sorry you and Buddy are dealing with it. I know all too well what's it's like to see your dog miserable and suffering and not knowing how to fix it.

Yes, we had him tested last Spring. he's allergic to dust mites, fleas and cockroaches. We have preventative measures for all.

Since he wasn't getting better after making environmental changes, we thought he might also have food allergies, which is why we tried the ED.

I am not familiar with the hyposensitization vaccines.

The vet told us about 4 possible allergy "treatments"; 1- antihistamines, 2- combo drug of antihistamine and cortisone, 3- cortisone shots and 4- a drug, I can not recall the name, that is used for humans when they have organ transplants and the like.

What happens is dogs with allergies develop yeast infections that are secondary infections because they are constantly licking- the moisture introduced (typically starting at their feet) is the prime place for the yeast to flourish - their immune system is so shot to hell that it just takes over, which is how they just become overrun.

Diagnosis of yeast is simple (though the most common is malassezia is the most common, not candida) via a tape prep of the skin. However, like I said - for a true allergy dog, simply treating them for the yeast infection isn't going to cure them of their allergies - will it hurt them to treat it - no - and yes they DO need to be treated. However, the underlying cause needs to be addressed too.

What are your preventative measures? Dust mites are some of the most responsive to the shots, for the record.

I am a little concerned that once he was tested, no one suggested the shots - that is the entire purpose of the testing They take the results- and develop a serum of very dilute allergens he is allergic to, and slowly he is introduced to what he is allergic to via injections every few days, and his body learns to react appropriately. They are a lifelong commitment, and depending on what company you use, what he is allergic to, and how he responds, the average dog is 50-70% responsive, over the course of the first year. Rah has already had a 50% response in the first 2 months, which I am extremely pleased with (Rah has mold allergies).
It is a financial commitment - but you already know how expensive allergies can be - for MY clients the testing is about 200 dollars (your clinic may vary, and I do not know what lab your clinic uses, so that also may affect the cost), the first set of shots is about 170 (lasts about 2 months), then the 170 vials last 4 months, and the next 170 vials last 8 months, and the next 170 vial last about a year. i recommend they give it a full year before they say it wont work. I always remind them it will likely not make the allergy go away - we hope it will reduce the symptoms by at least 50% - either in frequency or severity. if i see the dog 8 times a year for ear infections, we hope for 4. if i see the dog for severe ones, i hope to see them for just kinda bad ones.

I use HESKA for my clients - you can read about the process here
http://www.heska.com/allercept/pr_info.asp

I do not know who your vet used, but the entire process is described on the page here (client info)
http://www.heska.com/allercept/client_info.asp

The flea allergy is an easy one to deal with - I am sure you use flea and tick preventative religiously, right? Like I said, you may have GREAT luck with allergy shots, because I am told, mite allergies seem to be VERY responsive to allergy shots, unlike molds (which rah has).

As I mentioned - Rah has mold allergies - very high - and has been itching and chewing his leg for over a year, non-responsive to anything but steroids, treated for everything I have in my veterinary arsenal and seen by top dermatologists. I tested him via HESKA and he tested high to environmental molds, and within 2 months of starting his shots, he is off steroids completely and not chewing himself at all, and he is starting to get hair regrowth - I am thrilled! KNOCK ON WOOD.


1 - antihistamines are safe and moderately effective depending on the dog, but long term don't tend to manage most dogs allergies once they get severe enough to warrant multiple vet visits. They did nothing for Rah whatsoever, and most of my allergy cases find the same. I find

2 - this is temaril-p - i like this drug because its a mUCH lower dose of steroid than most dogs typically need when you use steroids alone, and its what i try to use first.

3- shots are longer lasting than using oral steroids repeatedly, but same risks as oral steroids.

the 4th option is very expensive- the drug is cyclosporine, brand name is atopica. much less side effects than cortisone/prednisone, but the cost is pretty hefty. some dogs have very good results, but the cost can be a big detractor - most of my clients opt to try allergy shots before they go for this, due to cost.