Old dog's health - who to believe?

Rekku has been to the vet more times that my wallet can take recently. Nothing major or really serious, so not to worry. Just a health check, teeth cleaning and an annual vaccination that now covers more than it used to and thus a booster was also needed. And a little case of itchiness. Well, maybe not so little.

Back when Rekku was five and stressed out (another story), he developed a sensitivity to hay pollen. He has never been tested, because back then the testing was not reliable and would thus been a possible huge waste of money (his insurance did not cover the testing, another another story). He was treated for the symptoms until we moved to Singapore, where he never got symptoms. (Symptoms being really bad itchiness.)

After returning to Europe, last summer was good, no itching at all. Rekku was on Exspot, a strong spot-on against ticks and alike until we visited an osteopath in Finland. She explained that the tick-prevention treatments and over-vaccinating in Singapore had been hard on his liver, which in turn was contributing to his allergies (more in my previous blog entry). My reaction was to stop the spot-on treatments and try something natural instead. So this summer we used a Shoo-tag and sprays. And got ticks. And the itchiness. *

It all started at the end of July, with hot weather, hay pollen and swimming in a long coat. Poor Rekku was really itchy, scratching and biting himself, especially when ever he would be stressed. Leaving him without supervision always resulted in an antiseptic being used. Shaving his coat and washing him helped a little but did not solve the problem, so off to the vet we went.

The first solution was to give him cortisone to provide relief. What the vet told me then was a complete opposite to the osteopath's view. He explained that having sensitive skin, it was actually more important to protect Rekku against ticks, fleas etc with reliable and effective spot-on than a dog with "normal skin", as he was more likely to get itchy even from a hitchhiker flea that would not stay on him, but bit a few times before jumping off. So the benefits of the spot-on are more important than the strain on the liver. Rekku got Malaseb shampoo, Advantix (less poisonous than Exspot) and a cortisone spray to be applied where he felt itchy. 

We went back to the vet a month later for teeth cleaning and the vaccination (which could not be given at the same time with the cortisone), and again a week later for removing the stitches. Rekku's itchiness had returned by then and I asked for another cortisone shot. We also discussed next steps and decided to do a blood test for mange to see if it could be ruled out (which would then leave us with allergies since fleas were unlikely due to the Advantix). The test came back with a result of 14,5. Below 10 is negative and over 15 positive, so it was close enough to do the mange treatment. So, with the booster vaccination and the treatment we have been to the vet some more.. And have one last time left to go this week.That is if the treatment works. He is a lot better already, but not itch-free like he should be unfortunately.

It is a tricky business with these skin-related cases. Who to believe when there is so much advice and so many stories of what works out there? Just reading up on mange has got me confused.. One thing is for sure: I'm going to try a raw diet for him, and invest in a good shampoo. And give him a haircut again soon.

Here are a few tips from Rekku that other dog owners might find useful: 

Use a "tube scarf" to ensure everyone remembers not to pet the dog in the neck (and to prevent the chemical getting into furniture etc.) for a few days after applying the spot-on.

Use a blow-up neck support (the kind humans use for sleeping on airplanes) to prevent the dog from licking/biting an itchy spot. Works only if the dog is not persistent. Not to say Rekku isn't persistent, but since he absolutely hates the plastic cone this will do the trick reminding him he is not allowed to bite or scratch and yet allow him to relax normally.

* I have recently read comments of people not being impressed by the osteopath we used. It was our first time so little did I know, but maybe I would try another one next time.