I am asking your advice.

I have a 4 yo border collie mix who definitely has allergies.  I have went through food trials with her already., it did not help.  She gets constant yeast infections, it was tested positive for yeast.  It starts during the spring with terrible itching that turns to a yeast infection on her little private area (whatever you wnat to call it) and she will gets it on her paws.  I use Maleseb to semi-control the itching and the yeast infections.  I tried Atopica from last spring until about 2 months ago when the symptoms let up.  She still does have a slight yeast infection on her paws right now but it is under control.  From past experience it should be cleared in a week or two and will not get bad again until the snow melts.  She will get ear infections, but I can keep those under control with both Otomax (or mal-otic generic or tri-otic generic) and the Blue Powder Solution if I use that as a preventative.  She will sometime cause the ear infection by her scratching herself.  I do believe it is grass she is allergic to because as soon as the snow melts the problems begins again.  During this spring they are going to allergy test her when the symptom begin.

Prednisone and/or prednisolone will clear the yeast infections almost immediately, but with long term effects it is not used very often on my little girl.  And as mentioned above Atopia does help, but not enough.  And I don't believe Atopica has been around enough for long term effect to be determined for the control of Atopic Dermatitus.  I believe I looked it up and it have been used in Europe for quite a while but has only been approved for use in US not all that long ago.

I have also tried trying to change her PH but adding apples, carrots, and yogurt to her food.  As well as rinsing her with white vinegar after a bath...I read on an allergy site that this may help....but it did not seem to help Tsunami.

I was thing about B.A.R.F. ~ but I do not know enough about it and know I am going to have to be careful.  What do you think?
Thanks,
Sandy

Sandy,

I turned to the Official vet of DOG TALK®, the wonderful Dr. Phil Padrid of Chicago, and here is his reply:

Dear Tracie and Sandy:

Seasonal responses like this are usually inhalant allergies rather than contact or food. We almost never actually determine the inhaled source of antigen that causes the reactions. Some dermatologists strongly recommend skin testing to discover the cause of the allergies and then to try to desensitize the patient.  I don’t think it is nearly as helpful but many derm people do.  It can be, as the owner is describing, a frustrating disorder. In general, the yeast infections can be managed with topical medications in some cases while in others you need to treat with anti-fungals like Itraconazole. Remember, people with nail fungus need the same drug to get rid of it.... it is not so dramatic to use this drug as you might imagine- only to make sure that you get the liver checked after starting and then monthly.

It is very important to be sure that we are just talking yeast and only yeast- is the dog treated to prevent fleas etc, is there a superficial bacterial skin infection as well, if the dog is truly allergic to foods is she absolutely consistent to make sure no offending foods get eaten (one bite of one strawberry sets off a person with allergies to strawberries, you don’t need to eat a whole bowl full). The most common food allergies are to beef and chicken, the heartworm preventative that is beef flavored can set off allergies in beef sensitive dogs etc

Bottom line, a dermatologist should be seen. If already has seen one, see another. Do what we would do for our own health as advocates of our dogs’ health, and as good consumers...

My best
Dr. Phil