One of my cocker spaniels has had a long history of ear infections (common with cockers). Both vets I have taken him to think that the infections are largely caused by allergies. He has a tendency to lick his paws and has other signs of allergies as well.
The first vet...whom we have gone to for years...repeatedly prescribed Tresaderm drops. These never seemed to work very well, and the vet's advice was skin prick tests (which my dog would hate) followed by weekly allergy shots. I have gone through this process myself. It's very expensive and time consuming...and the shots are not always particularly effective. Even the vet admitted that they may or may not work very well. I finally got frustrated and decided to try a new vet.
The new vet has prescribed Otomax which seems to work much better than Tresederm on the ear infections. (Both vets have given me ear flushing and/or drying drops in addition to the anti-biotics). My main question is that the new vet has also prescribed kenalog shots for Rusty. He has had two so far...and the vet says he can have one every month during allergy season. These shots seem to be helping quite a bit.
However, are kenalog shots safe on an on-going basis? When I was younger, I used to get kenalog shots and they worked great with my allergies. Doctors don't give them any more as they are steriods and not considered safe. The vet says that dogs respond differently than humans...and that they are perfectly safe for them.
Does anyone have any experience and/or advice about this? Rusty is nearly nine years old and is happy and playful. It's nice to see his allergies get better under control...and I'm hoping that his ear infections will go away, too. (Or at least be less frequent.) Any suggestions are most appreciated.
Steve
The first vet...whom we have gone to for years...repeatedly prescribed Tresaderm drops. These never seemed to work very well, and the vet's advice was skin prick tests (which my dog would hate) followed by weekly allergy shots. I have gone through this process myself. It's very expensive and time consuming...and the shots are not always particularly effective. Even the vet admitted that they may or may not work very well. I finally got frustrated and decided to try a new vet.
The new vet has prescribed Otomax which seems to work much better than Tresederm on the ear infections. (Both vets have given me ear flushing and/or drying drops in addition to the anti-biotics). My main question is that the new vet has also prescribed kenalog shots for Rusty. He has had two so far...and the vet says he can have one every month during allergy season. These shots seem to be helping quite a bit.
However, are kenalog shots safe on an on-going basis? When I was younger, I used to get kenalog shots and they worked great with my allergies. Doctors don't give them any more as they are steriods and not considered safe. The vet says that dogs respond differently than humans...and that they are perfectly safe for them.
Does anyone have any experience and/or advice about this? Rusty is nearly nine years old and is happy and playful. It's nice to see his allergies get better under control...and I'm hoping that his ear infections will go away, too. (Or at least be less frequent.) Any suggestions are most appreciated.
Steve