Luna is back from her vet appointment. I asked about an allergy test. I was really sure that the vet from months ago (they have multiple vets there) mentioned doing a test for her if the food stuff wasn't going where we wanted. Well, from speaking with the vet today - different person - he says that the test out there are only for dogs. Apparently the skin scrape they would is only for detecting mites and the like. He says that it's unlikely it has anything to do with mites. And she doesn't have fleas.
One thing he suggested is changing her diet. We could either try another protein or a hydrolyzed protein diet such as z/d. His concern about another protein is that she could eventually develop an allergy to that too. The specialty pet store carries the natural balance limited ingredient diet in chicken, salmon, and venizon. Evo also carries a 95% beef diet. When I called back he mentioned that chicken and beef are common proteins that cats are already exposed to. Salmon is a no because of a reaction she had when she once stole a sample can I had bought for Top Cat. His concern about venison is that is products a 'cross-reaction' (I think I remember that term correctly) since it has similar proteins for beef, or something along those lines.
Another option is giving her cortisone. I did express concerns about the shots and he did acknowledge that the shots have limited effect. However, he suggested giving her oral cortisone (or whatever the oral term was - I should really start writing this crap down). He said giving her a low dose every other day is better than the shots and is ok for long term. I mentioned how I hate giving her medicine - it always involves me getting hurt - and he mentioned that there are usually compounding options, such as making it into a treat.
She is supposed to go back in January for a follow up. In the meantime, I am going to try some natural balance limited ingredient venison, but I would like to know what is best for Luna's health for long term.
In case for those that did not read the other thread, Luna has been suffering from frequent itching to the point of scabs and occasional asthma attacks.
Edit: I forgot to mention the whiskers falling out, too. She never had this problem before, but suddenly we are seeing loose whiskers all over my room where she spends a lot of time in. We know they are Luna's because her whiskers are all black and Top Cat's are all white.
One thing he suggested is changing her diet. We could either try another protein or a hydrolyzed protein diet such as z/d. His concern about another protein is that she could eventually develop an allergy to that too. The specialty pet store carries the natural balance limited ingredient diet in chicken, salmon, and venizon. Evo also carries a 95% beef diet. When I called back he mentioned that chicken and beef are common proteins that cats are already exposed to. Salmon is a no because of a reaction she had when she once stole a sample can I had bought for Top Cat. His concern about venison is that is products a 'cross-reaction' (I think I remember that term correctly) since it has similar proteins for beef, or something along those lines.
Another option is giving her cortisone. I did express concerns about the shots and he did acknowledge that the shots have limited effect. However, he suggested giving her oral cortisone (or whatever the oral term was - I should really start writing this crap down). He said giving her a low dose every other day is better than the shots and is ok for long term. I mentioned how I hate giving her medicine - it always involves me getting hurt - and he mentioned that there are usually compounding options, such as making it into a treat.
She is supposed to go back in January for a follow up. In the meantime, I am going to try some natural balance limited ingredient venison, but I would like to know what is best for Luna's health for long term.
In case for those that did not read the other thread, Luna has been suffering from frequent itching to the point of scabs and occasional asthma attacks.
Edit: I forgot to mention the whiskers falling out, too. She never had this problem before, but suddenly we are seeing loose whiskers all over my room where she spends a lot of time in. We know they are Luna's because her whiskers are all black and Top Cat's are all white.
