Question about food allergies, Lucas is sick again:(

Originally Posted by Minka

I can't link you to this because it's from another forum, but here's the quote:

"The Little Big Cat Journal arrived in my inbox this morning and they must have been reading my mind because they had some information about hypoallergenic diets:

"Hypoallergenic" diets -- aren't! A study published in February analyzed eight different dry dog foods to see exactly what protein ingredients were present."

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So what organization and who did this study? It just says "A study". I would need a little more info than that to stop doing what my vet is telling me to do.

Whether it be Royal Canin or Natural Balance, its up to you, but I think a switch to either will be most helpful. Or like the article said, if you have the time, switch to a raw diet.

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I would check with the veterinarian that is treating the cat before making any changes to the cat's diet. Just me though.

Originally Posted by NutroMike

So what organization and who did this study? It just says "A study". I would need a little more info than that to stop doing what my vet is telling me to do.

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The person who posted it gets one of those subscriptions in their inbox from a cat health website. She only listed part of the article, but I'm sure the original listed the exact study. I'll have to ask.

This study doesn't list what brands were tested, but it shows these types of tests are done. http://webcanine.com/2011/over-the-c...m-other-meats/
This one shows their prescription diets have been contaminated before http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/script...20Diet&pet=Cat

Thenvts in Puerto Rico don't do allergy test. The only thing the vet will do is to do a skin biopsy if he doesn't get better but they don't do allergy test. Unfortunatel my cats can't get the best vet care because in PR they just don't offer it.

Blood and prick allergy tests are often inconclusive at best...

Hypo = less not none... though the hills canned is all supposed broken down so far as to not be regonized as an allergen by the body

Originally Posted by sharky

Blood and prick allergy tests are often inconclusive at best...

Hypo = less not none... though the hills canned is all supposed broken down so far as to not be regonized as an allergen by the body

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Thanks Sharky for clarifying that... which is why Hills Z/D is "Ultra Allergen-Free".
Royal Canin HP is Hypoallergenic, and Hills Z/D Dry is Low Allergen.
My vet also says that allergy tests are a waste of $$$ at best...

It is so interesting to read what everyone has to add, I'm learning a lot here.

I'm happy because I was able to get the Royal Canin food yesterday and Lucas loves it, he likes it a lot better than the Hills z/d, I was a little worried because he has lost a lot of weight for not eating a lot and perhaps for all the stress of been all itchy. Now I"m praying for him to get better soon. I will order today some cans of Hills z/d, I don't want him to be on an exclusive dry diet.

I will give you all an update soon

HUgs to all and to all the kitties

Originally Posted by Momto4kitties

It is so interesting to read what everyone has to add, I'm learning a lot here.

I'm happy because I was able to get the Royal Canin food yesterday and Lucas loves it, he likes it a lot better than the Hills z/d, I was a little worried because he has lost a lot of weight for not eating a lot and perhaps for all the stress of been all itchy. Now I"m praying for him to get better soon. I will order today some cans of Hills z/d, I don't want him to be on an exclusive dry diet.

I will give you all an update soon

HUgs to all and to all the kitties

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I know - it is tasty, right? Once I switched my cats were aaaalllll over it! I am glad they are on Z/D wet too, gotta have some wet!
Hope this works for you!

Originally Posted by sharky

Blood and prick allergy tests are often inconclusive at best...

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I suggested it to my vet and she said it would be a waste of money.

My cat is on Royal Canin hydrolyzed protein...add some water to increase the moisture level.....

Hi,

I know it's been a long time but i just came across your post.  I have been going through the same thing with my boy Domi.  We have tried many different foods but so far no results.  I just had an allergy test done on him and it has revealed 4 food allergens, two of which are common in many foods.  Including the so-called low and hypoallergenic foods.  The lab gave me a list of recommended foods along with his results but i too have been wondering how long before i see results.  The poor guy is suffering bad and i'm not sure if i should take him back to the vet for another shot of Depo Medrol or if i should just be patient.  The Depo Mderol has been working to clear up his skin and give him relief but it is just temporary and doesn't solve the issue.  Plus it's a steroid and can cause further damage along the line.  Can you tell me if you had any luck with Lucas and do you remember about how long it took before he started feeling better? 

My rescued Siamese, Semi, age 2,  has been experiencing the same problems as Lucas.  When I adopted her two years ago, we found that she had feline Stomatitis and she had all teeth, but her canines removed.  Several months ago, she developed lesions on her face and around her eyes.  After shots of Prednisone and Convenia, she seemed to get better, but it flared up again.  She's parasite-free and maintains a very healthy weight.  Her attitude has always been good.  After several tests to rule out Lupus and other auto-immune problems (i.e., Pemphergis), the final assessment was a food allergy.  I started her on Royal Canin HP a few weeks ago and she loves it.  Since she and my 3 other cats share a food bowl, I am also feeding it to them and they like it, too.  

She seemed to be doing better, with a reduction in her swollen eyes and lesions.  Today, however, when she jumped into my lap, I was horrified to see that she had new lesions under her eye, her mouth and above her eyebrow...all on her left side. I'm bringing her into the vet on Monday, but am also interested in knowing how long it takes for the HP diet to stabilize these allergies.  Fortunately, I have pet insurance for all of my pets, so it's not about the money.  It's about wanting my beautiful torti-point girl to look like her old self again (as in photo)  and not like a cat that has gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. 

While you're waiting for a response, not sure if you've seen this VERY LONG thread or not, but it's all about Lucas's trials and tribulations, and the many different things that worked or didn't work for him.  The good news is, if you skip to the very last page, you can see that currently he's doing very well :  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/244155/photo-update-of-lucas