[rugby09000]

I have a male black lab who will be 11 in a few weeks. He has suffered with allergies since he was a puppy and as he gets older they get worse. We have tried EVERYTHING!!! Allergy testing, shots, expensive foods, medications, hollistic stuff... nothing helps.

He is miserable, constantly scratching and biting and losing all of his hair. My husband and I had resigned ourselves to the fact that we were probably going to be forced to put him to sleep to relieve his suffering but we had to put one of our other dogs to sleep a few weeks ago because he had cancer and I don't think I can go through it again right now.

Our vet has suggested Atopica and I'd like to get some opinions on this from those of you who may have used it, particularly with labs. I'm also wondering if the generic Cyclosporine works just as well (it's less expensive)?

As most people are right now, we are having to watch every penny and nearly $400 a month for medication is going to be a big stretch for us. I just want to get some opinions from people about it's effectiveness before we get started. Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Lara's mom]

I don't know about those meds but, you mentioned that you'd had allergy testing done. Are the allergies food related or environmental?

[CorkyMax]

[B][COLOR="green"][COLOR="Green"]Put Cyclosporine/dogs in your browser--Will bring up many sites! I only checked out the first one!

Click on this: http://www.discountpetmedicines.com/...in-allergy.htm Will get some prices of both here---------and for more info, put Atopica/dogs in your browser.

[Lara's mom]

I've always wondered about those sites. How can you be sure that what you're paying for is actually what you receive? Also, what about the dosing requirements for different sizes of dogs? When it comes to my girls, I'm always suspicious.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I've always wondered about those sites. How can you be sure that what you're paying for is actually what you receive? Also, what about the dosing requirements for different sizes of dogs? When it comes to my girls, I'm always suspicious.

I would prob. not buy any meds, supplements, etc. on line. But thought there was a comparison for prices (differences) and it looked to me like the one the member said was more expensive was the least expensive here!?? It was just meant for other info also on side effects, and other info on the 2 meds for comparison. Although I would trust the Doctors Foster and Smith mentioned---I get their catalog all the time and have bought through them a few times. They are located in my state of Wisconsin. As far as dosing requirements---Could get that info from the vet that recommended these meds. As far as knowing what you are getting---I agree with you and even well known companies are not exempt from this. My vet told me the percentages of getting what you are suppose to be getting from anyplace is very low! Can't remember what the percentages were----He had gotten the info through his 'vet bulletins', or whatever! The same goes for us humans too. It is too easy to get away with this kind of thing----more greed and the main word that comes to mind to me with the this word-greed, is pharmecutical companies!! The places selling the meds, supplements, etc May have no idea what is in the 'stuff' they sell either unless they do their own 'processing.'

[Lara's mom]

That wouldn't surprise me in the least. Personally, I wouldn't do it.

[rugby09000]

His severe allergies are environmental... grass, dust, pollen, mold, etc... He does have food allergies too but not as bad, we have tried the expensive foods the vets prescribe and we have tried just feeding him chicken and rice that we make; neither of these made any difference. I think I need to tackle it all to see an improvement and the environmental allergies are the biggest issue.

I'm not too worried about getting what I order (I'll probably order from my vet), I'm more worried about shelling out the money for something that might only help 50% of dogs or may have limited effectiveness.

Thanks.

[Lara's mom]

With the food allergies, the rice could be problematic. You could try substituting potatoes or sweet potatoes. Most dogs tolerate carrots well too.

As for the medication, unfortunately, the only way you'll know if it works is to try it.