Atopic Dermatitis

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience of atopic dermatitis in their staffy?  Mine is 17 months old and has been suffering with chronic itching for a year now.  He's had all tests, lotions and potions from the vets and we are getting absolutely nowhere.  The vets are at a loss.  I've spent hours looking online and I think it looks like atopic dermatitis but I can't seem to find out what the treatment is as all the websites seem to say that the only way to treat it is to find out what the allergy is?  All his allergy tests have come back negative.  Do you think it's worth getting the allergy tests all done again?  I'm making him another appointment and just wanted to ask your opinions before I go.  He's also had his food changed to hypoallergenic and fish based on several occasions but there's never any improvement.

Have the vets suggested the dips? I have never had to use it but have heard although rather nasty can help.

Bane was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis a few months back after non stop itching since he was about 12 weeks old. It turned out to be an allergy to dust mites which *touch wood* we have managed to get under control.
Sorry you haven't managed to get any answers. I know how frustrating it is to not be able to do anything. Have you thought about going to a hollistic vet? It may give you some different answers to the regular vet and I have heard some good things!

Do you notice the itching gets worse at any point of the year? Have you tried changing things like his bedding? Or the washing powder you use? There are so many different things that could be affecting him it's hard to know where to start!

Stella was diagnosed with this 7 years ago when she was 6. Skin scrapes showed an allergy to house dust mites. It only flared up in the spring April/May time and only after spending time at our new caravan which is in a very rural area. I thought at the time, the diagnosis was incorrect as dust mites are in every home. Every time we were at the caravan, she would suffer with excessive scratching mainly on her belly and was so bad, she made herself bleed which caused a secondary infection.

We have tried every cream and lotion we could find to no avail. The wiping down after walks, special shampoos, apple cider vinegar, cortevance spray, the lot. Nothing stopped the itching. Even Atopica medication did'nt work (so expensive) Also food changed to hypoallergenic.

She is now on a very low dose steroid only when we are at the caravan and this has indeed worked for her.

Take a look at this
https://www.zoetisus.com/products/pages/apoqueldvm/index.aspx
Very new but may be worth a try as Jerry is too young to be on steroids

Thanks everyone. He's had the dips to no avail. All the allergy testing came back negative. Do you think it's worth while repeating the allergy tests again. I don't think there's any change in his itching throughout the year. I'm ringing my insurance company today to see if it's ok for me to change vets.

Yes, I would get a second opinion with a different vet. There is something causing him to itch. Ask about the Apoquel as this may help.
There is nothing worse than seeing them suffer and be so uncomfortable.
Keep us updated and love to Jerry from me and Stella   

Get his thyroid checked!!!! Marquez has just been diagnosed with hypothyroid which we got tested as he has been getting seizures and one of the symptoms are skin issues including chronic infections. Since Jerry's other tests are coming back negative, get them to check this. I've written a post in the health section with some links.

Here is the link I posted - https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t55430-thyroid-disease-something-to-look-into

Sorry I do not have any experience of this, I hope you can get to the bottom of it, as Diane has pointed out above it may be worth getting him checked for a thyroid issue.

A second opinion may be worth it! We had multiple trips back to our vets and saw atleast 2 or 3 different vets at the practice before we specifically requested the Director as he specialises in dermatology. If he hadn't given us the answers then we would have swapped vets for a second opinion.
Have you got access to a pet dermatologist at all? May be worth skipping all the theories others might have and go straight for someone who knows that little bit more in the area

My Skye is itching so much just now too, I have to save £450 to get an allergy test

Could you claim on your insurance?

Oh I'll have to check that

Worth checking at least x