Gina's allergy update

[Ilona & Gina]

We were off the internet for about two weeks. Good to be online again.

First, thank you all for sharing sympathy and emotional support! After her stay in the clinic, Gina is on desensitization treatment, and it seems to work. We found out what she is allergic to (dust mites, certain trees, pollen...the list goes on) and we manage without cortisone. The dark puffy things under my eyes have disappeard, as I can actually sleep - she doesn't wake me with her scratching and licking.

Gina's coat is lush and shiny, her feathers are coming through, she puts on weight, is lively and can stay focused when we do our training. I am so happy. Hope it lasts...

[Catherine Carter]

So glad you found out exactly what was wrong with her. The treatment is obviously working! Wish you many hours of pleasure with Gina.Lots of cuddles from me and my own reds!

[Susan Stone]

Just days after you first posted about Gina, I had a phonecall from the owner of a bitch I bred, now 9 1/2 years old. She had experienced episodes of chewing and licking her hind legs over the last 3 years. Various suggestions had been made, various remedies sought icluding homeopathic treatment of all kinds. Finally the owner had an allergy test done and the results came back like for Gina: she is allergic to dust mites and a few other things! So now treatment will be started and hopefully the results will be as good as for your Gina!

From what I have read and experienced, Irish Setters are considered to be prone to atopy (veterinary literature). Various itchy skin reactions seem quite typical in the breed.