Cat with severe environmental allergies - alternative approaches to steroids and immunosuppressing drugs?

[StephanieM]

Hi @Dr. Jeff @Dr. Jean Hofve @Dr. Christina,

Thank you all for your guidance! Smudge is a 1.5 year old, neutered male, 8 pounds, indoor only, very active, playful and cuddly guy who has been experiencing symptoms of environmental allergies since he was six months old including - severe hot spots on paws and eosinophilic granulomas around his mouth.

Treatment and diagnostics:

• I started by taking him to his primary care veterinarian (3x). Each time he was prescribed a short course of prednisolone. We also did a food trial with Royal Canin, Select Protein Rabbit food both dry and wet which did not seem to help. He was also treated for fleas, worms etc. He seemed to start a pattern of: steroids clearing up the issue and then two weeks later symptoms would come back
• He is now being seen by a dermatologist. I did environmental allergy testing and the results revealed he is allergic to dust mites, storage mites, indoor molds, some grasses and a host of other things. He started on a daily dose of Atopica in October and allergen specific immunotherapy in January.
• Since then, there have been brief periods of either very minimal or no symptoms. That is until early - Mid April when symptoms have come back.. worse (pictures below). He had a flare up so bad last week that I took him to his primary care vet who gave him a shot of dexamethasone, which helped for a few days but now everything creeping back up.
• He has a follow-up with his dermatologist next week, May 29th
• His current diet:
  • Wet:
    • Ziwi Peak venison or lmab
    • Instinct: limited ingredient Rabbit
    • Tiki Cat After Dark : beef and venision
  • Dry: Instinct limited ingredient rabbit

Question: Are there alternative approaches to steroids or immunosuppressing drugs that may be helpful in managing his symptoms and reactions? I plan to continue the immunotherapy, but worry that given the Atopica is not working the next suggestion will be long term steroids. Which I really, really do not want to do. I recognize that the allergies may never be "cured", but am hoping to get then under control to the point where he's not bleeding or limping around on three legs

 

[Dr. Christina]

so glad you realized there were holistic alternatives.
Be sure to take the time to read the 5 lessons in the 101 course. That will get you grounded.
Watch the welcome video on how to find the amazing resources here at HA!

I recognize that the allergies may never be "cured",

Actually allergies, in the way we normally think of them, do not even exist. As you will learn in the skin or allergy section of the resource library, there is an underlying energetic pattern (vital force) that can be triggered by what we are calling allergins. As you will learn in lesson one, once Smudge's energy field has been restored to homeostasis, his body will not need to produce these symptoms, even if exposed to the same things. With patience, support and positive attitude on your part, there will be none of these painful symptoms.

How to rebalance? Get an appointment now with a homeopathic veterinarian, or a chinese medicine trained one if Smudge does not mind car travel and acupuncture. Read this article carefully and go to all the websites.

Then peruse the resource library - skin, allergy and more.

Dr. Christina

 

[GinnyW]

Absolutely they can be "cured". Reactions to natural substances and foods are part of a picture of chronic, systemic mistunement, and will never be effectively suppressed by conventional meds, or even diet or environmental factors. I'd put my money on good homeopathic analysis and treatment, which can be done long-distance, and will adjust his system back to "normal" reactions for a cat. Everything he has been prescribed will only cover up or suppress his reactions - which he offers to us so that we might help; big clues - Otherwise he will have a short and limited life full of annoying symptoms which never abate.

You can help him fix this, with the assistance of a good practitioner - not one or another "helpful" vet, but a trained homeopath.

 

[StephanieM]

so glad you realized there were holistic alternatives.
Be sure to take the time to read the 5 lessons in the 101 course. That will get you grounded.
Watch the welcome video on how to find the amazing resources here at HA!

I recognize that the allergies may never be "cured",

Actually allergies do not even exist. As you will learn in lesson one, once Smudge's energy field has been restored to homeostasis, his body will not need to produce these symptoms, even if exposed to the same things. With patience, support and positive attitude on your part, there will be none of these painful symptoms.

How to rebalance? Get an appointment now with a homeopathic veterinarian, or a chinese medicine trained one if Smudge does not mind car travel and acupuncture. Read this article carefully and go to all the websites.

Then peruse the resource library - skin, allergy and more.

Dr. Christina

Thank you @Dr. Christina ! It has been a frustrating journey so far and I'm eager to get the little guy some relief. Are there particular modalities I should be sure the homeopathic veterinarian has available? I am in Stamford, CT so close to @Dr. Jeff I think : ) Smudgie is an excellent car traveler and perfect patient

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I am in Stamford, CT so close to @Dr. Jeff I think : ) Smudgie is an excellent car traveler and perfect patient

Yes, I'm in Weston (exit 42 off the Merritt).

If you want to embark on the homeopathic journey together, here's how we can do it:

How to become a new client of holistic vet Dr.Jeff Feinman, Connecticut USA

Looking for a different approach to your pet's health and wellness? Discover how to become a new client of holistic vet Dr.Jeff Feinman, Connecticut USA

www.homevet.com

Also, Kim at [email protected] can help with any questions.