Sedation for allergy testing??

[LillyNBruin]

Any of you that have had allergy testing done, did they have to sedate your bully? I don't like the sound of that at all.

 

[bullmama]

Sedate as in what kind of sedation??? Anesthesia or just something to relax them? I would certainly ask exactly what they would use, because I don't remember having Sarah sedated but that was 8 years ago.

 

[anatess]

No way! Sedation is not necessary for allergy testing. All they do is take a vial of blood to send to the lab. No big deal.

 

[JeannieCO]

No sedation at all. Both my boys, Wilson (and Jack) have their allergy testing done at 8/9 months.
The vet took both of them to the back room and they were back in a flash. It's amazing at what comes back in the results that you would never suspect. Well worth the $$ to eliminate the guessing game that could go on and on and on.........

 

[2BullyMama]

No way! Sedation is not necessary for allergy testing. All they do is take a vial of blood to send to the lab. No big deal.

EXACTLY.... simple blood test

 

[Vicaroo1000]

Maybe there's some confusion on WHICH allergy test we're all talking about? I'm sure there's a myraid of them for this or that....but for the blood test that everyone talks about here, it makes no sense to require sedation. Now, the 6-8 HUNDRED dollar test that the specialist dermotologist does - where they inject stuff into the skin for a reaction? - maybe that might require some kind of pill because once you hit the allergen the dog would be going berzerk, wouldn't he/she? Maybe they don't put that much in there.....oh it's so complicated this!!!

 

[LillyNBruin]

Well, the woman who picked up the phone did not specify anything. I called and said my vet referred me to you and I was hoping to bring my dog in for allergy testing, so I'd like to make an appt. She said, well first we do a consultation, then we'll make a "follow up" appt so we can sedate your dog. Right then I said "OH you Sedate! Nevermind, thank you anyways" and hung up. She was probably referring to the skin test where they have to shave and all that. But I already had a 'not so good' feeling right off the bat. I have a hard time trusting doctors/vets. I'm not sure why, nothing has ever happened (knock on wood), but I guess I'm cynical. As soon as she said, first a consultation visit, my mind automatically said 'oh I get it, cha-ching, you rat bastards" I'm awful. Soooo back to the point, All I want is the blood test, as long as that's the one that will tell me what he's allergic to.

 

[chonchimama]

What a coincidence, I just was doing a search regarding allergy testing. I have scheduled my Max for a allergy test this week. Been dealing with skin rash, itching, and hair loss for several months, not getting better and in fact getting worse. Currently on antibiotics, medicated shampoo and was getting antihistamines too.
Anways, I cant stand to see him itching so bad and looking so bad. The plan is to have both intradermal testing and blood testing. They have told me they sedate for it- I asked and specifically they use dexdormitor. I also asked about experience with bulldogs- I'm told they see many since this breed has alot of allergies. But of course I'm concerned- however- my dog is not quite 18months old, pretty hyper and no way he could stay still for all that intradermal stuff. Can anyone else out there lead us through your intradermal skin testing experience?

 

[2BullyMama]

What a coincidence, I just was doing a search regarding allergy testing. I have scheduled my Max for a allergy test this week. Been dealing with skin rash, itching, and hair loss for several months, not getting better and in fact getting worse. Currently on antibiotics, medicated shampoo and was getting antihistamines too.
Anways, I cant stand to see him itching so bad and looking so bad. The plan is to have both intradermal testing and blood testing. They have told me they sedate for it- I asked and specifically they use dexdormitor. I also asked about experience with bulldogs- I'm told they see many since this breed has alot of allergies. But of course I'm concerned- however- my dog is not quite 18months old, pretty hyper and no way he could stay still for all that intradermal stuff. Can anyone else out there lead us through your intradermal skin testing experience?

Any update on Chonchi??

 

[chonchimama]

So Max (Chonchito) went for the allergy testing and he did receive the sedative dexdormitor. He did just fine with it, came out excited about everything as usual. I'm still waiting for the blood test results, and the intradermal testing showed mild positive to a a variety of different environmental allergens. THere was nothing hugely reactive though, so really no answer yet. His skin is doing a lot better on antibiotics, except for his little armpit where he scratches. Probably go on a food trial also. This is a very frustrating thing to go through, no clear cut answers

 

[2BullyMama]

So Max (Chonchito) went for the allergy testing and he did receive the sedative dexdormitor. He did just fine with it, came out excited about everything as usual. I'm still waiting for the blood test results, and the intradermal testing showed mild positive to a a variety of different environmental allergens. THere was nothing hugely reactive though, so really no answer yet. His skin is doing a lot better on antibiotics, except for his little armpit where he scratches. Probably go on a food trial also. This is a very frustrating thing to go through, no clear cut answers

That is great to hear he did so well. Wish I could say the frustration gets easier, but food with bullies is a constant trial and error... it may take you several trys before you find the right one. However, gettting the allergy tests done - will help narrow it down