cyclosporine for allergies in dogs

[ddsr38]

Three year old Labrador developed skin allergies this Spring for the first time ever.
We have changed food and everything she ingest with no relief.
She has taken Benadryl ( 75 mg twice a day for a month ), then three Zyrtec a day for 3 to 4 weeks, now she is taking Claritin ( three a day ). No real relief.
She took prednisone for two weeks while taking Zyrtec, and got complete relief. But, the scratching, biting started again as we were weaning her off the prednisone ( when she was down to one tab every other day ).
The next drug we are considering is cyclosporine. I am seeking any one's experience with this treatment.
Please advise.
Thanks,
David

[grendslori]

One thing many people do not realize is that if a dog has a food allergy that it takes up to 6 weeks for that allergy to not affect the dog once the food has been switched over to another food. When you are checking a dog over for a food allergy, you cannot give him ANY OTHER type of food OR any types of treats. He may only have ONE food, no treats. Finding a food that will not cause problems can take several months of hit and misses.

[Lovemybeastieboy]

My beloved mixed breed had been on generic cyclosporine (Teva pharmaceuticals) for about one year.  It is the only thing that has worked for his allergies.  He used to lick until he made sores and he would get frequent ear infections.  These symptoms have abated. He has blood work taken regularly-so far no ill effects from this med.. I joined Walgreen's Rx club for $20 annual membership and found the best price-90 caps of 50mg cost about $120.00.  Did you know you can also go to Costco pharmacy without being a member & get meds there?  Price is comparable, Walgreens is closer for me!  
  I have noticed on occasion that he licks his lips the evening after receiving an AM  dose of medication.  He's on 150mg every 3 days, (he weighs about 75 pounds). The vet said this lip "smacking" could be a sign of stomach upset and recommended a probiotic/ with active bacteria.  He recommended Lactoquil. I use it, makes sense and I think it helps.  They recently reformulated Lactoquil and it contains more inulin (probiotic) which I think can cause gas (it does in humans-check your bread label on those double fiber breads!)..  So I give my pooch a tiny piece of the Lactoquil chew!  Wish someone would discover a cure, dislike giving meds but my dog's quality of life is great now!

[chasha33]

When my Bulldog went on the Atopica he was fine.It has been the best med for him.Sometimes if he starts to look like he is getting irriatated we put him on steroids every other day for a week.But we havnt had to do that much.His skin would get so bad that he would bleed and then he would get yeast as well.But since he has been on this,he is so much better  and we can tell that he feels better to.I hope that the Atopica helps Sophie soon,i am sure that you will be able to tell a big difference in her.Please keep me posted and if you have any questions just let me know.Take care and God Bless

[ddsr38]

I started Sophie on Atopica yesterday along with predawns. She got relief from the use of the prednisone, and hopefully the Atopica will give her long term relief.
My vet said she may have some vomiting, but they get used to the Atopica over time.
He said he had to give it to his dog with some food in order to keep it down. He had good results with it.
Did your dog have any vomiting?
Your results help me decide to give it to Sophie. Thanks for the info. I will keep you posted.