Bulldogs World

We tried atopica for our bulldog with who has bad allergies.  It did cost a lot, but we thought if it helped it would be worth it.  Unfortunately he has a seizure from the medication.  That was his one and only seizure, so we knew it was from the medication.  Obviously not all dogs that take this have the side effects, but ours unfortunately did.  He didn't have his seizure until the second dose.  I hope you find what works for your bully.

Sarah

I tried Atopica for my bully that had major allergies. We had tried allergy shots too which did nothing for his allergies. Unfortunately Atopica did not help him either. The vet left him on prednisone which helped his allergies but I would never advise to giving this stuff all the time like I did him. He died last year from cancer and he was only 6 years old and I do wonder if the prednisone had something to do with it because he also had fluid build up around his heart and I read that it was a sign of kidney failure which prednisone is suppose to affect the kidneys. Anyways just because it didn't help my babies allergies doesn't mean it might not help your babies allergies. So what the heck I would give it a try if you can't find anything that works for him and just see if you might can tell a difference. I have heard it helping dogs before but of course mine wasn't one of them :(

--has many serious possible side effects, and I wouldn't use it.  Please read up on it.  You might even find information in the old BDW search.  Maleseb often gives good results, and I'd recommend giving it a chance for a month or two.  Over the years one or another of my Bulldogs has developed similar (if not the same) coat issues that seem to eventually resolve even when nothing is done.  As long as he's not uncomfortable, I'd try shampoos and maybe topicals like Panelog or try cleaning with Listerine and dusting with the Gold Bond when dry (even a course of Cephalexin antibiotic is commonly given for skin issues and or staph).   Good luck!

Please be very careful if you choose to use the medication...and do not go over the recommended dosage.  I had a bulldog with severe allergies that was seeing the top Dermatologist at Tufts Veterinary school.  He ended up prescribing Atopic..the dosage was almost 2X the recommended amount.  When I called to verify he confirmed that is they way they dose and not to follow the box recommendations.  4 months after beginning the Atopica..while it did work...my boy was at Stage 5 Lymphoma and despite beginning chemo treatments passed 9 days after diagnosis.  I would never use this drug again.

Connie

We have been using this on our Bulldog for just about 1 year. It has worked well for her with no side effects. This spring her allergies got worse to the point where the Atopica could not keep her comfortable so I added the over the counter Aerius allergy medication and it seems to be working. I purchase the drug on-line at it is considerably cheaper than from the vets. Good luck with your decision.

No one would ever admit the drug caused the Lymphoma but on the insert of the drug it lists Lymphoma as a possible side effect and as this drug supresses the T-Cell Lymphocites I am convinced that the Atopica along with the incorrect dosage did cause his Cancer and I would never give this drug again.  There are many things you can do for allergies...bathing 2 to 3 times a week in Malaseb (which you are currently doing), Resicort - this is a over the counter leave in conditioner that helps control the itching, hydroxozine which is prescription strength benedryl, washing all of his bedding in an scent free detergent like All Free and change his bedding frequently.  Do not use any Febreeze as alot of dogs are allergic to this..and be careful of anything you wash your carpets with.  If the smell is too strong he will most likely have a reaction to it.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you wish to discuss further.  connie03062@gmail.com

Connie