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At the beginning of 2008, Gemma was diagnosed as being allergic to a fairly long list of things, including some foods, ingredients, and plants.
Ian and Julie first noticed that something was wrong when they observed that Gemma was scratching more often than is usual for dogs, and was chewing her paws. Then they spotted dark patches on her underside. Ian did some research on the Interweb and found out that Gemma's actions were possibly as a result of intense irritation, so they took her to the vet.
Now Gemma loves the vet, so she was not afraid when it was decided to do a blood test. It was Ian who did a runner at the mere mention of needles! He did return to the surgery though to pay the vet's bill - 250 British pounds (whatever they are!). He asked the vet whether she'd taken a paw full for that price, but the answer was ten mili-litres (again, whatever they are!). Even waiting patiently at home a mile away, I heard Ian exclaim "How much!? That's £25 a mili-litre!" But Gemma's worth it! And she's got medical insurance! Anyway, one of the things to which Gemma is allergic is chicken - her favourite treat, and mine too! She is also allergic to carrot, pork, pasta and wheat. This means that Ian and Julie have to be careful about the dog food they buy now. It's easy to avoid chicken - they just don't buy any packets with 'chicken' written on them in big letters. But alot of food and treats include vegetables (which include carrot) and wheat. Gemma has discovered a new favourite food now - duck - and she was found to have no allergic reaction to venison - oh deer!
Gemma was prescribed some special food and tablets. She allows me to have a taster of the food, but I have declined her kind offer for me to take her tablets for her! One type of tablet is huge, and Ian and Julie have to disguise it as cheese or turkey - even then, Gemma sometimes spots the attempted deception and hides!
Gemma went for a check-up at the beginning of April, and the vet was very pleased with Gemma's progress. The black patches are beginning to fade now, and the scratching has reduced as well! Gemma was very pleased that she only has to take one type of tablet now instead of two, and that one is alot smaller than the previous version. She hopes though that it will still be wrapped in the same amount of cheese or turkey as before! Ian and Julie have noticed that she seems much happier in herself, so let's hope things continue to improve! As for me, I'll have to wait until I next go to dog school ten miles away before I have my favourite treat, chicken. Ian says I can no longer have chicken at home in case I miss a piece and Gemma gets it. Excuse me but "...in case I miss a piece..."? Anyone who knows Woody the Westie knows that he never leaves his food, especially if it's chicken...or pork, or fish, or duck, or carrot, or pasta, or anything!