Originally Posted by stealle

We did not do allergy testing or shots. The vet at U of I told us that chances are allergy shots would not be effective for our dog. She said there would be a better chance that atopica would work. I figured, why not try it out for several months and see what happens. It worked.

Atopica does not have to be giving daily. And, it can be administered with a cheaper drug, ketoconizole, which allows you to save money by giving a smaller dose of Atopica because ketoconizole slows the metabolism of Atopica (keeps Atopica in the dogs body longer). We give atopica/ketoconizole every other day. A one month supply of Atopica and ketoconizole for our 65lb golden costs about $70. I don't like the expense, but the cost of vet bills, anti-biotics, pain and suffering... it seems worth it to me.

Originally Posted by stealle

We did not do allergy testing or shots. The vet at U of I told us that chances are allergy shots would not be effective for our dog. She said there would be a better chance that atopica would work. I figured, why not try it out for several months and see what happens. It worked.

Atopica does not have to be giving daily. And, it can be administered with a cheaper drug, ketoconizole, which allows you to save money by giving a smaller dose of Atopica because ketoconizole slows the metabolism of Atopica (keeps Atopica in the dogs body longer). We give atopica/ketoconizole every other day. A one month supply of Atopica and ketoconizole for our 65lb golden costs about $70. I don't like the expense, but the cost of vet bills, anti-biotics, pain and suffering... it seems worth it to me.

Originally Posted by OutWest

I had my spaniel, Tess, on Atopica for 6-8 months. She'd had a severe flea allergy and resulting infections. It helped a great deal and I weaned her off it after her skin cleared up and we had made sure there fleas didn't get near her. It IS expensive, but might in fact be cheaper than the vet bills, etc. if Linc is in the doc's office quite a bit.

Originally Posted by A1Malinois

It still is the initial cost $150 before 13% taxes here is really expensive. Thats for the generic for a 30 day supply of just 100mg. He would need 150mg once a day. If I could put him on it 1 pill every other day or every second day it *might* be doable. But I cannot afford the initial loading dose.

I feel like a horrible owner as it is.

Originally Posted by A1Malinois

Question....how many pound of actual meat after water has been removed are in a small bag of Nutro? I assume they are 5-6lb bags...?