Hi Everyone, I have a 5 year old Hungarian Visla (wire haired) and he has developed very red and swolen eye lids.  They are so bad that they have blistered and bled.  The vet is at a loss but has given him Ceporex and a steriod injection.  The next course of action is to try to determine if he has an alergic reaction to something.  The vet says this is long term and expensive.  My insurance company wont pay because he had a similar complaint last year and they don't pay for ongoing/longterm treatment.  I was wondering if anyone could throw some light on to what it might be and/or a suitable cure/treatment.  Thanks

Obviously the vet is the right place for such a severe condition but are you able to throw any light on the background?

Has your boy shown any other allergic symptoms over his lifetime? Have you had any environmental changes recently - inside or outside?  Did he go from zero symptoms to very severe in a short space of time, or was this a gradual decline?

This info might help others to help you but in the meantime have you spoken to your breeder?  Many good breeders will have knowledge of all the conditions that may affect their breed even if they have no direct experience of the condition or severity you describe.  They also have a pretty extensive network to see if anyone else can help.

My lad goes through phases of gummy eyes (allergies) and if I don't keep them clean for him he'll rub and scratch til he is sore.  In addition to eye gel from the vets, when needed, I've added a basic maintenance step which is to clean them with a pad moistened with colloidal silver.  I'm new to colloidal silver but if you search on here you'll find a couple of recent topics covering it's usage on soft membranes. Edited to say: you may want to check with your vet to ensure it will have no adverse reaction to any treatment already prescribed

HTH

The symptoms first appeared last summer and developed over a short period of time.  I cannot think of any internal environmental changes but I remember it was when the yellow rape flowers were in bloom and wondered if that had something to do with it.  Obviously, this recent bout came about long after the high pollen count.  I have been bathing his eyes and will try the colloidal silver (I've been reading good reports).  Thanks for the suggestions I really appreciate them and will contact the breeder.

My boys allergy season usually lasts from Easter to September but has been extended a little this year by our indian summer.

Is it only his eyes?  Does he have any other itchy patches, scabs, sores etc?

The following is a range of things I do to manage my boys condition (not necessarily needed all at once!)

Encourage swimming.  Slosh off eyes, ears, legs and tummy with a weak solution of Hibiscrub after muddy walks or dusty days.  Remember to dry thoroughly when wet.  Piriton once or twice a day.  Apply Dermacton to any scabby or spotty areas.  Discourage scratching - use a collar if necessary but usually distract or stop.  Brush regularly.  Keep his ears clean.  I also need to vacuum often.  I'm super vigilant about keeping on top of this and have learnt what works as we've gone along.  Mine was allergy tested and now has monthy injections BUT I'd have liked the opportunity to practise everything I now know BEFORE we started down that road.

You can have a York test for allergies - app £200.  At least you'd then know what you were dealing with and will get a list to avoid.  Mine is not food related but I still made adjustments to his diet to improve his skin and overall condition.  Good luck

Has your Vet checked your dog for such things as Entropion, where they eyelashes turn inwards and irritate the eyeball?

I'd too opt for the York test.  If you feed your dog dry food, it may well be something like storage mites, or house dust mite that he could be allergic too.

At different times of the year, dogs can be allergic to different types of things inside and outside the home.  Evening primose oil capsules are very good for dogs with allergies too as they are a natural anti- histamine.

Hope you manage to get some answers. 

Hi Barkinmad123

Sorry to hear about your wire.  Just to say, I too find colloidal silver very useful to have in the dogs medicine cupboard and it's well worth trying cleaning the eyes with some on a cotton wood pad.  Have you tried getting in touch with the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla Association and asking them for advice?  I know they are very keen to keep track of any health issues within the breed and might be able to offer help.  Was your breeder able to give you any advice?  Hope your dog is doing well and if you can - please let us know how you're getting on.

Hi Zingiber, Justine and Dogs a Babe,  Thank you all so much for the advice I have contacted the boys breader and will let you know if this is a common complaint. I intend to contact the Visla Association in the near future.  I think I will try the York test whilst systematically trying your suggestions. 

Hi Barkinmad123

Here's a link to the health page of the HWVA with details of the health survey and DNA bank.  The condfidential health survey is available to anyone with a wire, you don't have to be a member.

Good luck with your breeder, even if he/she can't help with specific advice it's all useful information regarding the health and wellbeing of the dogs they have bred.

Could your vet refer you to an eye vet?  Or maybe your breeder would know one (specially if your breed are subject to eye litter screening).