OK, I Am A Sucker: We're Going Through With The SLIT

OK, I am a sucker. After a month of deliberation, we're going through with the sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). I should have known better and just have agreed to it to start out with; could have saved myself the inner turmoil.

No, I am still not convinced that allergies are the cause behind Jasmine's episodes.

I really don't think so. I am sure—but am I right? That is the question.

If I don't think that allergies are really Jasmine's problem, why did I decide to agree to the testing and potentially the treatment? (We have to do the test first to find out whether Jasmine is a good candidate for the SLIT treatment or not)

Because I could be wrong. There would always be the question:

What if?

What if it really WAS allergies and the treatment could help Jasmine?

We love her vet for a reason. He is extremely smart, competent, and he really cares about Jasmine. He would also be the first one to tell us not to waste our money on something  he felt wouldn't have real benefit, or the money would be best spent elsewhere.

Is he right about the allergies?

I don't know. He believes so. I guess there is only one way to (potentially) find out. Potentially, because about 30% of dogs do not respond to immunotherapy, be it SLIT or injections. So there isn't much assurance that all this will lead anywhere.

Bottom line is, I couldn't bear passing on something that COULD help Jasmine.

The fact that we're not at all that convinced that allergies are to blame for Jasmine's episodes aside, other criteria which should be considered do check out.

1) Is the testing invasive or risky?

No, it's just a blood test and even though Jasmine hates getting her blood taking, there is no risk to her to speak of.

2) Is the treatment invasive or risky?

There is some risk with any treatment, but the allergy drops have reported as quite safe, and substantially safer than the injections.

3) Will the treatment improve Jasmine's quality of life?

Well, that is the question, isn't it? If allergies are causing her trouble after all, then it might.

The main reason we were struggling with this decision was

4) Will going through with the testing and treatment use up funds that might be more needed elsewhere?

To address this we decided to test for indoor/outdoor environmental allergies only at this time. That would bring the testing bit down to $300 plus whatever the cost of the proposed treatment ($135 or $195). It would be nice to revisit the food allergens as well, but since it is not pertinent to the SLIT treatment, it can wait.

So we're booking an appointment to get the blood drawn and then we'll have to wait and see whether Jasmine is a good candidate or not.

***

During our back and forth discussions with Jasmine's vet (God bless his patience) we revisited some of the other possible causes, and one of them kind of made it back on the table.

Could it be that Jasmine's episodes are caused by some kind of heart arrhythmia?

We know that there is nothing structurally wrong with her heart, but could it be an electrical problem? Something like that could certainly cause

• stress
• poor circulation in extremities (possible explanation for the paw chewing)
• could last a few hours or couple days
• could start at an early age

Not that I like that possibility better...

But it made its way back on the table and we are figuring out how to best confirm or exclude that one. Frankly, it would fit with my observations better than the allergies. But I'd still prefer if it was not it.

***

Note to self: you're a sucker, no point fighting it. Next time just get on with the program and save yourself the grief.

Related articles:
OK, I Am A Sucker: We're Going Through With The SLIT 
Jasmine's Episodes: Back To The Allergies Dilemma 
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