Veterinary Specialist

Until just very recently, I was unaware that veterinary specialists existed, specifically veterinary dermatologists. As I've previously posted, my golden retriever has terrible skin allergies. I have found a veterinary dermatologist who is a professor at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, but who also has a practice with other specialists here in Birmingham. He will examine your dog, and I very much hope, find out what in the world is causing her terrible skin issues. Getting an appointment with him isn't easy and mine is 5 weeks away, but I am so happy just to find him and have some hope that we can fix or atleast help my dog's allergies. There are, apparently, also veterinarians for opthalmology, gastro, cardiac, etc. Now, why didn't my regular vet recommend him when I first went in with my dog and her issues? That I can not answer because I found out my vet knows the vet derm guy and the girl at his office is the one who told me about the vet derm practice in town so I wouldn't have to drive to Auburn. I guess my vet thought I should just keep my dog on prednisone forever. That I will not do. It changes her personality, makes her fight over food and generally not act like a golden retriever. I've also noticed an increased respiratory rate, which can't be a good sign though I haven't found it listed as a side effect. No, she won't remain on prednisone unless it is the ONLY option. First, she will be allergy tested so we can see what we may be able to do to help her. That makes much more sense!