How do you diagnose an allergy?

[Crystalis178]

Hello there! I had some questions regarding allergies for squirrels... our squirrel, Link, has had some skin allergies leaving his skin pink/red. He'll groom himself on most of his belly until the fur is gone. We've taken him to Dr. Emerson and she believes it may be an allergy and most likely a food based allergy. She suspects that he may have a corn allergy and may have a wheat allergy. Corn has been out of his diet for a whole year now. We've recently limited his current diet to Henry's Healthy Blocks and green beans, but his skin doesn't seem to be getting any better.

What are the common things that squirrels have been allergic to in your experience? Does anyone have any advice on figuring out what he may be allergic to?

[Diggie's Friend]

Using a process of elimination, starting with a grain source that doesn't cause the itching, like organic oat groats Bob's Red Mill, adding for example, HHB Vitamin mineral mix, and Organic Whey protein, plain yogurt, organic naturally sweetened applesauce, and then after on it a week to add back in individual source like wheat protein, you may find what is causing the allergic or possible hypersensitivity.

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/sulfa.htm

There are also compounds that contain sulfate, like bi-sulfate aka: MSG

"This hypersensitivity is often called an allergy, but does not involve immune mechanisms as do reactions that are properly termed allergies."


Key Source of allergy: Wheat protein

'Wheat protein' is the most obvious source of possible allergy, as it is a highly concentrated source of wheat gluten, that is a known (immune response provoking) allergen, that also is directly related to constipation.

In a study in rats, whole grain wheat, and various other whole grains that contain glutens were tested; this was one of the key outcomes of that research in niacin deficient rats:

the permeability change in the rat mucosa represents a simple consequence of gluten interaction with a sensitized mucosa.

[Diggie's Friend]

There are also compounds that contain sulfate, like bi-sulfate aka: MSG

"This hypersensitivity is often called an allergy, but does not involve immune mechanisms as do reactions that are properly termed allergies."

It can even be caused by vitamin forms in rodent block, that are toxic sourced, that can build up in the body to toxicity, like Folic acid for one.

Yet because it can be a combination of things, doing an elimination diet is what I would recommend.

This starts with the least likely sources that tend to not provoke allergy or sensitivity, and if the itching subsides, to test one protein source at a time. A period of time needs for each source needs to be supported. So beginning with the first source stay on it for a couple of weeks before switching out the protein source to test for sensitivity or allergy.

Using an elimination diet, start with what is known to be the least reactive source of protein, goat whey concentrate.

https://mtcapra.com/product/goat-whey-protein/

As cow whey contains a protein that can be reactive; the slower the cooking process the greater the nutrient support from oatmeal will be. Oatmeal also has the benefit of containing Beta Glucan (not to be confused with glutens) this compound soothes the lining of the intestinal tract/

I like Bob's Red Mill Organic Oatmeal, but don't use the instant.

Add the mixed goat whey protein powder to cooled Bob's Red Mill Organic unflavored plain oatmeal.

For bit of flavor, add 1/2 Tsp. of naturally sweetened organic applesauce (no sugar or artificial sweeteners added)

To this add 2 drops of Organic Chia oil (food grade only) from Foods Alive

https://www.amazon.com/Foods-Alive-A...002HQWZXA?th=1

Also add 2 drops of organic pumpkin seed oil, it helps heal the liver, and detoxify it, which is a key reason sensitivities may occur.

Again food grade, not beauty aka: carrier oil


If you see the symptoms subsiding, then give it another week, and then substitute the goat whey protein for organic cow whey protein concentrate to test for whey protein sensitivity.

https://www.raworganicwhey.com/ Available on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Seed-...07CRPJBYF?th=1

If the cow whey protein doesn't cause it then substitute Wheat protein isolate for this source. Also a more likely protein source for itching, Wheat protein isolate (form highest in protein) is another likely source for allergy or hypersensitivity, that is a known (immune response provoking) allergen. With whole grain wheat much lower in gluten, it was fond in rats with niacin deficiency to change the permeability of rat mucosa, a simple consequence of gluten interaction with a sensitized mucosa.
With wheat protein isolate, a concentrated source of wheat gluten.

As for vitamins, very few B complex vitamins contain these well bioavailable forms not derived from unnatural toxic sources.

Check out Thorne Pet B complex. I have the measure to use for a homemade recipe, which this I have shared is the basis for. PM me for homemade recipe measure. Do not use the entire capsule, or even close to it for a squirrel.

https://www.amazon.com/Thorne-Resear.../dp/B00506WNCC

Minerals Calcium Carbonate, or Calcium citrate that is more bioavailable form that also inhibits stone forming in rodents.

More info to come, got to get some sleep now.

[Mel1959]

Well, you’ve seen one of the top squirrel vets in the country so it’s hard to think of anything that Dr. E may not have already thought of. Have you treated with a drop of kitten Revolution in case mites is a possibility?

[Diggie's Friend]

Dr. E is a great Vet no doubt!

[Diggie's Friend]

I read in a study that plant proteins are connected by sulfa compounds. This may be a key to a wheat allergy/sensitivity, as wheat protein isolate is a highly concentrated source of plant protein, and squirrels allergic to sulfa drugs and sensitive other compounds may also be sensitive to wheat protein isolate for this reason..