Deb, I remember our old vet (now at The Bridge with all his dog and cat friends, telling me about a patient he had. This dog's quality of life was almost nil, due to severe hives, As a last resort, he prescribed Rimadyl around the clock and the dog was finally comfortable and start4ed to heal. I don't remember if the dog was also on steroids. I know some people and some vets don't like Rimadyl but this doc (whom we loved and trusted completely) maintained that it has it's uses. And yes, Florida has bugs and varmints you can't find elsewhere! Been there, seen that!