Comments on: My dog’s skin problems?

By: ratlover1

ratlover1 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:56:59 +0000

Yikes! I am sorry to say that this happens quite often. Although most general practice veterinarians are excellent doctors, there are those who aren’t as great. Some either hold on to patients too long, thinking they can fix something, before they finally offer a referral, or they just don’t do a very good job diagnosing skin problems. I know that you have spent a great deal of money already, but take that referral to the specialist (if it is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist) and get your dog there ASAP. The charges there may be higher than you are used to, but I bet they will find out exactly what is going on. Be prepared for lots of questions about when this started, what medications were used, which ones worked or didn’t work, if he has any other health conditions, if he is itchy or not itchy, what food does he eat, what his living conditions are (inside, outside, urban, rural, etc), and etc.
The doctor I work for will do skin scrapes (to check for mites–I wouldn’t be surprised to find demodex in this dog–but please don’t take that as a diagnosis!) and skin cytology (to look for yeast, bacteria, or unusual cells on the skin’s surface) to start. Depending on those findings, further diagnostics may be offered, such as bacterial culture of the skin, biopsy, or blood work. If any of these seem excessive or expensive, feel free to ask many questions about why the tests requested are needed and what they will show. Our clinic offers a written estimate if finances are tight, and some treatment plans can be followed step-by-step as finances allow.
The good thing to remember, is that the majority of skin diseases are treatable, although not always curable, and most animals have good to excellent prognoses. Also keep in mind that many skin diseases require a great deal of work on the part of the owner (which you have already experienced) including frequent baths, daily medications, etc.
I wish you the very best of luck!
References :
RVT–specialty clinic, internal medicine and dermatology

By: peppersham

peppersham — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:26:59 +0000

I can't say for your dog but the same happened to me the vet got snippy when I refused to pay $28 a shot that just provided no relief.My dog also has seizures she is a 8 year old Schlitz Tue Be sure your dog has no fleas! One flea can cause this problem.I use Front line Plus Tea Tree oil does help but it won't clear it up entirely.Oatmeal shampoo also helps.Next is diet,do not give your dog store bought treats.I give mine rice and peanut butter but not too often,maybe once a week or month.I use dog food with rice and lamb with no soy,corn or gluten.That is first thing is get the diet right.I even cook chicken and rice for them sometimes and read alot.I think I have done more than the vet with very little extra payout.She is finally getting better the outbreaks are father apart an d not as severe.You can try and see if it helps you.Like I said my dog is 8 years old and all this started happening with the dog food recall a little over a year ago.We are all mystified.
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By: lunareclipselc

lunareclipselc — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:16:59 +0000

Pictures would be great if you uploaded them. Our one sled dog had a weird scabby skin issue. The vet never figured out what it was. It was so expensive to get her the treatment so she was put down after it spread to another. It was like she was losing hair, bleeding, scabbing. I would get a second opinion, we kind of ran out of options.
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By: doxie

doxie — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:07:59 +0000

Malaseb shampoo might help. I had a dog with a fungal/yeast problem. He actually was very sick due to food allergy. I changed his food to grain free and I could see a difference in as little as 2 weeks. At 6 weeks he looked great and his skin didn't smell.
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By: Hal P

Hal P — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:54:59 +0000

I would get a second opinion reguardless of what reviews you have. Consider the specialist after you get a second opinion. Other than that, I cannot give any more adive. Good luck with the poor pup
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