I have been struggling with two itchy dogs. One a bit worse than the other. I have been to my holistic vet, who believes that Kaia(81 lb GSD, 17 months old) has atopic dermatitis. Kodi (74lb 7 month old GSD) has a little less itching, but has these little black spects just under his skin near his scrotum.
I have checked for fleas and flea dirt, did the speck test to check for blood, but specks don't turn red, when I have found them.
Has anyone ever seen a sarcoptic mite up close? All I have read has said that they can be very illusive. However, these are definately visable. But are just beneath the skin and are black.
The vet has not yet done a skin scraping, I have to wait until Monday. Vet said over the phone that it could be blackheads and not to panic.
That said, I guess I have never heard of seeing blackheads and in these random areas? It doesn't make sense to me, logically.
Anyhow, Kodi is a long coat and his fur is very thick. I found these while noticing a slight redness on the skin, I assume from biting at it.
He itches and scratches his paws,front and back, his back side and his face and neck, and ears as well. Itching is intermittent.
I have checked ears and body and have found no further evidence of anything elsewhere.
It has been several months of itching for Kaia, and is still on going. I ask myself, what are the chances that they both could have atopy? Again, more inclined to believe it is some kind of parasite, being that they are both itching their paws, backs, and face and neck areas. Kaia also has very small changes in the fur around her ears, just recently very subtle though.
She has had some red itchy bumps on her skin, those have recently
been controlled by her baths as well as using some spot use of a chlorhexidine cream.
In the past Kaia had some demodex but very localized and we were able to get rid of it. I am doing everything to build her immune system that I can.
Here is as much info as I can think to give you all. Their Diet:
Both are 100% raw fed, with RMB's, muscle meat and organ meats, plus Honest Kitchen, each get 4 pumps of Grizzley salomon oil per day, 2 in morning 2 in evening feedings. Vit E 400 IU's per day. Also, they get a 1/4 cup StoneyField plain yogurt, first thing in the morning.
Plus Evening Primrose oil, 1,000 mg per day, Ester C, 1,000 mg per day, plus powdered 6 strain acidophilous, 1/4 tsp per day
plus, I also give them frozen blueberries for a treat.
They get some random bully sticks for entertainment chewing.
Kaia has had a small trial of prednisone very small dose and it seemed to help, but currently, is not on it. I am giving her homeopathy, chinese herbs and some other supplement called Proanthozone. I have recently tried using small doses of chlorpheniramine, 8 mg in morning and 8 mg at night with some success, still she itches.
Incidentally, the trees are pollenating, so that could play a factor as well.
This vet has recommended frequent baths to get the possible allergens off the dogs. Needless to say, I have been working hard to get the itching under control and have tried a bath every week.
Also, both are on heartworm medication only no flea treatments.
I have been using Burts Bees natural insect repellent.
Kaia was on Advantage Multi last year, but switched her to just Iverhart. Kodi is on Heartgard.
So, I hope that I have given you all a rough idea of what is happening and would greatly appreciate any thoughts or comments.
I guess the vet doesn't suspect sarcoptic mange, but what in the heck are these little black specks under his skin?
I'd say there are two small groupings of these. But relatively small area.
We live in Dallas and I know nothing about the flea population here as we just moved last August.
I was considering trying Revolution for treatment, knowing that these sarcoptic mites can also test negative when they could be present.
I need help, figuring this out.
Thanks in advance for you replies.
Joyce Salazar
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