Yes, Malaseb is drying. I've used it for bad yeast overgrowth, but of course, that was when I was looking to dry up the skin as much as I could and not give the yeast a toe-hold. (This was a dog with skin folds.)

Yes, please ask about the Cefpodoxime/Simplicef, which I can't find right now but am almost certain about that yeast side effect.

P.S. I used Malaseb on the bad spots, let it sit while I played treat games with the dog in the tub, and then rinsed well, as opposed to allover bathing with it.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

P.S. I used Malaseb on the bad spots, let it sit while I played treat games with the dog in the tub, and then rinsed well, as opposed to allover bathing with it.

That's a great idea! Thank you

Found it!

QUOTE: What is Simplicef: Simplicef is an antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called cephalosporins that fight bacteria in the body. Simplicef can be used to treat many different types of infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia as well as ear, skin and urinary tract infections. Simplicef may also be used for purposes other than those listed. ..... What are the possible side effects of Simplicef: Stop giving Simplicef and seek emergency veterinary medical care in the event of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; rash or fainting), severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, mucous or blood in the stool, and unusual bleeding or bruising. Other, less serious side effects such as mild nausea or diarrhea or yeast infection may be more likely to occur. END partial quote from
http://www.1800petmeds.com

"Other, less serious side effects such as mild nausea or diarrhea or yeast infection may be more likely to occur."

That's enough for me if you are seeing continued yeast.

I'm going to call again...Darn it!

I just looked up Simplicef and stumbled upon this picture:

http://www.petplace.com/images-slide-show.aspx?id=97&imageIndex=0

This is very similar to what True has except his is more like a crusty big bump in one or two spots...not spreading across the skin.

This photo says bacteria...not yeast! Now to make that call...

Note to self:
Listen with BOTH ears when medical professionals are giving you information, particularly if you then ask for help/advice from fellow forum members. Saves them their time...saves me from the embarassement of having to say "I got it all wrong". My apologies.

From the scraping and cytology True had in April he had a bacterial skin infection. He also had a yeast infection in both ears and some yeast on his paws. But the skin problem was primarily bacteria then and, according to the description I gave this morning, it is still a problem today to a lesser degree.

I mixed it up completely.

The vet wants to continue with Simplicef but has asked me to keep an eye on the ears and keep a nose out for the yeasty odor. His response to my question about this medication causing yeast was that it is less of a concern with my dog, given how well his yeasty ears and paws responded after 3 weeks of being on it. He did acknowledge that Simplicef can aggravate yeast problems in certain cases.

They'll do another scraping at our recheck in 3 weeks but he does not believe another scraping is warrented right now. He added that bacteria can be very difficult to get rid of, requiring a longer-than-usual course of antibiotic therapy.

So I don't know if this is right or if I should be concerned about this doctor? I am relieved that this doesn't sound like some freaky or unusual skin disorder.

 Quote: Sarah Morris

So I don't know if this is right or if I should be concerned about this doctor? I am relieved that this doesn't sound like some freaky or unusual skin disorder.

Sounds right to me, given new info.

I'd be careful about any yeast odor (I sniff in the armpits and toes and ears particularly, unless it's a dog with folds, when that's the major trouble spot), but yes, bacterial infections can definitely be resistant.

So then the idea is that the bacterial infection from the breaching of skin defenses as a result of the dog scratching and breaking the skin is lingering?

How long has he been on Simplicef, and is this the 2nd or 1st protocol?





BTW, in no way am I trying to sound as if I know more than vets. Except for feeding and allergies, I certainly don't.

I just have the advantage of a history of adopting dogs surrendered because of health problems, and the problems are often food- and/or allergy-related.

Thank goodness for sites like this one that give hope to owners who have gotten in over their heads with vets who treat allergies and other chronic conditions with extremely outdated and useless methods (useless except for lining their pockets). Too many dogs surrendered because the owners just can't afford to keep on with what their vets are telling them they must do, when good food would give them a gigantic advantage. (Not yours, Sarah; the fact that you have done the best kind of testing there is and are doing the individually-formulated desensitizing injections makes clear that your vet is not the type I'm describing.)

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

So then the idea is that the bacterial infection from the breaching of skin defenses as a result of the dog scratching and breaking the skin is lingering?

Yes.

 Quote:

How long has he been on Simplicef, and is this the 2nd or 1st protocol?

He started April 16th and took it for 21 days. He's been off it for 3 weeks and this crusty stuff started showing up less than a week ago. He'll start it again tomorrow and this will be the 2nd protocol.

 Quote:

Thank goodness for sites like this one that give hope to owners who have gotten in over their heads with vets who treat allergies and other chronic conditions with extremely outdated and useless methods (useless except for lining their pockets). Too many dogs surrendered because the owners just can't afford to keep on with what their vets are telling them they must do, when good food would give them a gigantic advantage.

HUGE ditto to that. This forum has been a godsend in every way.