Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: Sarah Morris
Dogs can have one, or the other, or a combo of both infections on their skin. Bad skin infections require antibiotics, often for a long period of time. A correct diagnosis is crucial so the most effective antibiotic can be dispensed. ... I don't know why your vet couldn't find anything on a scraping but prescribed antibiotics anyway. I would get a referral to a derm vet and start over with a specialist who KNOWS skin. This is a terrible, miserable way for a dog to live.
Yeast and bacteria are OFTEN combined, as one breaches the defenses and allows the other free rein.
I couldn't have said it better, Sarah. And add to that the fact that without proper treatment from a good vet, there is nowhere to go but worse. Poor dog. I am just so angry about a vet who found nothing, prescribed antibiotics anyway, and sent you away.
Just because the dog's scraping came back negative does not mean the dog does not have Demodectic or Sarcoptic mange. Typically with sarcoptic mange it will be itchy to the dog and from them scratching it brings out other things; bacterial infections etc. Many vets prescribe Revolution topical treatment (dosing is a bit different if treating for mange, talk to your dr about this it is rx) as a trial to see if it is sarcoptic mange. But in this case it sounds like the dog is absolutely miserable and should go to a Dermatology vet. Many won't see a dog till they have been treated for sarcoptic mange first before going to them. Call your local animal hospital to see what can be done.
One other thing, you mentioned the "elephant skin". This usually indicates yeast overgrowth which is also itchy. When they did the scraping were they checking for yeast too. Antibiotics will do nothing for yeast overgrowth actually it can make it worse (think of women getting yeast infections while on penicillin). Yeast overgrowth has a primary cause of something else; allergy to food, inhalant or flea.
It's true that my dog is uncomfortabe. He still has lots of energy, but i can see this progressing to something much worst. Overnight, he started licking the one armpit that was fine... now it's raw! He also just started shaking his head, it's clear now that his ears are really bothering him.
I HAVE been to many vets over the past two years. I've been to a reputable holistic vet and derm (very well know in my state), and two other vets. In their defense, his condition has worsened since the previous visits...accept for me last visit a month ago. If anyone has any vet or derm recommendations... that would be great. I live in the Detroit area.
Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
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Your regular vet should be able to give you a referral to a derm vet. If you have already seen a derm vet, and have had a good experience with him, you need to go back ASAP and continue under their care.
Unfortunately, and as I'm finding out, allergy management is a long-term process with no real quick fix. Since you can't really eliminate the problem, except maybe in the case of a true, food-only allergy, the goal is to try to minimize the severity...and that takes time. And however well you do end up managing it, there will be times when symptoms flare up and you feel like you're right back at Square One.
The good news is that you become an expert on your dog and his symptoms and learn to spot the sometimes-subtle signs that rough days are ahead. Working closely with a derm vet, you can start heading off the bad stuff before it really gets established. That's JMHO.
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Re: Help!! GSD Face rash and lots of scabs????
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