Quote: lisa harrison

However, they are retired and I don't feel that is a good option for them.

A new puppy or pet in the house due to something like this is not an option at all.
Personally I would tell the people as nicely as I could that they need to seek a new vet out.

The dog probably needs some sort of medication, whether it be topical or antibiotics (since there is pus present) in order to get her on the road to heeling.
Like Alyssa mentioned, the dog might need to be checked for nerve damage in that leg as well. Something is bothering this dog and if it were me, I would be diligent on finding out the cause, as well as adding in more mental and physical stimlation for the dog to see if that helped as well.

Without knowing the activity of the dog, or the level of activity of the retired couple, it is kind of hard to say if this is a medical or behavioral issue.

http://leerburg.com/allergy.htm

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=34&Number=210467&Searchpage=1&Main=20801&Words=atopy&topic=0&Search=true#Post210467

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=134&Number=212082&Searchpage=1&Main=21003&Words=atopy&topic=0&Search=true#Post212082

Also, in "search," if you use ATOPY as your term and expand the time from one week to one year, dozens of threads on atopy will come up. It's probably the most commonly-discussed disorder on this board.

I know that this is not your dog, so you have no history, but I can tell you (after more experience with atopy than I ever wanted) that if it is atopy, the owners will do best with a derm vet.

And I don't mean that just because the present vet gave such a non-answer. It's a huge topic. It's one of the most frustrating and difficult of canine maladies. A derm vet will make up in faster help what the initial cost will be.

Surgical removal and cryotherapy (in the book) are related to the lick granuloma, not the allergy itself, if allergies are the cause. They would do nothing to treat the disorder. That's the huge and complex area.

And of course, this may be OCD and not atopy at all.

I applaud your willingness to help the owners to help the dog.

The possibilities here are all difficult and frustrating, from OCD to atopic dermatitis, and every other likelihood. They will do well to have someone leading them to focus on the best way to help this poor dog.

Wonder if wearing an Elizabethan collar for a few days to give it time to heal would help?

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

Connie- I will check out those links. Sounds like lots of good information

I second on the new vet. We once had a black lab come into the vet I worked at that was chewing on his tail. The vet gave them some antibiotics, an injection of steroids, and some ointment to put on the tail. Three days later they came back in and the dog had eaten off over half of its tail. We took off the rest of the tail and did x rays the next day, and it turned out to be a neurologic problem.

OCD in dogs, in my limited experience, is a pattern of behavior caused by a dog having no outlet for drive or energy. Some dogs will pace, some dogs will chase their tail, some dogs will bark, some will chase lights/shadows(usually a combination of using a laser light as a toy and lack of other drive outlet) some will dig, some will run in a pattern like around a table or along a fenceline obsessively, and some will chew at themselves or lick.

I would check for neurological problems just as a precaution, and make sure there are no skin or nerve issues, fleas, parasites, etc.

But if it is an OCD problem I suggest an Elizabethan Collar, perhaps a safe to use bittering agent once the skin heals, and evaluate the dog to see what drive it has and find a better outlet, something more appropriate for the dog to be obsessed over. Like a ball, for instance.

Most dogs have varying degrees of "obsessive" behaviors, but most are not considered an issue or even considered an obsession because it fits in with what the handler/trainer/owner has in mind for the dog. High food drive can be considered an obsession with food. High prey drive can be considered an obsession for tugs or whatever toy/prey item is used that the dog favors. I've seen quite a few dogs I would consider to be "obsessed" about the decoy, but a combination of training and that particular "obsession" being a goal of sorts makes it a non issue. And so on and so forth.

The problems come when the dog is not given anything "constructive" to use its energy and drive on, so it can turn into a destructive obsessive behavior like mutilation, licking, chewing, etc. It can start with a dog having itchy skin from some treatable cause that turns into basically a habit that allows the dog to relieve its pent up energy and drive.

This is just my take after dealing with a dozen or so (not many) cases of what I consider "destructive" obsessive behaviors. It comes down to finding something else for the dog to be obsessed about that is acceptable and not harmful.

I agree that a second opinion is needed, but for a basic first aid recommendation....
We have used stuff EMT spray on Nico's hot spots, and the gel on owies she isnt licking and chewing on. Its non toxic and natural and really really helps the wounds heal. But the spray has a very strong bittering agent to keep them from chewing or licking more. it is REALLY REALLY bitter !!

I have used it on myself and on my son and it really does some how take the sting and itch out of minor burns and things like cat scratches.

And its safe for reptiles and birds so I don't worry too much about them ingesting some of it if they clean themselves.
http://emtgel.com/