Quote: sarah morris

I hope I'm not muddying the waters here. If I am, Connie please feel free to edit or delete this post.

You're not muddying anything. I do *feel* like this is something simple that is going to require a more long term, proactive approach. The extra work, like what you have to do, is perfectly fine with me. I just want a test or something that says "THIS IS THE PROBLEM" in big flashing letters.

We could probably do more before it starts, but what do you do with something that you don't know what it is.

So far, and still, nobody has done more than look at her. Before, I had no idea what a vet should be doing to help fix this. I still really don't, but would like for SOMETHING to be tested.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

How did he diagnose staph?

X-ray vision, I guess.

Pardon my sarcasm.

 Quote:

staph

Staff??? I feel like a goob. Didn't spell it wrong once, but twice. Sweet.

I would call tomorrow and say that because you couldn't make it to the office for the visit, could they please tell you how the diagnosis of staph was made..... scraping, biopsy, culture, or what? (Innocent voice.)

http://www.dogandhorsecare.com/staph-infection

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2008/05/28/petscol.DTL

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I would call tomorrow and say that because you couldn't make it to the office for the visit, could they please tell you how the diagnosis of staph was made..... scraping, biopsy, culture, or what? (Innocent voice.)

http://www.dogandhorsecare.com/staph-infection

Will do.

What about the antibiotics? I know we are only talking 12 hours max, but which is the lesser of 2 evils? Possibly unnecessary antibiotics or letting a staph infection go on any longer than I already have?

 Quote: Michael_Wise

I ..... would like for SOMETHING to be tested.

Me too, especially with the recurring problem.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

What about the antibiotics? I know we are only talking 12 hours max, but which is the lesser of 2 evils? Possibly unnecessary antibiotics or letting a staph infection go on any longer than I already have?

I would do it, myself. I would also be certain to finish the protocol.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Michael_Wise

I ..... would like for SOMETHING to be tested.

Me too, especially with the recurring problem.

It would be nice for them to waive my next office visit fee. Its not like my wife didn't ask for something to be done. That would be different. Wish I would've been able to go now.:frown:

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Michael_Wise

What about the antibiotics? I know we are only talking 12 hours max, but which is the lesser of 2 evils? Possibly unnecessary antibiotics or letting a staph infection go on any longer than I already have?

I would do it, myself. I would also be certain to finish the protocol.

Absolutely. Will definitely finish them.

Thank you for your opinion on that.

Also, does anything pop into anybody's mind about what the vet was thinking when he said, "Theres nothing to scrape." Had to be some miscommunication somewhere.

I've been reading about skin scraping. He has a scalpel. My dog has skin. I'm not seeing the problem here.

 Quote: michael_wise

Also, does anything pop into anybody's mind about what the vet was thinking when he said, "Theres nothing to scrape." Had to be some miscommunication somewhere.

I've been reading about skin scraping. He has a scalpel. My dog has skin. I'm not seeing the problem here.

Hmmmm.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1593&articleid=426 has a chart for all the indications for skin scraping and slide examination (and/or culture of the skin cells), including bacterial infections of the skin.

And from http://www.petplace.com/dogs/skin-scraping/page1.aspx

Skin problems and itchiness are common and frustrating disorders in animals. With so many underlying causes, finding the reason for the problem is important in order to find an appropriate treatment or even a cure. A skin scraping is a commonly performed test that can help diagnose certain skin inflammations, fungal infections, and skin cancer and is quite effective in determining the presence of mites. A skin scraping is a collection of a sample of skin cells that are evaluated under a microscope.

A skin scraping is indicated in any skin disorder, especially those involving hair loss and itchiness. There are no real contraindications to performing this test. By determining the underlying cause of the skin disorder, an effective and appropriate treatment can begin.

How Is a Skin Scraping Done?

A skin scraping is performed by collecting a sample of skin cells with the use of a scalpel blade. The blade is used to gently scrape layers of the skin, usually until a small amount of blood is seen, so that your veterinarian can gather cells deep in the skin. This is important, especially if parasites are suspected, since they often live deep in the skin. The skin cell sample is placed on a microscope slide, mixed with oil and evaluated under a microscope. Most often, results are available within 30 minutes. Sometimes, the veterinarian may need a second opinion and will submit the skin scraping sample to an outside laboratory. Results may take two to four days.

Is a Skin Scraping Painful?

Any pain involved is associated with the deep scraping of the skin. The level of pain varies from one animal to another and is more likely to cause discomfort rather than pain.

Is Sedation or Anesthesia Needed for a Skin Scraping?

Neither sedation nor anesthesia is needed in order to perform a skin scraping. Most animals tolerate this procedure quite well.

The call is in. Hopefully it will be returned sometime today. If not, I'll go up there after work.

I'm really disappointed by all this. Don't really know what to do now.

I'm sure the antibiotics were necessary, because there did look to be an infection of sorts starting in some of the little, scabby sores. If it is staph, then I would think that you WOULD want to treat that first, then get to the root of the problem. At least that is what I hope the vet is thinking.

I'm really hoping that this round of antibiotics will just go ahead and knock out the whole dang thing. Then again, it hasn't in the past.

Nothing really new in this post. Just thinking out loud. Trying to find some sort of method to all the madness.