Fungi/Yeast Infection

S

Shielem

Forums Novice
A few years ago one of my Shelties developed a dark brownish, greasy substance that began on her private parts and spread to her tummy. She developed inflammation, crusty scales, loss of fur, and large flaking (sloughing) of skin in the affected areas.

After misdiagnoses for over a year by a local veterinary clinic and useless expensive treatments, the veterinarian(s) wanted to perform frightening invasive measures related to her bladder.

Alarmed, I drove miles to consult a former Iditarod veterinarian. His specialty, naturally, was mushing dogs, but his practice was open to all breeds of dogs and cats. (Yes, he became my regular veterinarian.)

Immediately this veterinarian diagnosed my Sheltie's problem as a very bad fungi/yeast infection with probable secondary bacterial infection. He was correct. We began daily treatment with Malaseb (medicated shampoo, Pledgets pads, and medicated spray) for dogs, cats, and horses. It took a few months, but in time the situation cleared up.

It seems though, unfortunately, this fungal infection reappears every spring or summer. I think perhaps it is something in the earth here.

It is a challenge to keep my Shelties' butts clean and dry because they have such profuse fur, but I check her daily all during the year and continue treatments whenever necessary.

I am wondering if anyone else has this experience.
 
I can't say that I've had any experience with my dog having fungus infections but I myself have been struggling with Candida (a systemic fungal infection) brought on by the medication I take for another health issue I have.

Fungus tends to become a problem in individuals who have a compromised immune system. For myself, topical fungus creams don't work at all and used to give me only temporary relief before the problem would eventually come back.

Perhaps instead of treating your dogs problem topically, you might want to look into natural supplements that will not only boost your dog's immune system but also fight fungus.

Probiotics are a great way of both fighting fungus and building a healthy immune system. You can get them at any health food store or by giving your dog yogurt.

Garlic (in small amounts) is also great for the immune system and kills fungus, it also helps your pet naturally repel fleas. Dogs love the taste of garlic so you can simply sprinkle it on your dog's food. Just make sure to use garlic powder and not garlic salt, as salt isn't good for them.

Another great supplement is grapefruit seed extract, its great for skin problems, parasites, fungus, bacterial or viral infections. I've been taking it for quite a while and swear by it. Its the main thing that keeps my candida under control. Just a warning, it tastes aweful and is very potent. I've been putting a few drops in Sadie's water for a while now though and she either doesn't notice the bitter taste or likes it. The rule of thumb is one drop per 10 lbs. of dog

Here is a great web site explaining GFS extract and pets. It says that you can also apply it topically but I think I'd keep it away from your dogs privates, its just too sensitive an area.

http://www.nutriteam.com/pets.htm
 
Wow! That is great information. I have noticed that same brownish stuff on Marlie and Zoe and thought it was just from them peeing. Marlie has actually been very itchy all over lately. She is going to the vet on Sat. so I will ask about it and see what she thinks. Thanks for the post!
 
mcguiregirl2248 said:
Wow! That is great information. I have noticed that same brownish stuff on Marlie and Zoe and thought it was just from them peeing. Marlie has actually been very itchy all over lately. She is going to the vet on Sat. so I will ask about it and see what she thinks. Thanks for the post!
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Don't be surprised if your vet brushes off the suggestion of a fungus problem. According to most of the medical world there is no such thing as candida, despite the evidence to support it or the natural treatments that cure it. The worlds of natural medicine and traditional medicine do not usually like each other.

When Sadie was a pup she had what the vet refered to as vaginitis. She was a bit slimy and brown around her private parts. Since that there were no other symptoms and she didn't seem bothered by it my vet just left it alone and said if it didn't go away she'd need to treat it. As she got older it went away on its own and has never been a problem. Just thought I'd mention this too
 
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