Skin Problems

M

MaggieMae

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We have a bi-black Sheltie (Bear-Bear) who suddenly developed hot spots on his hind quarters and around his anus. He started chewing and got circular infections. In both March and April we had to take him to the vet who gave him a cortisone shot and antibiotics both times. It seemed to help temporarily. We also started him on a food for allergies, which didn't seem to help. We've been using Banixx to help heal the areas, but the areas are getting larger with more bald patches. We hate to have him on cortisone and antibiotics all the time and are wondering it this is only allergies.

The patches are very scaly - not like dandruff but with crusty, larger scales. Does anyone have an idea what this could be. We're taking him to a different vet tomorrow for a second opinion.

Thanks in advance - I always come here for Sheltie help. You guys are the very best!

Julie
 
What food was he originally eating when it first started and what did you change it to?

If it is food related, you would've had to change his food to a different protein. So if he was eating chicken before and then you changed it to limited ingredient that still had chicken in it, his skin issue would still be there.
 
I have no experience with this in dogs, but could it be ringworm? I had it once as a kid and it was circular and scaly.
 
Hmmmm. It sounds like what F-kap had last summer. He lost almost all the fur under his tail and there was ugly red scals on the bald spots. There was also a lot of fur missing from his chest and belly too. I was told by all my friends that it had to be mange, but I wanted to be sure. I asked my vet and it turns out he had had an allergic reaction to his Hartz flee and tick shampoo. I through out an almost brand new bottle! Today the fur on his tail is still thin, but the rest of him is as full and thick as ever. I'm not sure if its the same as what your going though, but it could be that hes allergic to something. My lesson; its always best to buy better brands!
Keeping your little man in my prayers that he is all better soon!:hugs
 
Thanks for the suggestions - we use Frontline and I was wondering about that but the problem started before the Frontline season. We had had him on California Natural grain-free (chicken) for quite awhile with no problem. Then the prescription diet from the vet (no real improvement) and lately Hill's Natural (chicken again!) He had been on just plain old Nutro Lamb and Rice before.

It would seem like mange or ringworm, but our vet said allergies. Hopefully, the new vet tomorrow will have a fresh look at the problem. I'm bringing the records of what has been done already.

It's a scary thing to see and he's uncomfortable, too. Since we lost two Shelties in a short amount of time, we get anxious fast. Maggie Mae's first symptoms of liver failure showed in her skin and feet.

Hoping for the best - will post again tomorrow after Bear's exam.

Thank you!

Julie
 
Consider having him testing for hypothrydoid and also perhaps liver disease.

Bacca developed a major skin funk last fall. Oily, scaly skin that caused a huge amount of fur loss. It's now stabilized, somewhat, but its still not clear whether it was his hypothyroid or his liver enzyme issues that are causing the problem. It could be either of his conditions.

If you are up for it, I would go for full bloodwork. It's not cheap, but the hypo in particular is relatively common in Shelties and often goes undiagnosed for years
 
take4roll10 said:
Did he have the allergy when eating the Nutri lamb?
Click to expand...

He didn't - he didn't for months on the grain-free California Natural (chicken) either. Our vet doesn't really think it's the food - it's so confusing. That's why we're going for a 2nd opinion tomorrow morning. It's so frustrating and scary!
 
BarbV said:
Consider having him testing for hypothrydoid and also perhaps liver disease.

Bacca developed a major skin funk last fall. Oily, scaly skin that caused a huge amount of fur loss. It's now stabilized, somewhat, but its still not clear whether it was his hypothyroid or his liver enzyme issues that are causing the problem. It could be either of his conditions.

If you are up for it, I would go for full bloodwork. It's not cheap, but the hypo in particular is relatively common in Shelties and often goes undiagnosed for years
Click to expand...

Thanks for this advice - we truly want to find out what's going on. He's only 4, but seems more tired than our 7 year-old Joni, so thyroid could be it!

Julie
 
To treat on an interim basis, my vet put me on Nizoral shampoo (you can by it at your pharmacy in the dandruff section). Between the twice weekly shampoos and antibiotics, Bacca's skin is under control. It is quite amazing the difference in 4 weeks.

The shampoo will temporarily relieve the scaling, but you will still want to get to root cause. I agree, allergies is another potential. Food or environmental. These are the hardest to pinpoint, unfortunately.

Good luck!
 
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