My 1 1/2 old lab has problems with itchy, inflamed, patchy skin. The "breeder" I bought him from neglected him, so when I adopted him at 14 weeks hes had this on-going issue. His vet tested him for mites twice, came up negative, then she put him on antibiotics and apoquel. Last time she upped his Trifexis dose which didn't help. All the bites covered his groin and stomach area, so I will be bringing him into the vet again Tuesday. Any advice on what tests I should ask the vet? The only thing I can think of is an allergy test. Hopefully the pictures help, and he can finally get the right treatment. He's being fed Purina pro plan sensitive skin and stomach, can anyone recommend a better food if this is the issue? https://imgur.com/a/PUKPu https://imgur.com/a/CKa65 https://i.imgur.com/4rGzoFS.jpg Thanks for your time, and my puppy thanks you
Hi. I would get allergy tests done as he may be allergic to grass or an ingredient in his food. Personally I don't rate any Purina foods. My girl eats a part BARF diet (Natures menu) and part kibble diet (Barking heads). None contain grains which caused my girls allergy. If you type 'skin condition' in the search box it will bring up several threads that have been posted previously that will say what they have tried / tested for and used. Poor boy
Hi and welcome, so sorry to read of your troubles , I agree with @Naya an allergy test would be the best starting point , good luck and well done to you for doing your level best for him x
Thank you, he's the sweetest little guy. Hate to see him suffer. I will look through others threads and hopefully find something to help him. I've been wanting to get him off Purina after reading some negative things, i'm just overwhelmed with all the brands and choices, price is also a concern. Thought you'd enjoy this picture as much as I do . https://i.imgur.com/RTGEVcW.jpg
HI there, what a lovely little chap you have there! Is that part of the itchy skin problem on his front leg in the photo? I would have an allergy test done at the vets, and then try a really good kibble brand for sensitive dogs.
His back left leg has the most notable hair loss, he itches everywhere on his body, either biting at it or scratching with his paws. I've put his cone back on two weeks ago to prevent anymore damage to his skin. Most of the tiny (lumps?) seem to be on his belly and back leg area, he had really bad blotches on his groin but that has since cleared up. Also he had these quarter sized lumps that protruded visibly through his skin, they were all over and quite massive. I immediately brought him into the vet and she put him on antibiotics, aqoquel and benadryl. If that information helps at all. Thank you! He's my little angel.
Here are pictures of his past flare-up thats since been healed. https://i.imgur.com/MPxahS5.jpg https://imgur.com/a/qOXgm
Poor lad. I'm sure you want more than anything to help him recover from this. I'd ask your vet to refer you to a veterinary dermatologist. A specialist will have vastly more experience of dealing with problems exactly like this. You would get to a diagnosis and effective treatment much quicker. Hope you can get to the bottom of it.
Hallo. Just want to say I’ve also got an itchy dog and it is very difficult finding a solution. You have good advice above: get a proper diagnosis from a specialist vet otherwise you’ll be throwing every “cure” at it trying your best but possibly with no results. For relief, have you tried bathing your dog in an antifungal medicated shampoo? It might not be the cure, but it can give him some immediate relief.
Poor boy, he must feel very uncomfortable. It would be worthwhile consulting a specialist vet, but meanwhile also changing his diet. I hope you find the right solution soon - well done for taking him on and helping him.
Be aware that, if it is a food intolerance rather than an environmental trigger, it is far more likely to be a protein source causing it than the carbohydrate. Beef and chicken are the biggest culprits by far. So my first port of call (alongside the dermatologist) would be to put him on a diet with a single novel protein source, such as duck, and a novel carbohydrate source such as tapioca.
What shampoo are you using? I bought a shampoo from the vet - pricey! Called Sebaderm - antifungal, antibacterial, and contains salicylic acid (descaling). Works well. But I also tried a cheaper Betadine shampoo from a Boots-equivalent, and it didn’t have much effect. So I’m guessing the shampoo with all the relevant active ingredients was more effective. You could also try Head n Shoulders shampoo - v effective for me, I have an itchy scalp. Best of luck. It is heartbreaking watching them scratch so much.
I use GlenHaven Hexchlor-K Shampoo. The vet was a dead end again, just wanted to scrape for mites for the 4th time. Will be switching vets soon. I think the best thing for him now is a more pure food, do you have any affordable suggestions for good food?
Could you possibly recommend an affordable food with the criteria you posted? I'm overwhelmed looking at food labels, honestly not sure what to be ingredients his allergic to. Our vet isn't willing to help, other than their brand food. (Petsmart vet.) Thank you very much for your post, i'm getting closer to solving this!
Skinners salmon and rice hypoallergenic food is excellent. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skinners-F...-1&keywords=skinners+salmon+and+rice+dog+food
I think that there is an allergen in the immediate environment. Clean his crate and keep him in for a few days. Also check water for impurities and give him bottled water without minerals.
Just an update for everyone, I have the flu so when I brought him into the vet I was about to pass out and couldn't really think. The vet said she thought it was ringworms and put him on Fluconazole 150mg every 12 hours and miconzole lotion. The visit and the meds ended up costing around $300. I still don't feel well, so my brains a little foggy. Sorry in advanced about that. Does this diagnoses seem right?
