Anyone's lab have problems with their skin? My sister's dog is under vet care at the moment and has been given a medicated shampoo to use three times a week plus strong antibiotics as his scratching has caused an infection. So far they have done two loads of skin scrapes but it hasn't showed anything. Next step could be a biopsy as he could have an autoimmune problem. The areas that are affected are behind his front legs, elbows, paws round his mouth and eyes. He has an odour, which could be the infection or it could be a yeast smell. He has lost fur where he is scratching so the skin is very thick, just like elephant skin. He is nine months old, both her bitch and mine are OK (same litter). Any ideas?
Hi there ,sorry to read about your Sister's dog....poor thing itchiness must be so awfully irritating for them...I haven't had any episodes to be able to give you any practical advice.I guess she has considered food allergies whilst she's been trying to find the solotion? I know certain ingredients can cause an itchy reaction.also think about environmental factors.....certain plants?grasses? The pollen can be a nuisance for making them scratch. My dog actually eats a hypoallergenic good after we had a long running ear problem and the vet suggested a do a good trial on it....the cause of the ears wasnt allergies but he does so well on it that I've never taken him off it ( fear of the upsets tums we had when he was a pup being the reason for that!) I know there are a few forum dogs who have certain allergies and find relief with steroids which may help in the short term until a diagnosis is established.sorry I'm just throwing ideas out as I'm not sure what has been eliminated as possible causes this far...
That sounds very tough for all concerned.... I'm sure it's really miserable for the poor dog and stressful for your sister. My first dog became itchy and smelly due to something in kibble (two premium brands). Switched to home made/raw diet and he was fine within a week. But we did not work out what it was in the kibble that was the problem... My current dog is itchy due to an allergy to something in the environment - pollen most likely as it's seasonal. Antihistamines daily and steroids when he needs it pretty much keep on top of it. So.....there can be a range of causes. Is he under the care of a veterinary dermatologist?
So sorry to hear about this , I know how distressing it can be as my own dog was a sufferer . Sam also suffered the thick skin , just on his chest where he scratched constantly , and also suffered from a degree of hair loss/thinning on the back of his legs, so pretty similar to your sisters dog . Sam had a course of steroids , we switched him to a wheat free diet and more raw food , this helped enormously although we always suspected pollen allergies , we were also given Maleseb shampoo . Then a friend told me about using coconut oil , raw virgin oil as a body rub , and I thought, why not ? If it doesn't do any good, it certainly wont do him any harm as the steroids didn't have any effect at all . Whilst I have no proof that it was the coconut oil , no written evidence , all I can say is that the thick skin is now perfect, hair growing back on his legs and in general, his coat is amazing . The oil tends to solidify which doesn't matter, just scoop some into the hands which warm and melt it, then massage well into any affected area . I don't usually go for " alternatives " but this has done the trick for my lad .
kateincornwall does Sam lick the coconut oil afterwards? I've been tempted to use some on Willow but I figured it might cause more problems from too much tongue action
Yes, if I don't watch him Fiona , but as this can be given orally , I don't worry about the odd bit licked off ! Its non toxic which is a good job as Millie will lick his legs if I don't watch her as well
Or maybe you meant that the actual licking action might make things worse ? Well , not for Sam it hasn't , I just stopped him by distraction when I first started using the oil , it does soak in very quickly and seems to have a soothing effect too ( plus it smells wonderful )
Yes, I know coconut oil is ok (actually very good!) taken orally, but I was worried that excessive licking might end up drying the skin out more. I might give Willow a massage later. She suffers with dry skin on her tummy which is helped massively by salmon oil, but I noticed a few flakes yesterday again so it can't hurt to try. She doesn't seem to be itchy at all, though, which is good; it's more just a bit of slightly unsightly dandruff!
The only place Sam was ever itchy was under his chin down his neck, but he was the same as Willow, dry skin which caused what looked like dandruff, its gone completely now .
