Hi Bonnie our twelve and a half year old yellow lab is now suddenly beginning to show her age getting grey around her muzzle and slowing down, but still acts a youngster if a ball appears in view which we have restricted her access too as she suffers the next day with stiff joints after running around alot. For a couple of years now she has had fatty masses under her skin in her armpit and along the flank in that region and now has a couple about the size of a pea appearing on her haunch. Living as an ex-pat in Bulgaria it is a bit of an problem trying to discuss things with the vet out here, but they have confirmed these masses are non cancerous. Last week she has started to become excessively sensitive along her undercarriage and she will lick or attempt to scratch there when she is awake (not a problem when sleeping which she does most of the day now other than when food is around). Even when we stroke her belly it causes her to try to scratch. We have not changed her routine, or feeding regime to possibly cause it and there seems to be no redness, rashes or flakiness to her skin. Our other dog does not suffer from this so feel it is not a parasite or contagious issue. Has anyone else come across this problem or have any ideas what may be the cause?
Hi and welcome to the forum I wonder if it's actually her skin or something underlying her skin? Which parts of her undercarriage seem most affected? Chest area or tummy? Does she lie down on or come into contact with any plants that might cause a reaction? If it's an allergy or itchiness then steroid tablets might help - our dog Obi is an itch sufferer (pollen allergy) and he takes Prednil tablets (the steroid component is called prednisolone). You can get two versions of this tablet - one with an antihistamine and one without. We use the one with. Although you other dog doesn't have mites that doesn't mean that it's not some kind of parasite. Given that Bonnie is older she may be more susceptible, while your younger dog can fight them off. An example of mites that can take advantage of a less robust (ageing) immune system are demodex mites. All dogs have a few, but the immune system keeps the numbers to a low level. An immune system that's not in its prime can't provide a good defense and these mites can multiply. Anyway, that is just another thought.... It is difficult if you can't communicate with your vet easily due to a language barrier...
