Any ideas what this is?

[Umbongo]

Just read that the owners use the PDSA. Unfortunately although this does not look nice for the dog, it would not be considered an urgent welfare concern when PDSA hospitals across the country are struggling to care for the vast numbers of animals that are coming in on deaths door (having worked at PDSA myself a few years ago, I have witnessed animals come in to the hospital in some of the worst conditions I have ever seen). It's even worse now since covid, brexit and cost of living going up. More and more people are registering at PDSA. My local hospital can't even see routine appointments anymore for vaccines, neutering etc as it can only just about cope with the emergencies that come in everyday.

A lot of tests and skin medications are very expensive, and the PDSA would probably not be able to afford to cover those costs.
I think of the owner can stretch to it, I would advise that she goes to a private vet that has an interest in/or specialises in dermatology. Perhaps try to find one that would offer a payment plan (hard to find nowadays though).

In my opinion this has not been caused by anal glands. This would be caused by disease, allergy or a skin condition.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I see - that is probably why the vet isn't invested in further treatment, I am guessing they can only offer basic healthcare because of funding constraints. Surely this would be classed as very necessary care though, poor pooch can't just be left to suffer. Very sad situation.

Ime PDSA vets pull out all the stops because they are not constrained by the owner's budget

 

[Umbongo]

Ime PDSA vets pull out all the stops because they are not constrained by the owner's budget

Unfortunately due to costs, they do not have the option of a lot of expensive tests and drugs that private vets would. So there is a limit to how much help they can offer in some cases.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

Ime PDSA vets pull out all the stops because they are not constrained by the owner's budget

I have no personal experience of what treatment they can offer and how they are funded. From what I have now read elsewhere they are funded purely by donations and asking owners just to pay what they can afford.

I can't imagine that allows for much investigative treatment of something that could be almost anything, if it is not obvious to the vet at the initial appointment. Very sad for this little dog and many others in a similar situation.