Skin issue

CorvusCorax

CorvusCorax

Deary me...
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15 January 2008
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Hi, has anyone had a dog that has suffered either skin irritation due to pollution in water OR giant hogweed photosensitivty?

Dog is extremely itchy with weirdly localised hair loss due to scratching, particularly under and along one arm/shoulder, belly, scabby bits inside both hocks and small blisters/flaking skin on elbow.
He was in the river the other night and the other one was not, since heard there was a pollution incident upstream.

Both have been given Nexgard and bathed twice, although there is no irritation around the ears, eyes, mouth or toes that I would expect from mites and the skin is fine elsewhere on body and the other dog remains fine.
He is also being treated with external topicals several times a day and the skin colour in the area appears to be less angry.
He is extremely heavy coated and I've been thinning it out like a demon.

I am in consultation with the vet, just wanted to know others' experiences, if any.
 
Did the water have a lot of algae present? Could be a dog version of swimmers itch? If you know what water company is responsible for the water course then you can request the bacteriological and chemical report from them which might help.
 
Thank you. Not algae but there were white swirly bits and water levels were low. He never 'swims' unless I chuck something in for him to retrieve, just to his belly usually. I have been in contact with the conservation group who look after the river and they are checking it out for me, it was they who mooted the hogweed angle.
 
Both mine once came home after a walk where they'd gone ditch diving and went completely frantic itching. I gave them both a good long shower and it settled. I assumed something had been put on a field and washed into the ditch. They were fine otherwise.

That's the only similar thing I can think of.
 
So I see tonight that the giant hogweed is actually growing up through the tarmac on the path we walk on every day so I imagine that's the most likely culprit.
Have notified all the relevant bods.
He was much more bullish tonight so hopefully the drugs, lotions and potions are kicking in.
Please look out for this in your areas as I'm sure council workers have not been out spraying because of lockdown and it can be extremely toxic to humans as well.
 
Finally turning a corner now, massive shout out to Botanica 5-in-1 spray, it really is the business, his hair is coming back and skin much less angry. Also to Equifleece jumpers, now been worn by four different dogs for various issues and never let me down.

Super dishy council worker turned up to investigate the giant hogweed complaint this morning and I was in the front garden dressed like a cross between Deadpool and Ena Sharples. Outstanding.
 
Just seen this post. Very good news that he’s feeling better. Is it likely to have been giant hogweed? ?. It’s nasty stuff and can cause problems for a long time after a person or dog has been exposed to it (so I really hope it’s not that).

Surely you’ll need to direct said dishy council worker to the area it happened (cue time for a little make-up, hair done and sexy little wellies on!).
 
Hi, yes it was giant hogweed so he may now experience photosensitivity for life, will just have to wait and see..have been walking him either in the evening or with his jumper on.
The other option is chemical as there have been diesel/oil spills in the river over last couple of weeks. He was in the river and the other dog was not.

I just told him the general area, dammit, why didn't I think of that ?
 
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