Very bad skin condition...

atot

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Phoebe's skin condition really got bad last month, despite our best attempts to keep it under control with Malaseb.
Vet prescribed anti-fungal, anti-biotic and oil supplement tablets, all together they help a bit. We've also got 'epi-soothe' shampoo to give temporary relief.
We were all convinced she had cushings - she was showing all the symptoms, but tests came back negative.

We are stumped as to what it is, but it is slightly controllable with all the treatments combined.

It is distressing seeing her in such discomfort, and her tummy and legs just turn black and hairless, but at least because it is hairless we can really see how bad the problem is.

Does anyone have any other ideas about keeping her comfortable...We did see an advert for camrosa treatment but I'm not sure whether it would help what seems to be a fungal infection.

Because the tests came back negative we are going back on Thursday to discuss the next step (food trials?) and pick up some more anti-b's and anti-fungal tablets.

Any ideas appreciated.

Gutted for my brave little doglet.
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My last dog had an ongoing problem of this kind which was misdiagnosed for a year, but turned out to be sarcoptic mange, and once diagnosed was treated quickly and effectively with Stronghold drops on the back of the neck.

I'm not suggesting this is what your dog has, but if you're going down the list of possibilities it's a quick, simple and fairly cheap thing to try.
 
I have a now very elderly JRT who has had a skin condition since he was three. I have had all the tests under the sun with him and the consensus is that he is allergic to more things than he is not allergic to.Have also done food trials .When I change vets (due to moving area) they always say on first visit ( before records arrive from old vet)that it is mange despite me saying it isn't .They are always amazed when numerous tests come back negative for mange. I'm thinking of having "It's not mange" tatooed on my forehead . He has a steroid(medron ,I think thats spelt right)and an anti inflamatory(tavegil -again think right don't have info in front of me).He also has malasab to be bathed with as needed. I just play it by ear and dose when necessary as over the years I can spot the signs when things are going wrong . My boy can go from full coat to nothing in 24 hours. It can be very depressing at times but you do get use to it . I have to say I do look at people with "normal" dogs with envy sometimes .Good luck with your little girl and will send you good fibes.
 

My little Buster has got bad skin aswell. He's on a special diet food, coz the vet thinks its an allergy to his food. Im not convinced though and its horrible to see him scratching him hair out all the time.
Not much help I no, but hope little doglet gets better soon. x
 

Blanche your poor dog, but it sounds like you are coping well. We also have malaseb. I think I WILL just have to play it by ear and as you said, dose accordingly. Thanks for your help - I guess food trials are the next step, even though she's had all the relevant tests to say she's NOT allergic to anything. We'll see - best of luck with your dog.

M_Moonwalker, hope your dog gets better soon too. Have you tried malaseb/eip-soothe? It seems to be very effective at relief, although it is temporary.
 
Another one with an allergic mutt! He's on James Wellbeloved, seems to be doing the trick food-wise. He also took an awful reaction to ear mites. And he is naturally very stressy.

Hope you find out what is wrong, our vets are still not giving any conclusive answers.
 
What breed is your dog?? One of mine suffers from really bad zinc deficiency. She was ripping out her hair and the skin as well. Vets had no idea what was wrong. It is controlled with a specific zinc supplement. She is a breed very prone to it (siberian husky) but it does affect other breeds. She has very unusual symptoms which didn't help.
 
SM she's on dried science plan but she gets bits of meat on her dried food to entice her a bit more - she's not very good at eating, and has lost half a kilo over 2 weeks.

The vet has come up with more possibilities - a dermotologist is having a look at her in a few weeks time, and until then we've stocked up on the anti fungal and anti biotics to keep her comfy. She is pleased though as it seems to be improving slightly.

Hacking_Hack my dog won't eat James Well Beloved at all. I would usually be firmer and just give her no choice but to eat it but she's fussy at the best of time so it's hard to get her to eat much. I hope yours gets better soon.

Suzysparkle - she's a westie, so is prone to skin conditions. what was your dog's symptoms? the vet hasn't mentioned a zinc deficiency and as she's had lots of tests I don't think it's that, but I hope you dog feels better soon.

The vet has also thrown in the possibility of a bad reaction to certain proteins....so come February she is going on a strict food trial and we will see what that does.

thanks everyone for all the advice.
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The good thing is, althought the anti b's and anti f's are going to be long term it seems to be helping a lot, and she's also spritely in time for Christmas, which is good!
 
Our dog had a strange skin condition that we originally thought was mange, but turned out to be an under (I think) active thyroid. He has tablets for it and is fine now, you wouldn't know there was a problem.

If it's a fungal problem, is there a doggy equivalent to Canestan?
 
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