Please help! Skin issues - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

Dozersmom · 12-03-2012, 10:35 AM

Hello Everyone,

I'm new around here, but desperate to get an opinion about my 2 yr/old doberman/lab's skin problems.

He's gotten rashes under his legs his whole life, and usually they would go away after a day or two. The vet prescribes antibiotics when he gets them, but they tend to make him sick.

His rash is worse than it has ever been, and lasted about two weeks. We've looking for a new vet to go to, as ours has prescribed antibiotics every time, though we've told him it isn't working.

We believe it's an allergy (made much worse by him licking) but haven't been able to figure out to what.

Any advice for relief?

We've tried antibiotics, benedryll, cortozone creams, and a holistic vet's recommendation of epsom salt solution with no relief.

Shelly · 12-03-2012, 10:37 AM

I sure hope it's not allergies! I've been dealing with allergies for about a year now & it's sheer hell.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

You could ask your vet to refer you to a veterinary dermatologist & just go straight to the "big guns" right away instead of spending 6 months with a regular vet trying to figure it out (like I did)

**PatchworkRobot** · 12-03-2012, 10:45 AM

I also hope it's allergies! At least taht way, when you figure out waht it is then you will know and can fix it.

Aren't there allergy tests that can be done?
What is he eating?
Is this what he's always been on?

Shell81 · 12-03-2012, 11:09 AM

My old lab developed allergies later in life. He used to get that same rash in the same area (it was our first indication he had allergies). Hopefully if your boy has allergies the allergy testing is helpful. In Quins case allergy testing just told us that he was allergic to EVERYTHING (environmental and food based), and for the rest of us his life we really struggled to keep him comfortable. It was hell, and I hope I never have to deal with them again. I hope if your boy has allergies that they are easily dealt with.

I would definitely ask for a referral to a dermatologist, and start there since it seems like what your vet has you doing isn't working. Good luck, skin stuff is very frustrating.

Instant Noodle · 12-03-2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatchworkRobot

I also hope it's allergies! At least taht way, when you figure out waht it is then you will know and can fix it.

Aren't there allergy tests that can be done?
What is he eating?
Is this what he's always been on?

I was about to suggest the same thing. Maybe it's food related?

LindaH · 12-03-2012, 11:55 AM

The first thing I would do is put him on sardines. They keep my boy from itching out of his skin every summer when his enviromental allergies kick in. I give my boy at least 1/2 tin of rinsed and drained packed in water sardines every day during the summer, more if he is having a hard time. They really, really help. I would start out feeding 1/2 tin in the morning and the other half at evening meal till he shows some improvement, than you can reduce to 1/2 every day. Here is a good article about them: Super Hero Food For Dogs By Diane Jansey- Canine Nutritionist | All The Best Pet Care

Extra virgin coconut oil is another good additive to improve skin health: The Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Other things you need to do are baths to remove allergens from his body. I am going to give you several articles with lots of information that will help if he does have allergies. You can also use unscented baby wipes or a damp washcloth to wipe him off when he comes in from outside. Be sure to use the white vinegar rinse after the bath as it makes the skin inhospitable to bacteria and yeast. But be careful cause if the skin is raw the vinegar will burn.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Pet?

Does Your Pet Have Allergies? What You Need to Know and Do

Causes of Solid-Appearing Lumps & Bumps on the Skin of Dogs

Dog Licks Paw, why is he always licking?

What is Canine Acral Lick Dermatitis or Lick Granuloma?

Most vets aren't any help with allergies, if that is what you dog has. They use steroids to combat itching and antibiotics for bacteria/yeast, neither of which get to the root of the problem. You need to find the cause and work from there.

Does you boy suffer from itchy ears and goopy eyes, too?

What do you feed him? Stay away from wheat, corn, soy(seems like I am forgetting something

. Have you been feeding him the same food for a long time?

wolfgirl1987 · 12-03-2012, 11:56 AM

What food are you feeding? Has he always been on it?

Dozersmom · 12-03-2012, 02:37 PM

That's what we thought at first. He's been eating the same food and treat since he starting eating solid food as a puppy, with no table scraps or anything. We are going to try what some people suggested with chicken and rice to see if that helps

Shell81 · 12-03-2012, 03:51 PM

Quin's allergies developed almost out of nowhere, he was on the same food he has always been on, no table scraps, the same treats he had always had, and all of a sudden he had skin and ear issues. His allergy panel said he was allergic to a TON of things, both environmental and food (and many of the ingredients that were in the food he had been eating). We had to change his diet (that was not fun, finding something he could now handle). Just like in humans allergies can develop suddenly, and later in life. I saw it happen, not only with my Quin, but with a number of patients during my time as a tech also.

I agree that vets can't really do a whole lot to "treat" allergies, they can treat (or try to) the symptoms they are currently having but that's about it. Even my old boss (who was an incredible vet, people drive hours to use her) told me that there isn't much vets can do as far as allergies go. I would get an allergy panel so you know what (if anything, we don't know that he does have allergies, it's purely speculation at this point) he is allergic to, and then start trying to eliminate anything that he is allergic to. If he has a really bad flare up you will need to treat that, often with something from the vet, but getting to the root of the allergies and coping with them has to be done with trial and error once you have an idea of what the triggers are. Also, don't let your vet overuse steriods to treat any flare ups he has. While they do help, long term/extended use can have some really nasty consequences (kidney problems etc), and they are only a "band aid" solution. Fingers crossed you get to the root of this.