Shih Tzu-hair loss, blackheads, cysts

JLT

Hello I wonder if anyone could help me solve this problem please?

My parents have a male Shih Tzu who has been suffering from the past two years with really unpleasant skin problems. He seems to have lost most of his fur from the base of his spine and some from his chest. Where the hair has thinned his pores seem to look clogged with a black substance- a bit like a blackhead. There are also some blind spots and some which can be squeezed and are full of pus (although we do not constantly squeeze them). The vet has previously removed and examined some "lumps" which turned out to be cyst type growths.

They have tried Dermoscent but it has minimal effect. He is washed once a fortnight and groomed almost every day.

Please can anyone tell me what this could be and/or recommend something to treat this as they can't think of anything else to do and the poor little thing looks so scruffy and cold!

Thank you xxx

alfi

I don't really know about skin problems so here are some thoughts

First of all, what did the vet suggested to do? If you are not happy with the results maybe ask another's vet opinion?
Have you searched for any allergies?? Has the dog other problems?

JLT

The vet has said it is probably a seasonal thing, as hair did start to come back a little but never fully, and now he is very bald again. Dermoscent has been recommended and also medicated shampoo (i think). He is treated for fleas every month. He also suffers with very persistant ear infections. I believe he is fed mostly on fresh meat not dry or wet dog food. I do not think it could be infectious either, as they have another Shih Tzu too and she has no problems with ears/skin etc.

I wondered if, as it resembles human acne, he would benefit from being washed more often to keep the skin cleaner?

Brittany

Is he getting anything other than meat? It sounds to me like he has an allergy to something and that would need to be determined. Also, it might be beneficial to take him to another vet and get a second opinion.

alfi

Did your parents check about any food allergies?
Maybe visiting another vet could help.

I don't know much. Maybe another member will help you more

JLT

The only foods I know he has are chicken, turkey, milky bones, occasionally eggs, occasionally rice and those meaty stick things. He probably gets table scraps of meat too. I apologise if this is a stupid question and I realise it is specific to each dog, but are certain foods more likely to cause allergies?

kmes

I'm not super familiar with severe allergies with dogs.
5 Common Dog Allergies: Learn to spot and diagnose symptoms of your dog's allergic reactions
I believe that corn, wheat, and protein (especially chicken) are among the most common food allergies.

I would suggest allergy tests both to food and environmental causes. You never know what could be causing this reaction.

Here are some sites that might be useful.
Allergies in the Dog ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.
Food Allergies & Food Intolerance in Dogs
5 Common Dog Allergies: Learn to spot and diagnose symptoms of your dog's allergic reactions
Dog Allergies: Inhalant Allergies in Dogs | Dog Allergy Treatments
Canine Inhalant Allergies ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

JLT

Thank you for the links- I will have a read through and also print them out so they have something to refer to

Is it possible for dogs to suffer with acne? I forgot to mention he is currently uncastrated too.

tankstar

Could be a allergy.

Alot of dogs are allergic to chicken. My dog included. Iwould cute out the chicken all together. and start him on a limitied grain free diet with fish as the make up.

Gone2Dogs

Yes, dogs can get acne per se. What you may be seeing in blackhead blocked pores are sebaceous cysts. They can be allergy related or some dogs just seem to get them.

With nasty ears too I would first look at allergies.

I didn't catch whether there had been a thyroid check done also and how old the dog is. Allergies often develope well into adulthood. People say...but he is eating the same thing he always has. But now he is allergic to it.