Sounds like its time for a Vet that specializes in skin disorders. Don't know where you live, or how far from you one might be, but in Southern California, there are specialty Vet clinics that specialize in virtually every disorder imaginable. Inexpensive they are not, but our experience with an internist at one clinic was very positive.
Unknown skin issue. Could be something more?
Hi all. I'm new to this forum.
I rescued a dog several years ago. He's probably about 4 to 5 years old now. When I first got him, he was perfectly fine(minus being super stinky & covered in fleas). Just approximately a year ago he started having this horrid skin condition. He scratches himself open until he bleeds. His skin will become super flaky(to the point you can see it everywhere on my floors!) He is super stinky too. On the under side of his neck he will develop a yellowish stinky gunk that seeps through his skin. It smells so bad I've had to buy him numerous new collars because I cant wash the stink out. I have bought him 2 nice dog beds that were pretty thick and I had to throw them out because he literally seeped right through it(soaking the dog bed) and ruining the hardwood floor underneath. He scratches so much he is losing his fur and really looks like he has mange.
I've taken him to the vets countless times. I even have his own file in the filing cabinet full of receipts, records, etc. I've spent atleast $1,000 on vet bills trying to figure out what this is. I paid $400+ for allergy testing and all it told me was he was borderline allergic to corn and that he had a severe allergy to mites. So then they did numerous skin scrapings on him and couldn't find any mites. I tried one vet who put him on loads of ABT, apoquel, and steroids. When I told them I couldn't afford the $100 a month for meds, they told me that their next step would be $200 treatment. So needless to say I tried a homeopathic vet. He gave my dog an injection and some natural pills and a cream. I was only able to use the homeopathic vet twice because I had to drive 1.5 hours to get to him and I can't do that monthly. Then the 3rd vet, He was actually very nice and understanding(i had talked to him about how I am not able to afford these crazy treatments anymore). He let me keep him on the med apoquel and wants Diesel(my dog) back in this august for blood testing.
I am really really frustrated with this. He is an awesome dog but this disease he has, whatever it is, is so horrible that I am to the point of giving him away or having him put to sleep. I grew up with always having my animals in my room and even sleeping on my bed but I have to lock my dog in the furthest room from my bed because he will literally keep me awake at night because he scratches so much, not to mention the horrid smell. He can't even be a dog anymore, I use to be able to go out and play fetch with him, but now he won't even chase the ball because he'd rather sit and scratch everywhere.
I have tried the fancy, no filler $70 dog food with really no luck. I've tried freezing it to prevent any mites. I've tried the expensive shampoo you get at the vets. I've tried giving him bathes regularly, but he is back to being stinky the next time(most of the time, the bath doesn't even really help). I have tried benadryl and zyrtec. The apoquel seemed to be working but now doesn't seem to be working as well.
Recently I had 2 friends recommend skin so soft on his coat. I've been putting that on about every other day. (too soon to tell if its working)
Does anyone have any input on what this could be or what I should try? I really cannot afford anymore crazy vet treatments but I really want my dog back to normal. (the thought of giving him away or putting him to sleep is putting tears in my eyes)
Please no negative comments.
Thank you..
-Megan
I rescued a dog several years ago. He's probably about 4 to 5 years old now. When I first got him, he was perfectly fine(minus being super stinky & covered in fleas). Just approximately a year ago he started having this horrid skin condition. He scratches himself open until he bleeds. His skin will become super flaky(to the point you can see it everywhere on my floors!) He is super stinky too. On the under side of his neck he will develop a yellowish stinky gunk that seeps through his skin. It smells so bad I've had to buy him numerous new collars because I cant wash the stink out. I have bought him 2 nice dog beds that were pretty thick and I had to throw them out because he literally seeped right through it(soaking the dog bed) and ruining the hardwood floor underneath. He scratches so much he is losing his fur and really looks like he has mange.
I've taken him to the vets countless times. I even have his own file in the filing cabinet full of receipts, records, etc. I've spent atleast $1,000 on vet bills trying to figure out what this is. I paid $400+ for allergy testing and all it told me was he was borderline allergic to corn and that he had a severe allergy to mites. So then they did numerous skin scrapings on him and couldn't find any mites. I tried one vet who put him on loads of ABT, apoquel, and steroids. When I told them I couldn't afford the $100 a month for meds, they told me that their next step would be $200 treatment. So needless to say I tried a homeopathic vet. He gave my dog an injection and some natural pills and a cream. I was only able to use the homeopathic vet twice because I had to drive 1.5 hours to get to him and I can't do that monthly. Then the 3rd vet, He was actually very nice and understanding(i had talked to him about how I am not able to afford these crazy treatments anymore). He let me keep him on the med apoquel and wants Diesel(my dog) back in this august for blood testing.
I am really really frustrated with this. He is an awesome dog but this disease he has, whatever it is, is so horrible that I am to the point of giving him away or having him put to sleep. I grew up with always having my animals in my room and even sleeping on my bed but I have to lock my dog in the furthest room from my bed because he will literally keep me awake at night because he scratches so much, not to mention the horrid smell. He can't even be a dog anymore, I use to be able to go out and play fetch with him, but now he won't even chase the ball because he'd rather sit and scratch everywhere.
I have tried the fancy, no filler $70 dog food with really no luck. I've tried freezing it to prevent any mites. I've tried the expensive shampoo you get at the vets. I've tried giving him bathes regularly, but he is back to being stinky the next time(most of the time, the bath doesn't even really help). I have tried benadryl and zyrtec. The apoquel seemed to be working but now doesn't seem to be working as well.
Recently I had 2 friends recommend skin so soft on his coat. I've been putting that on about every other day. (too soon to tell if its working)
Does anyone have any input on what this could be or what I should try? I really cannot afford anymore crazy vet treatments but I really want my dog back to normal. (the thought of giving him away or putting him to sleep is putting tears in my eyes)
Please no negative comments.
Thank you..
-Megan
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
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Dog Allergies, Dog Itchy Skin, Dog Scratching, Systemic Yeast Infection in Dogs | Allergies, Malassezia Fungus Candida, yeast overgrowth in dogs, yeast in dogs | GREATDANELADY.COM
Dog Allergies, Dog Itchy Skin, Dog Scratching, Systemic Yeast Infection in Dogs | Allergies, Malassezia Fungus Candida, yeast overgrowth in dogs, yeast in dogs | GREATDANELADY.COM
A veterinary Dermatologist would be less expensive in the long run. I have an itchy allergy dog, as well, and can empathize with you completely.
Ollie has been an Apoquel for 13 months and gets medicated baths frequently, depending on how itchy he is.
Ollie has been an Apoquel for 13 months and gets medicated baths frequently, depending on how itchy he is.
A visit to a Doggy Dermatologist would be very good, and the investigation of a 'yeast free' diet too! Systemic Yeast is one of the hardest skin conditions to treat!!! ALL yeast (carbohydrates) must be removed from diet and finding foods that qualify is key!
Google: Yeast Starvation Dog Food Recipe if you want to try making your own........it's really easy.
Google: Yeast Starvation Dog Food Recipe if you want to try making your own........it's really easy.
I think Zignature would work for the diet.
I found this recipe http://homemadedogfood.com/yeast-starvation-dog-food-recipe/
Will I feed my dog this in raw form?
Will I feed my dog this in raw form?
YES, raw!!!!! Follow the directions as far as what is mentioned as cooked ie; the eggs, but this is fed raw and raw is widely know to be good for dogs with allergies.
I just found this site because I'm in the same boat...my dog is 14 (in 4 days) and has licked half his hair off..its so sad. Your post made me cry, I can feel your pain. Apoquil (spelling from memory) didnt even help my dog. I tried raw food for a month in the beg of all this..that was in oct. He had a cone to prevent (which it didnt) licking until about april..Please let me know if anything helps your dog..My sister and mom think I should put him down but Ive had him since I was a child, his whole life. I dont know what to do..he wakes me up at least once a night licking or whining. I just wish he would get better..he doesnt act like he used to either.
You might also want to try switching every cleaning product to hypoallergenic. Right down to the carpet cleaner and everything.
I used coal tar shampoo on my Chihuahua followed by yeast infection cream or antibacterial ointment
I used coal tar shampoo on my Chihuahua followed by yeast infection cream or antibacterial ointment
OP, I would make a copy of the extensive file and send it to the nearest vet school. They may help you, as it is plainly an excellent teaching opportunity for the veterinarians in training there.
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