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General => Pets Corner => Topic started by: Gardengirl on January 14, 2004, 19:02:54
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For the past couple of years we have been battling with our dogs skin and coat problems :'(
Have spent an absolute fortune at the vets and don't seem to be getting very far. The problem is with our dog Bobbie - he lost alot of his fur (mainly on his face, tail and top of his back) and also his skin was very dry and scaley.
The vet reckons he has a zinc deficiencey and also is allergic to house dust mites, of all things :o We have had loads of blood tests taken and in the end it may turn out that he has to be treated for a thyroid problem.
I just wondered if anyone else has experienced anything like this with their pets and if so, what was the solution. ??? Any ideas welcome.
ps Keep your lovely photos coming, or Dan may remove this forum if it is not used :)
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Oh Pat dogs can throw a reaction to anything.
I had two westies he reacted to shake and vac should have seen his tummy.
She was the vet said mites under the skin and with tablets and shampoo controlled it but the coat never grew back propley. Had to change vets in the end I was so frustrated.
Food can be one so I changed to rice and boiled chicken,
flea bites can be another, which you cannot stop
the bedding?
Shampoo what is in it,
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Yes Teresa - we changed our dogs onto James Wellbeloved Lamb & Rice food as this was recommended for all sorts of alergic conditions. I know the vets have a hard time of it trying to diagnose skin and coat problems, it can be so many things, but it is very frustrating when you are spending loads of money and don't seem to be getting anywhere.
I have heard that Westies are prone to skin problems, we have a friend with one and the vet has put her on some sort of steroid. Wouldn't do for my boys I don't think - it would bring out the beast in them :o
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Hi Pat
Have a look at this site and check out the others,
www.st-ives-vet...o.uk/sarcop.htm
gives an insite to the mite which is a great problem in some dogs with delicate skin.
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Thanks for the info Teresa, but I couldn't get into the site from your link :(
The vet has ruled out mites, so I don't think this is the problem.
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Hi Pat has he done a skin scrap to send for test?
dont know if I mentioned before antihistime cream is also good for problem areas, if they flare up, iching.
I keyed in Mange come up with loads of sites, discribing skin conditions. Mange is common as if a fox passing or rolling and your dog rolls same place picks up the mite.
even E45 cream to soften the dry aeras.
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Yes Teresa, he has had skin scrapes done and they ruled out mange. I tell you, there isn't anything that hasn't been done to the poor thing. We have had to leave him at the vet's all day a couple of times while extensive blood tests and skin tests were done. Hopefully, we will get the result of the latest blood tests tomorrow and with a bit of luck know which route to take for the treatment. Watch this space - I will let you know ::)
Having said all that, his coat, particularly his tail is beginning to improve, perhaps the zinc tablets he is already taking are beginning to take effect. If we get him back to his former glory I will post a picture of him to celebrate :D
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Oh do hope your baby gets better soon,
dont know whats the worse trying all the pills and lotions the vet gives you or all the tests costs a fortune.
Have you got insurance cover on them do let us know what happens
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No Teresa, we haven't got insurance. We didn't bother as I have heard from other people that there are so many loopholes when it comes to the insurance company paying out we took a chance. I don't mind how much money we spend as long as the end result is good.
One consolation is that he is still his old happy, naughty, lively self so that is something. Haven't heard from the vet yet so don't know what the final verdict is. Probably have to wait until Monday now.
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Oh Pat,
hope all goes well on monday and hopefully this is a one of thing for him.
Insurance is a strange thing when I looked into it mine were too old.
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The saga continues ??? Since my last message Bobbie has had to spend yet another day at the vets having more blood tests. Quite honestly I think the vet is groping around in the dark trying to find a solution >:(
As a result of these tests we have now got to take a urine sample to the vet today and then perhaps with a bit of luck they will make up their mind how they are going to treat him (if at all :-/)
Let you know the result Teresa.
One consolation is that he looks as if he is getting better, albeit slowly, I think the zinc tablets he is taking are having some effect. One thing I do know is that I am not going to allow him to go through any more tests. It seems as if we are throwing loads of money at the vet to no avail :-X
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Just a thought but have you tried washing him with tea tree shampoo, just the ordinary stuff that you would buy for yourself? I suffer from eczema and find that it helps me so maybee it's worth a try! :)
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You can get a tea tree lotion just for dogs, it works quite well on my dog, she seems to get allergies to all sorts of things, we have had loads of shampoos and creams from the vet, but when we took her to france she got quite a bad rash and we took her to a human chemist, they had a pet section and they gave her some tea tree lotion that worked, we have since found it in the local pet section of the garden centre, it is quite thick like e45 and she doesn't lick it off too much, it stops the itching and seems to dry away the rash- definatley worth a go.
samxx
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Thanks for the suggestion Mellie & Sam. Yes I have tried tea tree shampoo and I must say that it did help the dryness of his skin. Also tried the tea tree ointment for his tail and this also helped cure the flakiness of the skin which enabled some of the fur to grow back.
The thing is the vet seems to think he has some underlying problem which he is trying to diagnose, but as I said before, enough is enough and I am not going to put him through any more tests as he is a very lively, happy dog, and in any event I am convinced that we may be on the road to recovery, even though it is a slow progress.
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Well - we have been to the vet and I must say I am completely disillusioned >:( I think the vet is just out to get as much money as he can from us. After promising that this was the last test Bobbie would have to have he said that the tests were not completely conclusive and he would have to have another one. Even then he told me that the results may not be conclusive. ???
We have spent in all over £800 and really got nowhere >:(
Have decided to keep giving him the zinc tablets and see how he goes. As I said before, he is his usual happy lively self so I am not prepared to put him through any more. Am I doing the right thing I wonder ???
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As long as he is happy and not moping about I think you are doing the right thing. My cat doesn't go to the vets unless he is really bad, he doesnt like going there and as he doesnt go out he doesnt need any jabs. I hope he gets better but I dont think it is worth keep going to the vets. :)
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Thanks Mellie. Actually, I have decided now to go back to my original vet. Better the devil you know, as they say. I just could not get on with the other vet and only went to him in the first place for a second opinion on Bobbie's condition. Hopefully he will pass on the blood test results to my old vet and I can see what they say about it. Bobbie does seem to be getting better slowly. His coat is improving and the fur on his tail is growing back. It is a worry, but as you say, he is happy and lively so there can't be an awful lot wrong.
The second vet said he was testing for something called Cushings Disease which is very serious if not treated, but I looked it up on the net and apart from the thinning coat (which is now getting better) I can't see that Bobbie has any of the other symptoms, unless I am missing something. We will see. Here's hoping :-/
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Hi Pat have you tried the net your self?
There was a site I could not get into tonight a clinic where vets refer dogs to with skin problems.
I just keyed in itchy skin in dogs ( very simple it has to be for me)
come across this site as well
http://www.ask.co.uk/ix.asp?q=itchy+skin+in+dogs&ac=none&xx=0&qid=D9E1E61644B29543B644D84177A04A75&p=1&s=4&sp=ix&fn=guk&b=0&fo=1&r=3&io=2&fp=2&fr=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ethepetstore%2Enet%2Frestore%2Ehtm%26sa%3Dl%26ai%3DAs1pRhAWGAVKqMgs6gAq15OrAMzNvCAch3KEiBKsO5IQrRBA4UPQADIgiWAQYq1Sdr1ibv5WYkVHb0BAAAAA%26num%3D2&adurl=&durl=www%2Edoghealth%2Eco%2Euk
Oh my god did not think there was so much of in just selling a powder?
thinking of you
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My God Teresa - that's some site isn't it ::) Thanks for that - any contributions gratefully received :)
I have an appointment with my original vet soon so I will see what she comes up with. I can't see that he has Cushings Disease as he is so happy and lively and as I said before, none of the symptoms. He is at this moment having a rough and tumble with Busby (our other Flatcoat). I tell you it doesn't do to be houseproud when you have a couple of 'mad muts' - can't keep up with the dusting :-/
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Hi Patricia,
Have you considered changing your dog's diet? Some people suggest that the cereals used to bulk-up commercial dog-food increases the chances of the dog having an allergy to something. Our dogs are fed a Bones and Raw Food (BARF) diet. The basic idea behind this is that a dogs digestive system hasn't really evolved since from it's carnivorous ancestors, i.e. probably 80% of it's diet is raw meat and bone.
Just to prove I'm not some nutter who's slowly killing my dogs with some dangerous fad here a link to the web-ring of people who are using and having success with the diet:
http://www.ringsurf.com/netring?ring=barf;action=list
and a good faq:
http://www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm#plans
A crucial part of the diet invloves the feeding of raw bones. It's crucial that they are raw though, as once cooked they become brittle and can splinter, this doesn't happen with raw bones as they are softer and can be chewed up quite easily.
Our 2 corgis eat a mixture of uncooked meat and bones, including chicken wings, chicken necks, tripe & small amounts of other offal. I would recommend the diet to any dog owners, the benefits include a better immune system, less vet visits, cleaner teeth, better breath, fantastic coats and just livelier dogs.
It is probably a little more expensive to feed this way, but as you'll see from the websites I've linked, lots of people can vouch for how rarely they need to visit their vets once they have changed over to a raw diet.
I hope this is of some use, and maybe gives you some different avenues to consider...
Good luck!
Paul
PS. Your dogs will love it!!!
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Thanks for the info Paul. Actually, I know quite a few people who feed their dogs on this raw diet. If you have read my other messages you will note that I am visiting my original vet next week and, subject to her not saying that Bobbie has to be treated for anything more serious, I will definitely give the idea of changing his diet some thought.
I have another problem now with both dogs. Busby, the 4 year old, has decided that he wants to be the dominant one and it has caused a few fights recently. This is the problem when you have two entire males. I think I will probably have to consider having one or both of them castrated. I don't know if this will lessen the aggression. I wonder if anyone has had any experience of such things and can let me know what they think. All I know is that it get a bit hairy when two large dogs start fighting indoors. It is difficult to separate them :o
Again, any ideas or advice greatfully received.
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I must be honest Patricia,I'm more responsible for the walking, throwing stuff and belly rubs than the serious stuff ;)
I showed your post to my partner who knows about such things more than me, and as the song goes, there are more questions than answers...
Getting them neutered may help, but may not solve it entirely...
How much do they fight? Is it escalations of disputes over toys or food? Do they eat seperately to stop any ideas of competition?
How old is the 'other dog' (can't see his name) is it just a natural change with a younger dog taking over from the older one? Or are they just getting to just not like each others faces?
Lots of questions, sorry :-/
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My mum use to live close to a dog breeder of collie dogs and he use to buy tripe to feed them on so he had no problems with them and he had a few.
Oh Pat two dogs will fight but do you want to breed from either of them? Pity you could not swap one for a female then you could have puppies. I use to breed westies and loved every litter.
But joking aside I have mother and daughter and they have spats where it goes beond threats but so far if I shout they stop I am top pregnant dog in my house.
If I was you when they start use a rolled up newspaper and smack them both with it that has worked with the dogs I have known.
Let us know how it goes with the vet.
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Thanks for the replies. First of all Paul, they do not fight that often, there is usually quite a time lapse between spats. When they do, it is strange as sometimes we can see them just for no reason suddenly squaring up to each other and we have to quickly change the subject so to speak by offering a biscuit to take their minds off it. Yesterday, Busby came and sat with me and looked at Bobbie (the 7 yr old) and growled, at which Bobbie just charged, but we managed to grab hold of him and avoid the fight. Today they both had one of those Hi Life chews which I give them occasionally as they are good for their teeth. Normally they will not fight over these, but the cat came in at an inopportune moment, walked close to Busby who growled as if to say 'keep your distance' and immediately Bobbie charged across the room and attacked. Having said that it is a bit like 'handbags at ten paces' alot of noise but not much damage (except to my things - one of my ornaments got broken!) :'(They are big dogs so things go flying when they get started! You can see a photo of them Paul on 'Faces behind the names' thread in The Gallery if you have not already seen it. It's as if they are going through the motions but not wanting to really hurt one another. Really strange.
I have tried rolled up newspaper Teresa and for some things it works, but once they get in these clinches nothing seems to work except getting hold of their tails and physically pulling them apart. Five minutes later they are the best of mates again! Anyhow I will let you know how I get on at the vet next week. She really has got her work cut out what with the skin problems and now this. :-/
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Just thought I would give those interested an up-date on Bobbie's problems.
Went back to our original vet yesterday who took one look at him and said that in her opinion he was not showing any signs of Cushings Disease, so why on earth would our temporary vet frighten me by saying he thought he was suffering from this condition, surely he could see if the signs were there ???
However, having said that our original vet has yet to look at the result of the blood tests taken by the temporary vet, but nevertheless she is pretty certain that the problem is hormonal. Here's hoping. Hope to hear from her today and maybe referred to a vet who is an expert in skin and hormone conditions.
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Patricia, We have a Cavelier King Charles Spaniel who has had loads of problems with his skin and coat and was very lethargic. The Vet had been through the scenarios of ezcema and allergies and all sorts of things. and he had been on various medication including Steriod Tablets etc.
But a few years ago we changed Vets and after examining "James"and noticing his bald tail, she told us she thought he had an underactive thyroid. Sure enough after the blood tests came back, he did have an underactive thyroid and has been on two soloxine tablets a day. It made such a difference to his health and his skin and fur. His tail hair grew back and his hair is quite bushy and healthy now. He is quite an elderly dog, 13 now, but for those tablets made such a difference to him. :) busy_lizzie
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Thanks for those words of encouragement BL. The vet phoned me tonight and told me that she is 95% certain it is a thyroid problem, but before starting on the soloxine she wants him to see a skin specialist just for her opinion. He is going to see her next Thursday, so here's hoping she agrees and we can start him on the tablets asap. She did say though that the tablets have to get right into the system and it can take up to three months before we will see any improvement, so we will just have to be patient.
The only thing is, I think he may have a bladder problem as well as he is drinking too much. She says this is not related to the thyroid problems and could be a number of things but he probably has a urinary tract infection which will have to be treated separately. Poor old thing, he has been through the mill these last couple of years. If I ever get him back to his former glory I will post a picture of him to celebrate.
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Patricia, hopefully they are close to finding out what is wrong now, and very soon he could be on something that makes all the difference to him. It did take James a few months to improve, but as I say he is very good now considering his age.
Dogs seem so brave and you can suffer for them so much, so hope "alls well that ends well", soon. Do keep us informed how he gets on, and give him a big hug from me! All the best! busy_lizzie. :)
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Just thought I would let you know BL that I am picking up some soloxine tablets from the vet today. I think the vet is convinced that this is Bobbie's main problem, so here's hoping they will make all the difference. Seeing a skin specialist in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, watch this space - it will probably be some time before we can see a difference but hope it will all be worth it in the end after all he has been through. When I have any news I will let you know.
By the way, gave him a big hug from you - he loved it :D
Thanks for your kind words of support everyone. :-* :)
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Oh! dear Patricia, when we discussed this problem of Bobbie's last year on P.A.P., I thought that you had found the problem - i.e. flea drops. Your groomer had suggested this, and I concurred as it had happened to some of my customers. Obviously this was not the answer, and you've continued to suffer the problem - I'm so sorry for you and for Bobby.
You said you were feeding James Wellbeloved Lamb & Rice, and I said this was a quality food. But did I also mention that Annie also has an excema problem which we solved by feeding her Hills Science Plan Canine Performance which has a 30% fat content. When at 7 years old we changed her to Senior, the excema came back, and we had to switch her back to Performance immediately. Royal Canin also make a feed with a high fat content, but I don't know too much about this.
I mention this because I had a customer come into the Shop who had been to the Vet with a dog that had a severe skin problem, but he couldn't find the cause. I suggested Performance to them which they took, and within three months, I couldn't recognise the dog - it had improved so much.
Dogs (and cats) can metabolise oils and fats far better than humans, and some dogs need more than others - some less. When we changed Annie over to Performance, we saw a change in her condition within two weeks, and a cure in six weeks.
Patricia, this has gone on for far too long,and I sincerely hope that it is solved very soon.
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Hi Colin - nice to hear from you after all this time. I agree with you, this has gone on far too long. If you have read this long discussion you will note that I went for a second opinion which turned out to be an utter disaster. The man was obviously just out for what he could get out of us. My original vet is not convinced from looking at the results of the blood tests that Bobbie has a zinc deficiency. She is 95% certain that it is thyroid and he is now on tablets for that. His skin has improved over the past few months and his fur has started coming back on his tail but his flanks are still not as shey should be. He is going to the vet hospital for some further tests on Friday, I think the vet said tests on his fur. Apparently they have some special type of cellotape which they take samples of his fur and test it. This is at the request of the skin specialist we have an appointment with on 13th March.
To cap it all, Bobbie has some sort of bladder problem. He is drinking too much and his urine is too dilute so I have to take a specimen in for them to test. I don't know, these pets are a worry at times.
By the way, how are you, I hope you are well. Are you still doing your Secretary's job?
I will keep you posted on the next visit to the vet.
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YET ANOTHER UPDATE ::) We have now seen the skin specialist who has taken some samples of Bobbie's fur to look at under a microscope. The result of this examination may mean that Bobbie has to undergo more tests in the form of skin biopsies. The poor boy has now also got a suspicious dark lump appeared on one of his front paws which the vet says needs to be investigated. I am quite concerned about this as Flatcoated Retrievers are prone to cancer. The vet is phoning me on Monday evening to let me know the results of these latest tests and then probably we will have to book him into the hospital. I do hope we can resolve this problem soon :(
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Patricia, am so sorry, you and Bobbie are certainly going through the mill at the moment! :(
However, my lab also developed lump on foot later in life. Was in qhite difficult place too. but, was there during op to remove it, done under local anaesthetic. It was successfully removed, proved benign, and she never had any further trouble. Not necessarily as alarming as sounds, so do take heart :) :) :)
Will be thinking of you :-*
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Also so sorry to hear the awful time you and poor Bobbie are having. If it is not one thing its another! Our dog James has had several lumps on his paws which turned out to be only warts, so try not to worry as it could be something perfectly harmless. All the best and thinking of you too! :) busy_lizzie
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I've got my fingers, toes and eyes crossed for you and Bobby.
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Hopefully we are beginning to see the light at the end of tunnel with Bobbie's problems. I have heard from the vet hospital that I have to take him in on Monday morning for his skin biopsies and also to have his lump removed. The vet said if it wasn't for the lump, the biopsies could have waited a little longer to see if the thyroid tablets he is taking are having the desired effect. We don't want him to have two operations in close proximity, so the whole lot is being done in one go.
The skin specialist says it could well be a thyroid problem but has to do the biopsies to rule out a possible glandular problem which could be the cause of his skin and coat condition. Final up-date I hope following Monday's op.
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Oh Pat,
Give Bobby a hug from me lets hope this time they can sort him out will be waiting for your reply on monday to see whats happening. Cyber hugs to you both. :-*
Teresa
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Pat, Hope at last Bobbies problems can all be sorted. You and he have had quite a time. Sending positive thoughts to you both :D busy_lizzie
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Well, the dreaded day has arrived and I have dropped my baby boy in at the hospital :( Needless to say, he didn't want to go in. He has to have three skin biopsies, one(possibly two) lumps removed and a large wart removed. Poor boy, he is going to be a bit sore as the skin biopsies will need stitches. Probably wont know the result for a few days so will let you have a final (I hope) up-date then.
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Fingers, toes, and eyes still crossed.
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Thanks Colin.
Poor Bobbie is a bit worse for wear - he has bald patches all over the place and his leg is bandaged where they removed the suspicious lump :( I am having to go to the vets today to pick up some more pain killers for him as he is crying quite a bit so I think the pain killing injection they gave him yesterday has worn off. It is most unlike Bobbie as he is usually very butch and to hear him crying is quite upsetting. Busby wonders what has happened to him as well. Hopefully he will be better tomorrow.
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Oh! B*gg*r !!! Poor old Bobby, I have difficulty in coping with animal illness. Hope you manage OK.
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Hope Bobbie begins to feel better soon after all his tests. Do let us know Pat, as soon as you hear anything. :) busy_lizzie
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Thanks Colin & BL. Pleased to say, Bobbie has been alot better in himself today. Took a while for the anasthetic to work its way out of his system. Took him to the vet today to have his dressing on his leg changed. Healing up nicely. However one of his stitches on his other patches has become infected so we are now on antibiotics for that :( Have to take him back on Friday to have the leg looked at again and hopefully the bandage can stay off so that the wound can dry up and then it is back to the vets in another week for the stitches to come out. I do hope that the test results don't reveal something worse than just a thyroid problem. Keep everything crossed for him :)
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Just thought I would post a couple of photos of my poor boy's wounds. He has been so patient at the vet when he had his dressing changed. It's a shame that just as his tail feathering was growing again he had to have some more shaved off :'(
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/gardengirl2004/Pets/Bobbiebandage.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/gardengirl2004/Pets/Bobbie.jpg)
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For those of you who have been following this long running saga of Bobbies problems, I thought you might like to know the latest developments. The vet phoned me this evening and said they had had the results of the skin biopsies but not the lumps that have been removed. Apparently, he has an under-active thyroid and has to keep on taking the tablets for that. However, this is not the complete cause of his skin and coat problems. The skin is inflamed and the vet said it could be an immune system problem, or (as has been mentioned before) Cushings Disease. He could have a very mild case of Cushings which could be causing the problems. As I have mentioned before, Bobbie has had the odd bout of aggression (which is most unlike him) and this could be caused by a build-up of steroids in his body which is one of the symptoms of Cushings. The vet does not want to start treating for immune system problems as the treatment for this is steroids which could be disasterous if it causes more aggression. I suppose this means that we will have to visit the hospital for more blood tests. Poor old Bobbie :'(
Sorry to go on about all this but at least by writing it down I have something to refer back to if I forget any of the facts.
Final up-date soon I hope.
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Me again folks ;) Thought I might as well continue with the saga (we could turn this into a film ;D). Seriously though, I am so relieved - I heard from the vet today that the lumps they removed from Bobbie were ok. At least that is one less thing to worry about. All that remains now is for him to have more blood tests done and this will probably be done within the next week or so as the skin specialist is on holiday until next Tuesday.
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You and your pet are putting so much into this, you have every support here! Know exactly what you are going through and keeping everything crossed for the best outcome!
In the meantime, loads of cuddles for you both! :D
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Hi Pat,
I take it the lumps were just cysts then or little benign tumours?
Thank goodness they were nothing serious!
Best of luck next week. Keep us up to date.
Love to you both. Eileen.
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No Eileen, I don't think they were cysts or tumours. To be honest I can't remember what the vet said they were, ??? I was so relieved to hear that they were ok :D
By the way thanks Kate for your kind words.
Will keep in touch with the news. I think folks will be getting fed up with hearing about all my problems, but it does help to share things with your 'friends' :)
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Pat hope you continue to let us know how things are going. I know how worrying it is when your loved pet is not in good health. I am so glad you have had some good news about the lumps, and at least once the thyroid tablets start taking affect, I am sure there will be improvement in that direction too. Still a few mountains to climb, but hopefully the outcome will eventually be good. All the best and love, :) busy_lizzie
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Hi Pat.Can I just add my very best wishes for a good outcome to all that you and Bobbie are going through.It sounds like a long and arduous time for you both,but it looks as if at last you are getting to solve the mystery.I know how you feel,our animals are as much a part of our family as the human members.They are so trusting and look to us to help.If only everyone cared as much as you do.Do you have insurance?How old is he?I will be looking out for the update next week.
We are all keeping our fingers crossed for you both.
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Thanks BL and Margaret for your kind words.
Bobbie will be 8 years old on Friday. We haven't got insurance unfortunately. We didn't bother in the past and found that we would have paid out more in insurance premiums and excesses than for the treatment. This time however I don't think that would have been the case :-\
When I have further news I will let you know.
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Just a quick up-date. Bobbie has to go back to the hospital tomorrow morning for more blood tests. I think the vet is fairly certain that he may have a mild form of Cushings Disease which could be the cause of not only his skin and coat problems but also his waterworks problem.
I have another problem regarding aggression (which I mentioned earlier on in this thread). I mentioned this to the vet and she said that it could be that as Bobbie is not 100% at the moment Busby is picking up on that and playing on it. I mentioned castration and she said this may not help as Busby is now four years old and if they are to be castrated it should be done probably in the first year. Having said that, there is an injection that can be given which simulates the effect of castration and if this works then it would be ok to go ahead. I will report back when I have the results of the blood tests.
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Thanks so much for letting us know Pat. You and Bobbie are having such a time of it, no wonder if Bobbie is grumpy. Hope you have the solution to all his problems soon. Keep your spirits up. love and best wishes, busy_lizzie :)
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Well, we finally have a diagnosis of Bobbies problems. I am pleased to say that he has not got the potentially fatal Cushings Disease. The latest tests show that he has a condition called Sebaceous Adenitis. This apparently is all to do with the immune system and unfortunately there is no cure :'( It can be treated with some drugs (I am not sure what yet) and also vitamins to slow down the process. I have researched it on the internet and have read reports of people whose dogs are suffering from this condition and the different methods they have tried to help.
The vet has told me that it will take two or three months before we can see any improvement, if any, so we will just have to be patient. Many of the people who have taken part in the SA survey say that what they are doing has helped so I will probably follow suit and hope for the best.
In any event Bobbie is a very happy, lively dog and that of course is the main thing to be thankful for.
Thank you everyone for your concern over the past few months and I hope that in the not too distant future I will be able to report that Bobbie is looking alot better.
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Hi Pat, Thanks for keeping us up-to-date. I am so glad Bobbie hasn't got the awful "cushings disease". At least now you know the cause of Bobbies problems - I always feel thats half the battle, and things can be done to help him. What a long journey it has been for you in reaching this diagnosis. All the best, busy_lizzie :)
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Hi Pat,
Just read the updates and I am so glad you have come to the end of a long road with your lovely dog.
Knowing what the problem is you can cope with it a lot beter. Having a good vet helps I would not like to think how much it has cost you not just in cash but your health must have suffered as well.
I send you and bobby loads of cyber hugs for a speedy recovery for you both.
You will have to send a photo of you both when all is well.
love to you both
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Thanks BL and Teresa. I certainly have been a bit under the weather at times with the worry of Bobbie but feel alot calmer now that we know what the problem is and can go ahead with tackling it. I will post a photo if we can get him looking a bit better, but it will probably be not for a few months yet. Some people who took part in the survey said that they give their dogs oil baths or tea tree. We have some tea tree so as the weather is good at the moment will probably give him his first one tomorrow. Trouble is, he is so big, we can't just shove him in the sink, has to be done outside. Thanks again......Pat