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Westie Skin Problem
Female westie with no history or family history of skin disorders and yet, she seems to have developed a problem over the last 6 months.
1st trip to the vet (about 6 months ago) - she was licking an area of skin between her tummy and her right hind leg. As a result of that, the skin became discolored.. At the same time, there was 3 small lesions on her back. (This is an area where she had no way of scratching). The lesions looked like raised papules which did not look pus-like.
Vet diagnosis fungal infection for discolored patch & bacterial infection for the lesions. Tx - cephalexin injection, antifungal and steroid cream.
The lesions resolved and the discolored area looked like it was getting better but never completely got back to her normal pink colour (even after 6 months). The vet suggested then that she may have atopic dermatitis.
- 2 days ago, we discovered that her entire back was covered in lesion that looked lumpy and crusty. Her skin was also flaky and greasy, with a strong doggy odor.Again, this was an area on her back where she couldn't possibly have been able to scratch. Vet diagnosis - folliculitis. Tx - cephalexin injection and twice weekly bath with a chlorhexidine/miconazole shampoo. Again, the vet says she has atopic dermatitis.
My understanding of atopic dermatitis is the main symptom is itching, particularly on the face, feet, rear and flanks, quite often accompanied with ear infections. While my dog does sometimes lick her paws and have the occcasional scratching of an itch, it is not constant or continuous, and she has never had an ear infection in her entire life. So I don't believe the underlying cause of her recent skin problems is atopic dermatitis, contrary to what the vet has told us.
Does anyone know if there are any possible causes for her skin problems and what tests if any, should I get the vet to do to determine the cause. I want to eliminate the cause before it becomes a more serious problem.
1st trip to the vet (about 6 months ago) - she was licking an area of skin between her tummy and her right hind leg. As a result of that, the skin became discolored.. At the same time, there was 3 small lesions on her back. (This is an area where she had no way of scratching). The lesions looked like raised papules which did not look pus-like.
Vet diagnosis fungal infection for discolored patch & bacterial infection for the lesions. Tx - cephalexin injection, antifungal and steroid cream.
The lesions resolved and the discolored area looked like it was getting better but never completely got back to her normal pink colour (even after 6 months). The vet suggested then that she may have atopic dermatitis.
- 2 days ago, we discovered that her entire back was covered in lesion that looked lumpy and crusty. Her skin was also flaky and greasy, with a strong doggy odor.Again, this was an area on her back where she couldn't possibly have been able to scratch. Vet diagnosis - folliculitis. Tx - cephalexin injection and twice weekly bath with a chlorhexidine/miconazole shampoo. Again, the vet says she has atopic dermatitis.
My understanding of atopic dermatitis is the main symptom is itching, particularly on the face, feet, rear and flanks, quite often accompanied with ear infections. While my dog does sometimes lick her paws and have the occcasional scratching of an itch, it is not constant or continuous, and she has never had an ear infection in her entire life. So I don't believe the underlying cause of her recent skin problems is atopic dermatitis, contrary to what the vet has told us.
Does anyone know if there are any possible causes for her skin problems and what tests if any, should I get the vet to do to determine the cause. I want to eliminate the cause before it becomes a more serious problem.
* You need to re-evaluate what your feeding her.....Proper nutrition will help your dog's skin problems, immensely! Karla
I am taking Chloe to the vet again next Tuesday for her second cephalosporin shot and will ask about having a skin biopsy, blood and thyroid test done.
As for her diet, I have changed anything in her diet apart from adding Greenies to help keep her teeth and gums healthy. She's on the Hill's Science Diet regular dry food (which she has had since she was a puppy) Her treats are raw hide chews and Hills Science dog biscuits.
I will post results of any tests as soon as I have them.
Thanks again... at least now I have a list of questions to ask the vet and what tests need to be done.
As for her diet, I have changed anything in her diet apart from adding Greenies to help keep her teeth and gums healthy. She's on the Hill's Science Diet regular dry food (which she has had since she was a puppy) Her treats are raw hide chews and Hills Science dog biscuits.
I will post results of any tests as soon as I have them.
Thanks again... at least now I have a list of questions to ask the vet and what tests need to be done.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Westies are classic for skin issues and they often begin as dogs age. You might see a veterinary dermatologist and/or ask your vet to take a skin biopsy along with a blood panel and thyroid test to determined your dogs actual underlying health issue.
Diet plays an important role as it relates to canine allergies and itching as does thyroid gland function.
If you have any of this information available and can share the results, I am glad to follow up with you and offer much more specific suggestions.
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
Diet plays an important role as it relates to canine allergies and itching as does thyroid gland function.
If you have any of this information available and can share the results, I am glad to follow up with you and offer much more specific suggestions.
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM
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