Dog whining, chewing, throwing up.

[TA123]

My dog has had this problem for over a year, he will start whining, chew on himself usually around groin area, then throw up.  My vet has been working with me on this and we have tried many treatments and tests.  The ultrasound showed a "inflamed area" around belly button region.  Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

[Jessie72801]

My GSD was going the the same thing biting himself in the Groin, Back & leg area except for the throwing up part he has black spots all over his Groin & around his body from the chewing So I took him to the Vet at first she stated it was a Flea infestation so I took him to the groomer's only to find out that he didn't have Fleas instead he has Skin Mites so he started the Shampoo treatment as of last week he had to shave him because the shampoo needs to be applied directly to the skin it's 3 treatments within a 20-25 wk span so I'll bring him again bi-weekly for a check up just to make it's working on him & my GSD is being treated with antibiotics for infection since he has been chewing himself to the skin causing breakage & bleeds so it's just to protect him I was very fortunate to have found the problem in my case was pretty simple but at the Vets there were ready to charge me up to $600 just on blood wk & x-rays & biopsy that weren't necessary & I was greatful for that because I'm a single parent & was Happy to be spare the agony that my dog wouldn't be treated for something he didn't have to begin with since he's part of my family I would always seek 2nd &3rd opinions if Necessary I hope ur dog gets better!!

[tonyb286]

Hi. It's certainly worth doing a urine test as it will determine if anythings infected from the bladder outward. Allergies are certainly one of the most difficult things to cure as it involves discovering what it is he's allergic to, but in the meantime your vet should be able to give you some meds that will help alleviate the symptoms. Another thought is, does he go into feilds where there are wild flowers, wheat or other tall crops/plants - these can also release small seeds, mites and other such things that can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Hope you find an answer to this puzzle. Cheers, Tony

[TA123]

Your comment was helpful as I think a urine test is one thing we haven't yet tried.  I think maybe from his blood test the vet could tell he didn't have any infection but I'm not sure.  His allergy test came back fine, but of course it can't test for everything.  Thanks for the input.

[tonyb286]

The first thing that comes to mind is a contact allergic reaction, causing an insatiable itchiness around the groin of your dog. The groin is typically affected due to the way dogs sit and lie down. The problem with all reactions of this kind, if indeed this is the cause of the symptoms, is you need to identify what it is that he is allergic to, so you can eliminate it from your home or garden. As this has been going on so long, it may prove very difficult for you to remember what solvents, chemicals, sprays, etc., you might have introduced a year ago, any one of which could have triggered the problem.

It could also be a flea infestation allergic reaction, though I am assuming your vet has checked for this and discounted it. There are also similar allergic reactions to inhaled substances, such as aerosol sprays that might be used around the home.

A good starting point is to list the places your dog tends to lie down, then consider what might have been used in and around those places. Also, if you have the type of dog blanket or bed that is washable, consider what you may be using to wash it. You should avoid applying cleaning solutions and, particularly, those such as biological washing powders and cheap solvents, as these contain a cocktail of chemicals.

If your dog is licking his genital area, it could also be a urinary tract infection. Again, I am assuming your vet has explored this possibility and has discounted it. It could also be a food allergy (not untypical amongst dogs) - so it could be worth trying a different food for him, ideally one that is designed for allergy sensitive dogs, and seeing if it improves things.

There are also some yeast infections that can cause similar symptoms, and this is again something your vet should be considering.

If (as I am assuming) it turns out to be diagnosed as an allergic reaction, there are lots of things you can do to help your dog - with the help and advice of your vet - in addition to trying to identify the cause. There are medications that can reduce the reaction, others that will help minimise the itchiness and irritation, and yet more to combat infections.

Hope this info helps. Let us know how you get on. Tony