Rashy and irritant sores under my dogs joints

[rabidpingu]

Since my neighbours moved in earlier this year with their flea infested animals, my poor 13 year old dog has suffered with fleas, sores and distress for the first time in her life.

We took her the vets the first time she got the fleas, we didn't have a clue what they were, aside from a little arthritis and developing cateracts in her old age, my dog is a very healthy dog of a good weight and size. The vet even complimented her dentition.

This has been going on for a good while now, she's bitten patches of her furr off, she's got a few itchy scabs and we've exhausted every possible outcome.

We bathed her frequently in medicated shampoo and regulated her flea stuff and worm tablets as we usually do, yet still she has the sores and what looks like mud stuck to her fur (It couldnt be flea droppings, the amount we've had to flea her and brushed her there is no chance unless they're super fleas).

My neighbours cats pee in our garden but further behind the shed which we've blocked off, I don't know if thats had anything to do with it. These sores are hurting her and about an hour ago I caught her trying to lick under her leg. I rolled her over and looked and it just makes me upset to see my dog clearly in pain with these.  (And I'm not too pleased that she keeps lying down on the rug because she knows its whiping the cream off I just put on that she hates to taste.)

She stresses alot now, my dog hates cats and they come along the back fence. Theres nothing we can do about them and my mother will not allow me to call the RSPCA -.- Their garden is evidenece enough, I won't disclose why.

We're saving to take her to the vets again but he's absolutely hopeless. And we can't take her to the free PDSA care in the UK because we're not on benefits (We actually work for a living unlike my neighbours)

If anybody can help with any advice on this it is needed urgently. If anybody has seen this in their dogs and knows how to treat it it would be greatly appriciated. I don't want to see my old girl suffer in her last few years.

Here are pictures if they are any help. The 2nd one is of her front legs and it has cream on, the worst sore she has.
(Apologies if they're large pictures)

Back legs, also her teats are red and the same:
http://i55.tinypic.com/wvqw61.jpg

Under front legs:
http://i53.tinypic.com/2v0iqaa.jpg

[ginger899]

If it's caused by fleas, is an allergy to either the flea bites or their droppings, then the best thing is to get treatment from a vet you do trust, if you can find one in your area. Better not use any over-the counter meds because a prescription might be best.

Another thing that might help, if you want to try it is this:
If you can get hold of some Echinacea Tincture (Echinacea Angustifolia works best...it might be possible to buy this from a Health Food shop. It won't be really cheap, may cost £10 or more ) , then mix a teaspoonful of the tincture with about 2 teaspoons of water, use a cotton wool pad, and bathe the areas 3 times a day. I use Echinacea for any skin problems, and find it works amazingly well. Even for my dog too. Try if you can to stop her licking it off....but if she does lick some it won't harm her at all.

[rabidpingu]

Its not so much the financial side we're worrying about but how to treat it.

[ginger899]

I can't get the pics up. The link just brings me back here. That's something that always happens when I get a picture link. (my computer I guess!)

Get a new vet. OK it won't cost you any less, but at least you will get a proper diagnosis. Do you have any friends or family with animals who can recommend a vet in your area? Ther is usually more than one clinic in any area. Or if you have to go to the next town, so be it.
If you haven't the money, then consider going overdrawn at the bank to pay the fee. It's worth it. The charges aren't too bad to be overdrawn for a short time. Especially if you have a regular wage coming in. Usually an overdraft limit can be £500 sometimes £1000.
It won't cost you anything like that much I am sure to get her checked out and some meds.