Westie skin problems

[jos45]

Hi,

I have just adopted the most lovely westie.  She has the sweetest nature and even though I only brought her home on Wednesday I love her so much already.

I have adopted her after being fully informed by the rescue centre that she has a long term skin  condition and dry eye.  I am very lucky because Dogs  Trust will pay for any pre existing medical conditions so I have no worries there.  She is on a course of treatment  including Piriton and Malaseb baths.  She has  been responding very well to treatment regarding her skin and I can see a difference already  since I first met her 2 weeks ago.  Her fur appears to be growing back.  Today she didn't want to walk so I took her to the vet and she has been diagnosed with a skin infection in her feet which was causing her discomfort.  She has been prescribed some anti biotics and Metacam.  So I am going to rest her and treat her and take her back to the vet on Wednesday.  She seems fine now and seems happy and content.  I can't help worrying though.

Also she is being treated for Dry Eye and she will be  checked for that on Wednesday too.

Please  does anyone have any good tips and positive stories that they can share with me?

[jos45]

Thanks for your comments.  I will check out this website.  

Jazz is doing brilliantly and the treatment she has at the moment seems to be working.  She has a Malaseb bath once a week and takes Piriton daily.  I have also been giving her Evening Primrose Oil everyday.  Her fur is really growing back and it is lovely to see.  People have been admiring her and noticing how well she is doing.  The vet is very pleased with her progress too.  I hope it all continues.  She is such a lovely little dog and I love her to bits.

[bgcali]

You should also check out the westie diet at www.westierescueca.com.  The diet on the site is supposed to help out with skin conditions.  I can not speak from experience, but hopedully it may help.  

[jos45]

Thanks for your advice, I will definately look in the Dermachlor.  Jazz has Atopic Dermatitis or at least that is what she has been diagnosed with at the rescue centre.    I gave her a Malaseb bath  today and I'm continuing with the anti biotics.  She seems a little better but I think its going to take a while to sort out.  She does have a chronic skin condition and I think it is  quite common for Westie's to suffer with chronic foot  infections too.  She has been licking her feet a little today but not as much as before.  I am going to work with my vet on this problem and I am looking into diet as a way to  help her too.  As you said its going to take time  but she is so lovely and totally worth it.  My dog of nearly 16 years died in February, totally breaking my heart and she is helping me to get through that with her funny little ways.

[Jaybay]

Was your Westie diagnosed with mange as the cause for the skin problems?  When mange presents as a chronic problem, it can take years to finally go away.  The problem is an underlying weak immune system.  I had a chronic mange dog that required 4 years of treatment to finally cure.  Started out with dips every 2 weeks and gradually went away.  

If your Westie ends up with chronic foot infections, you might try using Dermachlor Flush Plus as soon as you notice any unusual odor on her feet.  Bacteria can get going in between dog toes and quickly turn into a fungal infection.  One of my dogs had that problem for years, and as soon as I noticed her getting "stinky feet" I'd clean them with Dermachlor twice a day.  Usually within 3 days it would be gone.  

It's early yet to determine if your Westie will have chronic skin and feet issues.  Most rescued animals come with health issues, so keep on doing what you're doing and work with your vet.  Above all, enjoy your new friend!  :-)