terrible dog rashes

[tnmDyer]

We have three chow mix dogs who all have a terrible rash. It started on one and spread to the other two. The dog who first contracted the rash has a terrible odor that comes right back after being washed. Our vet took a skin scraping and says he's not sure what it could be. He prescribed antibiotics but they didn't work. We have tried all kinds of over the counter medications that also didn't work. One medication called "sulfodene" did temporarily reduce the redness and itching but did not cure after repeated use. We tried the "sulfodene" shampoo and oil like treatment. One of our dogs is affected worse than the other two. He was a fluffy dog but is now losing alot of his hair. It's the worst on his ears which have lost most of their hair and bleed when he itches them. We have tried hot spot remedies and oils and powders and balms but to no prevail. Please give us some help on this terrible problem. We would like to stop them from suffering any further! Thanks!

[bearsmomma]

About 8 years ago my dog had mange  The vet did a skin scrape but it didn't show mange, but he sure thought it looked like mange so he gave me this wash for her and my other two dogs (so they wouldn't get it).  That stuff smelled so bad we had to put the dogs outside.  I mentioned our problem to my sister, who is a beautician, and she told me to use the shampoo that we were using for ourselves on the dog.  She said that this certain shampoo, that was for thinning hair, would kill the mange.  Apparantly the parasite that causes mange is the same parasite that causes some people to loose their hair.

So of course I washed the dog in it (anything was better than that smelly stuff the vet gave me).  Well it worked, after a few washes she was feeling better.  The redness and itching went away.  And she smelled so much better.

The name of the shampoo is NIOXIN.  Ask your beautician if she can get it or check at  a beauty supply store like Sally's.

If that doesn't clear things up then try cutting grains out of your dogs diet.  Grains can cause a lot of problems and its in most dog foods.  I  give my dogs Premium Edge. Its a grain free food.  I get it at the groomers.  It's more expensive than your normal grocery store dog food, but it lasts a long time because you don't have to feed them as much.

Good Luck!

[Vpetit]

Hi,
you should consult another vet. Good vets do not give up after one try. Your dogs are obviously suffering and you seem to love your dogs, find a vet that loves dogs too.
Good luck,

[Misfits4Me]

Did your Vet consider Mange? Frequently, the mange mites DO NOT show up in a skin scraping. I think Mange has a terrible, terrible, (Unusual) odor! I also think the Sulfodene would provide temporary relief, but antibiotics would have no effect (Except for secondary Bacterial infection from the scratching).  The ears are a clue, too. In my experience & in most cases, Mange will effect the ears (And/or Nose) first. Did your Vet offer you anything for the itching while you try to figure this out? Talk to your Vet...(Or find a new one that's willing to keep trying). I'd have them (Or the worst one, first) treated for Mange to at least rule it out......Please, let us know what you find out....Karla