Horrible skin problems!

[Laurenr5747]

My cairn has been scratching non stop for the last few days. This is something that has progressively gotten worse over the last year. The vet has always told me it's allergies and they give her a cortisone shot and tell me to give her benedryl. She doesn't have fleas and she eats a special dog food with no corn, wheat, etc. her skin is now scabby and smelly and oily. And there are certain areas over her body that the skin is turning black. She cries out in pain when she scratches now and it is breaking my heart. I can't stand to take her to the vet just for them to give me the same treatment over and over. I need answers. I want to help her! This also all started after she had a stroke about a year and a half ago.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you!

[_whits_]

I'm sorry you and your Cairn have to deal with this. Even if the vet is right and it is allergies, your Cairn should be receiving treatment that is improving the situation and that doesn't seem to be the case. Is there another vet you can see for a second opinion? Or can you ask your current vet for a referral to a dermatologist? This seems like something a vet needs to help you deal with and it sure sounds like your current vet isn't doing a great job. 

 

I haven't had any personal experience with skin problems in dogs, but I have heard that this regime from Col. Potter Cairn Rescue has worked in the past on rescue dogs with skin problems: http://www.cairnrescue.com/docs/SkinCareRegime.htm

 

Hopefully some of the other people on this forum will be able to offer more advice. I do feel so sorry to hear your baby has to deal with this. I would think at least until you can get to a vet or specialist who can give more help, you might want to try putting a human baby onesie on your dog to make it harder for her to scratch her painful sores. 

[_whits_]

Also, here's a post from last year about a dog having similar issues. Perhaps you can get some ideas from suggestions given in that case. 

 

http://www.cairntalk.net/topic/13777-please-help-cracker/?hl=%20skin%20%20problem

[jo_]

If it is indeed allergies have you tried determining what she's allergic to? In our area (southern Ontario, Canada) pollen has been very bad the last couple of years. Eddie has seasonal allergies and starts scratching around the beginning of August until after the first few frosts. Last year was worse and he scratched/chewed so much that the skin on his front legs became very dark and scabbed. He too was oily and had a musty smell. We had no choice but to put him on a round of steroids (I seem to recall it was in pill format for a week or two) It helped clear up the skin and then we maintained with daily doses of Reactin. He still scratched but not as bad as before the steroids. This year he's been on Reactin since August. It helps but definitely does not eliminate the symptoms. 

 

We also gave (and continue to give) fish oil daily and bath with an oatmeal shampoo that is supposed to be good for irritated skin (assuming the dog doesn't have a grain allergy!). Trying to determine whether it's seasonal or a food allergy would be very helpful. I've heard food can be tricky as it can take weeks-months for it to be completely out of their system. There are dog foods that are geared towards allergies - maybe it's a protein and not grain? We feed our dogs Acana and I think they have a lamb/pear blend that's geared towards food allergies.

 

Steroids aren't great due to the side effects, but maybe one shot wasn't enough to clear up her skin? Especially if she's still being exposed to the allergen. 

 

Wondering if they can do allergy testing on dogs? This would really help you find the cause and solution and get your poor girl healthy again. She must be so uncomfortable. 

Edited October 30, 2013 by jo_

[Sam I Am]

My experience, and it hasn't been an issue for most part, but it's all what goes into their bodies. Our Scottie had really itchy skin, constant scratching. We went from a top grade kibble, Orijen and Acana, to home cooked. A few trials of different protein and veggies later, home cooked, the scratching stopped, she has a lovely shiny coat now. It does sound like allergies. I suggest you get her tested for food intolerance. Dr Jean Dodds had developed a kit that collects saliva. You can do it yourself.

http://nutriscan.org

Our vet was suggesting we do it if we continued to have issues.

[sanford]

This also all started after she had a stroke...

Is she elderly? If so, the immune system can be weak or break down in senior dogs as well as people.  Her age would affect her treatment options. How old is your cairn? 

 

Allergy testing can be tedious, time consuming, and in some case, inconclusive. I'm sure you'll get loads of recommendations re her food. Different foods work for different dogs -- No one-size-fits-all solution.

 

More and more folks are switching to home-cooking for their dogs. Among other things it eliminates the dietary allergy culprits: preservatives & additives in processed dog foods. A raw/frozen diet is an alternative that is gaining in popularity.

 

I'm so sorry for your cairn. I wish I could offer more and hope you find relief for her soon!

 

(What's her name? -- Just curious).

[Barney & Emmy]

Try bathing her in Malaseb shampoo twice a week (available from the vet).  Our Emmy has the scaly black patches as well with the itching and licking and the shampoo is very helpful, but we did have to give her steroids as well.  Emmy's is auto immune, not allergies and if it is auto-immune, allergy treatment may not help.  You may need to go the steroid route to help her. 

 

We also have  her on a special grain free diet, along with homemade boiled chicken and vegetables as well as supplements. 

Good luck.  It just breaks your heart when your pup is dealing with these issues. 

[Laurenr5747]

Thank you, everyone, for all your advice and suggestions. That's exactly what I needed! I just wanted to gather some ideas that I could bring to the vet with me when I go next week because I want to explore all the options and possibilities of her condition. I am currently looking for a new vet in the area. I am not happy with her current one. I've brought her in numerous times and I always get the same response, the cortizone shot and benedryl, but I'm not seeing any results. I use a product called dinovite as well. It goes in her food. Anyone have any experience with that?

 

Some other info about her... She is 7 years old. Her name is Bailey. She had some sort of stroke about a year and a half ago that paralyzed her entire left side for awhile and has only ever regained feeling in the back left leg. She doesn't use her front left anymore but she is constantly licking it

[Idaho Cairns]

Can't help with the skin problems, we  have never had that problem with one of our Cairns but you did say something interesting about Bailey's front left leg not being "used" and subject to being constantly licked.  In my experience, when dogs lick a spot repeatedly, it is due to some sort of pain and the licking is an attempt to ease it.  Maybe the non-use of the leg is more related to some internal injury not to the stroke?  Has your vet checked out the leg as a possible source of her prior paralysis?

[Laurenr5747]

  Has your vet checked out the leg as a possible source of her prior paralysis?

 

 

 

He hasn't. It has always bothered me and everytime I bring her in they say it's fine and it's not doing her any harm. They've had me put the bitter stuff on it and she has worn a cone. And they never advised me on the best physical therapy for her after she started walking again. I researched it online and I did what I thought was best for her. I'm wondering now too if there is anything more I can do. I am currently in the search for a new vet. I just don't trust my vet now, unfortunately.

[hheldorfer]

I think you're on the right track by looking for a new vet or a veterinary dermatologist.  I had a dog who developed scaly patches all over her body and lost quite a bit of hair.  The regular vet we used at the time was no help so we brought her to a vet dermatologist.  She was diagnosed in one visit and oral medication was all we needed to control the problem.  (Sorry - it was a long time ago so I can't remember what they called it.)  

 

Good luck and keep us posted.  And hang in there, Bailey!

[Sam I Am]

Just to let every one know that the link I gave for allergy intolerance testing isn't tedious. You can even do it at home. Read, it's very interesting.

[jo_]

Off your original topic, but we've recently been taking our dog to a canine physiotherapist and an acupuncturist for a shoulder injury.  I've heard a lot of amazing stories over the last few months about stroke recovery, broken bones, spinal issues, etc. Might be something to consider for Bailey's leg?

[_whits_]

On the topic of the leg - I had a older dog with a really bad back and acupuncture went a long way towards improving her quality of life in her last few years. Worth looking into. 

 

If you can afford it, I certainly think it's worth looking into a vet who can recommend some physical therapy or acupuncture to see if Bailey's leg can improve.

[Laurenr5747]

Again, thank you all so much! This is all great advice. This definitely exceeded my expectations. I'm very happy to have joined this site! And I am definitely looking forward to Bailey's next vet visit. I have a really good recommendation for a vet in my area and she has an appointment next week. So fingers crossed! I appreciate everyone's support!

[_whits_]

Welcome to the forum and keep us updated on your Bailey!

[LindaMC]

Welcome to the forum!  So sorry to hear that Bailey is having problems, poor baby.  Hopefully the new vet will get to the bottom of what is going on.  Please do lets us know how you make out.

[Laurenr5747]

Bailey had her vet visit today! It went well. the new vet is amazing! She took really good care of Bailey. She had the allergy test done. And has been prescribed great anti itch medication and an antibiotic. She said due to the numerous cortisone shots, Bailey's immune system took a hit which could have aided in the fungal infection she got all over her body. She will also be prescribed something for that. We will hear back with the results of the allergy test, but for now all is well! Bailey is on the road to recovery!! I appreciate everyones support! You all were right about everything and I think that's so cool!

[Hillscreek]

Haven't had this problem so could not advise. So glad things are looking up for Bailey. This forum sure is a good place to come for help and support.

[kjwarnold]

So glad Bailey is on the road to feeling better and happy for you that you won't have to worry about her so much!

[cairnfan]

Glad to hear Bailey is on the road to good health.

[Ivy & Lucy's Mom]

Great news about Bailey!! You made the right choice in changing vets. Why wouldn't a vet try a different path if the treatment isn't working?  Welcome to the forum!! Everyone here has such good advice.

[hheldorfer]

Terrific news!  Get well soon, Bailey!

 

Oh - and did the vet suggest anything you could do about Bailey's leg?

Edited November 7, 2013 by hheldorfer

[_whits_]

So glad things are looking up for you and Bailey! Please keep us updated!