Hi,
We have tried everything but our 1.5 year old American cocker spaniel is starting to lose hair from scratching. We have changed floor cleaner, his bi-monthy baths (are now oatmeal and hypo-allergenic), his bedding washed in hypo-allergenic soap, and put him on 2 months of hypo allergenic food (duck and salmon). We tried essential oils: omega and olive. The house is well humidified and we have a good air cleaner. We tried Benedryl and went on to Cortabs and Cortizone spray. After 3 visits to our vet we are on to Dr. Wellington- an vet allergy specialist but she is only available in over a month! We also tried aloe vera spray and pills and last week we went to a holistic healer who said he did not have an allergy but a virus(-a fungus she said-) and sold us pau d'arco cream and pills. We are trying it and will try anything!
Any advice?
Many thanks
Peter and Leah
Dear Leah and Peter,
First thing: I empathize with you both. Chronic skin problems are often frustrating for everyone involved; the pet foremost, their owners, and the veterinarian.
Take a deep breath: I don't have a cure for you. Dealing with chronic skin issues requires patience on your part. I am very happy to hear that you're taking the dog to a veterinary dermatologist. She will likely perform various diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings, scotch-tape preparations (to look for yeast organisms), and possibly even treat the dog for things like mange: Sarcoptes and/or Demodex (the latter are typically much easier to find than the former).
If this has not already been done, I would consider treating the dog for Scabies/Demodex, even with negative skin scrapings.
A 10-12 week trial of a veterinary prescribed hypoallergenic diet, with hydrolyzed protein, such as Hill's z/d or Royal Canin Hypo HP, may be indicated.
Though being a Cocker Spaniel, the dog may have idiopathic seborrhea, a chronic condition that can be managed, but not cured. The dog may also be allergic to allergens in the house: dust mites, mold, etc.). Skin testing may be indicated as well.
I'm throwing lots of things on the table because they are all possibilites. The dermatologist will certainly take things in a logical sequence, depending on what she believes is the final diagnosis and the results of various diagnostic tests.
For short-term relief, I love using Vanectyl-P. It is a combination of a "regular" antihistamine called trimeprazine, coupled with a low dose of prednisone. This combination often allows low doses to work well, while minimizing the side effects of prednisone.
I would love to get a scotch-tape preparation on the dog to see if there is a yeast infection of the skin. Oral antifungal medications would then be prescribed if this were the case (while looking for the primary problem - usually an allergy of some sort).
If I can be of assistance prior to your visit with the dermatologist, do not hesitate to contact me.
I wish you luck with your Cocker. I'm sure the dermatologist will bring relief to both the dog and to you.
Clifford Mardinger, DVM
The Animal Clinic
416-868-1545
www.tovet.blogspot.com
