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Alternative Medicine for Pets/Foundling chihuahua, no itching, severe hair loss

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Expert: - 11/20/2009


Question

Little Girl 1
Ten days ago my husband and I found a presumably "dumped" chihuahua mix on an Interstate a rest area. The rest area attendants said she had been there most of the day with no one around her. We took her home, then immediately to our vet as she has severe hair loss (approx 50%+) and we are concerned about something contagious as we have other adoptees: 3 retrievers and 4 cats, all very healthy. We currently keep the chihuahua isolated from the dogs, although our vet did not believe she was contagious.

Our vet checked for a chip (none) then wormed (Heartguard), sulfur/lime dipped, and attempted to perform the surgery to spay her but found out that she was already spayed.

The only lesions I can see are two round, small (pencil eraser sized), red, hairless areas on her fully haired back. They are equi-distant on either side of the backbone about 2/3 way down her back. She does not scratch at all, nor does she appear itchy.

Some of her hair is still falling out. This hair is on the chest, back, and shoulders. You can easily pull out some of the hair in those areas althought the skin under it appears healthy. On the bald neck, hind quarters, hind legs, and tail hair is growing back, albeit very thinly.

Our vet said her bald skin has "thickened." That skin appears darker and feels a bit like sandpaper. A skin scraping was done with no mites evident. She has a healthy appetite, and is curious and active, but has loose stools. Our vet said she is no more than 4 years old.

Two days ago I started using the Pets' BestRx non-toxic pet wash, non-toxic mange spray, and Sulfinex cream on her. At least she smells better as that sulfer/lime dip is awful.

Is there hope that this little dog can live an uncomplicated, unmedicated life? We are happy to tend to her medical needs if there is a good chance of recovery. But if she will need constant medical attention we cannot continue as we simply cannot afford it. Our own vet was cautious in her diagnosis of recovery saying "this condition has obviously been going on for a long time."

Her appearance is not attractive, she would not likely be adopted out in her current condition.

Please be candid?  

Answer
Hi Linda - I would have taken her in, too!  Good for you - you are one of God's angels for pets in need!!
I am glad that she did not have the mange mite.  LOOKS to me like malnutrition complications related to skin and coat. Looks like you have a very good vet!

What I would add is the following:
Give her 2% cottage cheese / small curd - 2 teaspoons per day -
Alternative with Activia Yogurt - 2-3 teaspoons per day.
Do this long term.

Please give her 1/4 of a Metamucil cookie per day - Metamucil makes a nice cin or apple flavored cookie.  ONLY 1/4 per day for at least 1 month....Will firm up the stools.

Please call the NuVET folks and get her onto the NuVET wafer vitamin program.  This will help Blast any allergies and reduces the swelling and inflammation of her skin.
Will help to heal her coat.
Call 1-800-474-7044  Tell them PET nurse Marie sent you ..... You want the NuVET wafers.
For a small sized bottle - you must call in ---not sold on the web site:
a 30 count is 20.00
a 60 count is 39.00
a 90 count is 55.00

Use Order CODE 81098 and ask for the 15% Off discount program.
here is the web site:
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

This is not sold in the stores:  VERY holsitc and safe:
** sold at holistic vet offices and some kennels.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Make sure you are feeding a good GRAIN free dog food:
here are some good ones to look into:

Wellness- http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/
Natural Balance- http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/
Taste of the Wild- http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul- http://www.chickensoupforthepetloverssou…
Solid Gold- http://www.solidgoldhealth.com/
Merrick- http://www.merrickpetcare.com/
Orijen- http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/about/
Canidae- http://www.canidae.com/

Keep me posted on her condition....
YOU are such a good family to take in this baby!!!!
thank you!

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse
mtnmom@gci.net

Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie)

Experience

Nurse for over 17 years,,, Trained in Holistic Pet Medicine... Supplement and Vitamin certifications; Worked with Vet for over 25 years; Many CEU credits on Holistic and Natural Health; Licensed Nurse for over 18 years;

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***My comments and answers to your questions or any information in my articles is not to be used "in lieu of" veterinarian's advise, diagnosis, or treatment.**

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Education/Credentials
Licensed Nurse - Shattuck Hospital School of Nursing 1989 ***My comments and answers to your questions or any information in my articles is not to be used "in lieu of" veterinarian's advise, diagnosis, or treatment.**

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