Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/4/2008

Question
i have a 1 year old pit bull, she has had a skin problem ever since she was about 3 months. initially she had lumps on her skin and would scratch incessantly. after countless trips to the vet and numerous drugs been administered, the lumps have gone but she now has dry patches and her hair falls out, she is also constantly scratching. in the past year she has had two seizures. would you be able to shed some light on what might be causing the skin problem and/or the convulsions? thank you

Answer
Richelieu -

It seems as though your dog has two issues going on - take her to the doctor to have each issue addressed.  

If her skin is extra sensitive, then be careful of the food you feed her.  Hills' has a diet that is great for sensitive skin - Hills Sensitive Skin for dogs.  Also Nutro for Sensitive Skin is good for dogs with itchy skin.  She will most likely need antiinflammatory medications for her skin, also.  

Seizures are not usually the result of skin problems.  Talk with your vet about these problems; the vet will most likely recommend bloodwork to evaluate liver and kidney function.  

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM