Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 3/27/2009

Question
my chesapeake was diagnosed through a blood test that he is allegic to mostly molds,cedar,juniper and dust mites. He was 3 then now he is nine and has had allery shots ever since and also takes 2 pills .06 twice a day for thyroid. He has severe hair loss, red skin with crusts, eye infections and ear and smells and is lethargic(may be due to 2 benadryl pills a day from the vet) . About one and a half years ago he weighed 92 lbs now he weighs 68 lbs. He has eaten science diet sensitive skin for six years. He has no appetite loss. Recently has had 2 skin scrapings(each time from 3 different areas) and a stool sample for mites and other parasites. Thyroid retested. Urine tested for diabetes. A CBC(small) total blood count. Vet said all it showed he was a little anemic. Did 3 treatments with revolution for mange but also cephalexin (500mg 2 pills twice daily) for three weeks at the same time. Did three more weeks of cephalexin and skin was good and 90 percent of his hair was back. He is now eating hills d/d venison/potato maybe is a little less red on skin and in ears. I have been rubbing on baby oil and then shampooing and using apple cider vinegar half with water for a rinse. His skin is not crusty but he still smells and has severe hair loss. His skin is moist all the time. Under a woods lamp he still shows up little bit fluoresent in spots. He is not on cephalexin now. We are both worn out from the last year and a half of bathing. Should he have a skin biopsy or retest for allergies? What would you do? Sorry this is so long and thank you for your time.

Answer
Cathy -

Have your dog evaluated by a veterinary dermatologist if there is one available in your area.  It seems to me that your pet is still miserable and whatever treatment you are doing now is not effective.  


Antiinflammatory medications should be discussed with your vet; theses can be given in addition to antibiotics.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM