Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/6/2010

Question
my yorkie has developed a skin itching problem he scratches until he causes small open wounds he recently started biting his paws and legs his biggest hot spots are armpits,behind ears occ on his sides and most recently above his eyes,my vet has seen him and prescribed antihistamnes and monitoring diet he does slightly better with human food ie chicken rice beef veg etc.. he gets a brown dander like substance on his back and sides between bathings but does slightly better when i bathe him weekly i have spent fortune on various food and shampoo and lotions, he has no hair now on his armpits and parts of his legs and fur is very thin mosst recently we bought childrens fish oil capsules with omega 3 to try but are looking for correct dosages i keep sweaters on him to discourage scratching but its becoming very warm here and i have resorted to baby booties which he hates i am at a loss some say allergies some behavior issues he is our baby one breeder said raw diet any advice would be welcomed and tried thank you it kills me to watch him suffer also do they use cortisone cremes on dogs i have a good recipe from the nicu where i worked that the pharmacist mixes for me but again due to his weight dont know how much is appropriate he also scratches his ears incessantly post bath even with preventing water seepage im at a loss please help my little guy

Answer
I would first treat him for sarcoptic mange with either dips or with injections of ivemectin.  Then I would start the dog on some low dose steroids to stop the itching.  That iwll tell you if there is some type of allergic dermatitis (chewing feet, ear problems) and I would treat for a bacterial skin infection for at least three weeks with oral antibiotics (the infection is the brown stuff you are seeing).