Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/11/2006

Question
In January 2006, my dog began experiencing dandruff and flaky skin.  The vet gave him dermatabs with fish oil, and it hasn't helped. We did 2 urine tests and a blood test. The urine test is showing possible protein excess, but has subsided by taking an antibioitc. The vet said it may be 6 or 7 possible diseases including cancer requiring chemo.  Confusing: Toby's demeanor is excellent, full of energy, and shows no signs of distress.  Can it be an allergy?  Also, we had new rugs put down last August. Food has been the same since a puppy and we bathe him with a medicated shampoo. Perplexed! Thank you for your help. Ralph Fucci

Answer
Often, the flakiness is actually ruptured pustules from skin infection. Ask your vet if that is possible.  A 2-3 week trial with an antibiotic like Cephalexin may really help decrease the flakiness. Labs are very prone to environmental allergies as well as food allergies, so if your vet has not looked into this as a cause of the flakiness, ask about that, too.