Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/18/2007

Question
We have a golden Retriever 11 years old has been very healthy, now for the last 3 months his skin is black on his belly, he chews sores all over him and losing hair, we have been to vet every week, antibiotic, special shampoos, steroids, nothing is helping and he smells horrible. He gets so bad his feet swell up and he can hardly walk, we are at wits end and the vet keeps saying I don't know lets try this. Any Suggestions?

Answer
At 11 years old, I would want to know if this dog is hypothyroid.  That is common in older Goldens and can cause all of the signs you are describing. It requires a blood test to be sent off.  If it is low thyroid, then thyroid tablets really help.    If the meds are not helping, then your choices are to either go to a skin specialist or have your vet do skin biopsies to find out what disease is causing the problem.  Once the disease type is known, it makes treatment much more specific.