Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/1/2005

Question
Our dog has been treated with Resicort lotion, a medicated shampoo, Baytril & several other treatments.  Nothing seems to help.  He itches, especially his underside, sometimes until bloody.  He is a 13 yr old Westie.  Any advice appreciated.  Our vet gave him a "small dose" of allergy shot.  That seemed to help better than anything for about a week.  Thanks.

Answer
Westies are very prone to allergic skin disease.  They are also very prone to secondary bacterial and yeast infections.  If the allergy shot helped, that was probably a cortisone type drug.  Ask your vet if she can be on a low dose of oral steroids to help the itching.  Also ask if there is an infection that needs treatment.