Expert: Jannie Balliett - 4/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Jannie,

I have a boxer who is 6 months old and she had a couple of sores under her chin which cleared up but now I see that her chin is pink & she has got some bumps on chin. Took her to the vet and they prescribed Rilexine & Cortavance. I read some bad reviews about the antibitic Rilexine on 1800med website about side effects. Can you please advise a treatment at home or should I try the antibiotic. I have heard betadine antiseptic or a warm salt water wash or peroxide with neospirin etc. Your opinion might help me decide.

Thanks,
Shilpa

ANSWER: Are her food bowls plastic? Boxers are prone to allergies to plastics and nylon.

Change her bowls to stainless steel.

You can buy an ointment for her skin. She does not need antibiotics- just an antibiotic skin cream.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Jannie,

She used to use Ceramic & now I have changed it to Stainless steel.She does have a collar which is Nylon as those are the ones we generally get here. She only uses that when she goes for walks or is playing outside so we can get hold of her if she starts acting rough or jumping . Is a harness better although She also has reddish /dry skin behind elbows and on the ankles o fher back legs maybe due to playing on the carpet or rough surface with her toys. I asked the Vet for Mange but she said it doesn't look like it but an allergy of some sort. I have applied some Alo vera cream on it maybe twice a day. Also can you tell me which antibiotic cream would be good?

Thanks,
Shilpa.

Answer
Skin irritations in dogs can be treated with a variety of medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, depending on the cause. If your dog has irritated skin, she is uncomfortable and may even lose sleep as a result of the itching. Consult a veterinarian if the problem persists.

Antihistamines, Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressive Drugs Antihistamines such as Atarax or Benadryl, anti-inflammatory corticosteroids such as prednisone, and immunosuppresive medications, such as cyclosporine, are used to treat skin irritations caused by environmental allergies.

Read this for help:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2082&aid=137