Expert: Delores Beck - 2/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: My 8 year old cocker has been having really bad problems with itching skin. She bites at her back, licks her paws and is always scratching. I have been to two different vets and we have tried many things with no help. I talked to my vet about Vitamin a therapy but he said this is only good if the dog has open sores or patchy itchy skin which she does not. The only thing that worked was a short stint on steroids to help with really bad ear issues.
I was wondering if you could offer me any advice. Thanks

ANSWER: Can you tell me, Diane, how long this has been going on?  And exactly what the two different vets have done?  And what topical approaches have been tried?

Your vet is wrong about Vit A therapy only helping in certain circumstances.

I'd also like to know if she's had her thyroid tested.  That's the very first thing a vet Dermatologist would have done.  If it hasn't been done - get it done.  And the test MUST be sent to Michigan State for analysis.  The average lab doesn't have the equipment to do this properly.

The ear issues can be totally solved with a product called Zymox.
It's brilliant and no cocker owner should be without it.  That's another thing Dermatologists love :)

The steroids can totally ruin her immune system and unfortunately a lot of family vets reach for it because it DOES work..for a short time..then you have to wean the dog off it and you're right back where you started.

The other mistake family vets make OFTEN is to give antibiotics for a skin infection but don't know to continue it way past resolution.
It's like leaving a lit match after putting the forest fire out.
Delores

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

QUESTION: Thanks for getting back to me. This has been going on for about a year now. They have not tried anything topical. We tried oral antihistamines and now she is on Cyclosporine which I am not seeing any results. He also said he does not like Zymox and has better results with other medications. I am going to have her Thyroid tested. We also tried a diet,  Prescription Diet of Salmon and Potato. It is a dry food. This did not help either. Should I try the Vitamin A therapy and the zinc. What would the dosage be? Thanks

Answer
Diane, can you write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com.

I'd like to know what her skin & coat are like?  Dry? Flaky?
Skin red?  Rashes?  Bumps?  Any infection?  Oily coat - odor?

What flea/heartworm product is she on?  If she's ever been on antibiotics - which one and for how long?

The first thing to do is get her thyroid tested.  That is THE first thing that should have been done.  Call around to vet offices and just ask where they send their thyroid tests.  If it's not the right answer (Michigan State) just keep calling.  

And for sure we can make her more comfortable as soon as I know what is going on with her skin.  I'm totally astounded there's been no topical advice.
Delores