Expert: Delores Beck - 6/12/2011

Question
My cocker spaniel develop really large crusty spots all over her body, she is 10 years of age and had no skin problems at all previously! The spots are mainly on the back and sides of the dog but also on the head, nose , ears and legs! This has affected her health as she really struggles with getting up from her bed as she struggles with mainly her hind legs to push herself up but also her front legs when walking. Once she gets walking she is not to bad, but once she has rested again the same thing happens. She has had a biopsy two weeks ago thankfully it is not cancer but they do not know what it is, they are also awaiting further tests to see if it is fungal or not! She started on anti biotics, these had no effect, she is now on different anti biotics 1 and a half tablets a day these are marbocyl, some of the spots seem to be going but they still feel very present all over her back and side so am not sure if antibiotics are working or not, she has been on them for two and a half weeks and she may have to continue for a while when she goes for her next check up. Other syptoms that she has apart from struggling to get out of her bed are, she has slight discharge coming from both eyes several times daily, at evening time a few hours after her antibiotics she will breath very heavily and quite rapid, sometimes panting! She does lick herself after going toilet, she has no energy whatsoever, you really have to put a lead on her to entice her out of her bed. shakes her head when she gets outside in the fresh air. her nose seems to crust over then sheds the crustation and process starts over again, she has been scratching and biting her spots more recent which makes me wonder whether they are getting better, ie itching more! Eats very well at feed times, oprns her bowels normally, but does not drink a great deal of water unless inticed!
We seem to be continually paying out lots of money with vet fees but struggling for answers and wondering is our dog going to recover as she was very active leading up to this recent problem! Please can you offer any expert advice from what i have written!
Many many thanks.....Alan

Answer
I'm assuming your vet did a complete blood & chemistry profile?  I'd certainly get your girl's thyroid checked since hypothyroidism (very common in cockers) can cause all of this.  It's a simple blood test so no big deal for the dog.  This should have been ruled out first!

At age 10 she could have arthritis which would account for some of this - or either elbow or hip dysplasia but it sure sounds like she could use some pain relief.  Rather than begin with an NSAID I'd ask your vet for some Tramadol and see if that helps.

But the sudden skin problems - lack of energy - panting - crusty nose would make me insist on a "full 6 panel thyroid test" asap.

I wish I could offer more help.  But do a search "Hypothyroidism in Canines" and you'll get a list of symptoms.  Also take a look at Cushings Disease in Dogs.