Expert: Delores Beck - 9/25/2011

Question
I've been reading about this problem, and I believe my 4 year old cocker spaniel has been suffering from this for over a year now.  I've taken him to the vet numerous times, on and off of Simplicef to clear up the secondary infection caused by scratching, on and off steroids to help with itching.  The steroids do help with scratching to a point, and the antibiotic does get rid of the infection for awhile.  But then the cycle starts again.  Bumps all over his back, hind quarters, shoulder region and chest.  The bumps then get scaly/dandruff like.  

I'd like to get him off of the steroids and antibiotics and try Vitamin A and Zinc to see if this helps.  He is about 30lbs....what would you recommend for dosage of each supplement?

Answer
Can you describe his skin as precisely as you can.

And how long a course did the vet prescribe of the antibiotic?  It should have been a month.
If your vet is doing it for 2 weeks, that's why it keeps coming back.  A
nd what are you doing topically?  Bathing is key.  And where do you live? (climate?)

What I'd try first is an antihistimine.  If you'll write me directly (DeeBeck7765@aol.com) we can chat a lot more quickly.