Itchy Bones
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Itchy Bones
Kiwani - this is the 1st one I posted about the itch. I had posted before on the old site about this itching, but I think that those are long gone. I hope this gets to you. I'm so thankful that you are willing to help.
Some of you who have been with the forum for awhile will remember my previous posts about Bones and his problem with continual itching and scratching - I would say at least every 2-5 minutes, except at night which is less now. My vet and I have tried various things to get at the cause of the itchiness with little change. For the last 6 months he has had the parasite killer (I don't remember the name) put on his shoulder blades and under his tail every 2 weeks for 8- 10 weeks - still scratching but his hair started to grow back in on his side and belly. Following this he took Interceptor every 2 weeks for 6-8 weeks - a large round pill - again some reduction but still itchy. My vet does not want to go this route again as it is a chemical and anything should have been killed by now and she doesn't want to harm Bones by more of the same.
My vet says that itch and scratch are the "bain of her practice" because it is often hard to determine cause. She has seen an increase of parasites and fleas in Calgary, where in the past they have been rarer, probably due to climate. If you remember, I switched Bones from Nutros food (what a lot of our chows eat) to California Natural (on my vet's advise) to see if it was a food allergy - again, no change in itch so I changed back to Nutros. I On my vet's suggestion I have given him Omega Pet and Cow's Colostrum to strengthen his immunity and try to help with the itch. At the beginning of the itchy times, I tried tea tree oil, lavender oil oatmeal and aloe baths and several other topical treatments with no lasting or successful results.
Bones symptoms now for well over 1 year:
generalized itchiness and frequent scratching no particular place seems to be all over but of course he scratches where he can with his hind legs and gets mostly behind his ears, his neck and his sides.
on his stomach and sides his hair was and is again very easy to pull out and I can easily pluck a large patch the size of a journal in a few minutes. This does not hurt him and he actually likes it because I rub and scratch his tummy and brush him
On this moist tummy area are patches of black, best described as flakey black mascara that I can rub or pull off. There are also reddened pea size raised areas in this area and other parts of his body
On his haunches, front legs, side of face, behind his ears, his tail and other areas - never the same areas all the time I find scabs that are raised about 1/4 of an inch or more like a scab on a scab on a scab that I can pull off gently and methodically, but that make Bones growl, if I have one that is not ready to come off. When I work on getting it off underneath is a patch of pink skin with no hair on it.
Losing hair all the time on the carpet in balls and patches at least since we moved to the new house with carpet about 4 months ago.
I have been brushing him weekly and he loves it because it feels good to get scratched etc., but right after he is scratching + + and hair all over the carpet within 2 or 3 days of brushing and vacuuming and his sides mat quickly, I think from all the scratching.
Through it all he has been a real trooper and allows me to do anything to him. I recently started him on OMEGA 3-6-9 from Costco that I am taking myself - the pharmasist says it is good for skin and the pill is huge. He lets me open his mouth and put it right at the back and if it doesn't go down and drops out within a few seconds he lets me do it again and again if necessary.
My vet is now wondering if there is a problem with hypothyroidism that is causing this and is suggesting a full blood workup (about $250.00-300.00) to see if thyroid is a problem. I did some reading about thyroid in humans and sometimes the tests come back as normal range and there are still thyroid issues. I don't know if this is the same for dogs or not, but there are some Natural choices to address hypothyroidism. I bought a natural parasite product from the health food store today ingredients Barberry, Wormwood, Oregano, Grapefruit, Gentian, Quassia, Cloves and I'm thinking of trying this and maybe even a natural product for hypothyroidism to see if any change before I put him through vet visit - we would need to go to the office and he is very, very anxious about vets and offices. My vet comes to the house for yearly check ups and he barely tolerates this.
I am really frustrated, concerned, and at the end of my tether about this itch and am wondering if he is going to have to live with this forever. He is so tolerant and sweet even in the midst of all the itching but I find it hard to see and that he has struggled for over a year with this is terrible. I've been trying but nothing seems to be successful. Feels like everything is a shot in the dark including hypothyroidism.
Can anyone offer me any sort of help or has anyone has to deal with this problem?
Can parasites live even after so many treatments?
Has anyone had a dog with hypothyroidism?
Sorry for the long explanation,
HELP!!! Debbie and Bones
Some of you who have been with the forum for awhile will remember my previous posts about Bones and his problem with continual itching and scratching - I would say at least every 2-5 minutes, except at night which is less now. My vet and I have tried various things to get at the cause of the itchiness with little change. For the last 6 months he has had the parasite killer (I don't remember the name) put on his shoulder blades and under his tail every 2 weeks for 8- 10 weeks - still scratching but his hair started to grow back in on his side and belly. Following this he took Interceptor every 2 weeks for 6-8 weeks - a large round pill - again some reduction but still itchy. My vet does not want to go this route again as it is a chemical and anything should have been killed by now and she doesn't want to harm Bones by more of the same.
My vet says that itch and scratch are the "bain of her practice" because it is often hard to determine cause. She has seen an increase of parasites and fleas in Calgary, where in the past they have been rarer, probably due to climate. If you remember, I switched Bones from Nutros food (what a lot of our chows eat) to California Natural (on my vet's advise) to see if it was a food allergy - again, no change in itch so I changed back to Nutros. I On my vet's suggestion I have given him Omega Pet and Cow's Colostrum to strengthen his immunity and try to help with the itch. At the beginning of the itchy times, I tried tea tree oil, lavender oil oatmeal and aloe baths and several other topical treatments with no lasting or successful results.
Bones symptoms now for well over 1 year:
generalized itchiness and frequent scratching no particular place seems to be all over but of course he scratches where he can with his hind legs and gets mostly behind his ears, his neck and his sides.
on his stomach and sides his hair was and is again very easy to pull out and I can easily pluck a large patch the size of a journal in a few minutes. This does not hurt him and he actually likes it because I rub and scratch his tummy and brush him
On this moist tummy area are patches of black, best described as flakey black mascara that I can rub or pull off. There are also reddened pea size raised areas in this area and other parts of his body
On his haunches, front legs, side of face, behind his ears, his tail and other areas - never the same areas all the time I find scabs that are raised about 1/4 of an inch or more like a scab on a scab on a scab that I can pull off gently and methodically, but that make Bones growl, if I have one that is not ready to come off. When I work on getting it off underneath is a patch of pink skin with no hair on it.
Losing hair all the time on the carpet in balls and patches at least since we moved to the new house with carpet about 4 months ago.
I have been brushing him weekly and he loves it because it feels good to get scratched etc., but right after he is scratching + + and hair all over the carpet within 2 or 3 days of brushing and vacuuming and his sides mat quickly, I think from all the scratching.
Through it all he has been a real trooper and allows me to do anything to him. I recently started him on OMEGA 3-6-9 from Costco that I am taking myself - the pharmasist says it is good for skin and the pill is huge. He lets me open his mouth and put it right at the back and if it doesn't go down and drops out within a few seconds he lets me do it again and again if necessary.
My vet is now wondering if there is a problem with hypothyroidism that is causing this and is suggesting a full blood workup (about $250.00-300.00) to see if thyroid is a problem. I did some reading about thyroid in humans and sometimes the tests come back as normal range and there are still thyroid issues. I don't know if this is the same for dogs or not, but there are some Natural choices to address hypothyroidism. I bought a natural parasite product from the health food store today ingredients Barberry, Wormwood, Oregano, Grapefruit, Gentian, Quassia, Cloves and I'm thinking of trying this and maybe even a natural product for hypothyroidism to see if any change before I put him through vet visit - we would need to go to the office and he is very, very anxious about vets and offices. My vet comes to the house for yearly check ups and he barely tolerates this.
I am really frustrated, concerned, and at the end of my tether about this itch and am wondering if he is going to have to live with this forever. He is so tolerant and sweet even in the midst of all the itching but I find it hard to see and that he has struggled for over a year with this is terrible. I've been trying but nothing seems to be successful. Feels like everything is a shot in the dark including hypothyroidism.
Can anyone offer me any sort of help or has anyone has to deal with this problem?
Can parasites live even after so many treatments?
Has anyone had a dog with hypothyroidism?
Sorry for the long explanation,
HELP!!! Debbie and Bones
Last edited by Debbie on Fri May 05, 2006 5:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: "On this moist tummy area are patches of black, best described as flakey black mascara that I can rub or pull off. There are also reddened pea size raised areas in this area and other parts of his body"
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The black patches could be black mold *fungus*, which easily colonizes in carpets (not always visible). It's an allergen,irritant, and can lower the immune system too. The other symptoms could be from staph, and antibiotics would be needed. I'm including an excerpt on staph below. Staph is always around, and gets a foothold when the immune system is weakened. In addition to the fish oils you are using, the B-complex would help the immune system, the skin and follicles, and help nourish the thyroid as well. Having a skin scraping done to check for mold (fungus), staph (bacteria) etc. is important too, to bring this under control.
Excerpt:
http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/staph.html
"There are two typical Staph lesions. One type begins as a red area on the skin with a pimple-like pustule in the center. The other type is a circular, reddish area with a crusty edge and hair loss in the center. The latter can easily be confused with ringworm. Finding either of these skin patterns in a dog that is scratching is highly suggestive of Staph. Confirmation can be made with cultures or skin biopsy. The lesions are so typical that this is usually not necessary.
This bacterium is usually sensitive to several antibiotics. These include erythromycin, enrofloxacin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, lincomycin, dicloxacillin, and oxacillin. Since these medications can be given orally, treatment can occur at home. Some infections may require 3-6 weeks of treatment before the infection is under control. Antibacterial shampoos and ointments can also be helpful to bring about rapid control of the infection."
---
The black patches could be black mold *fungus*, which easily colonizes in carpets (not always visible). It's an allergen,irritant, and can lower the immune system too. The other symptoms could be from staph, and antibiotics would be needed. I'm including an excerpt on staph below. Staph is always around, and gets a foothold when the immune system is weakened. In addition to the fish oils you are using, the B-complex would help the immune system, the skin and follicles, and help nourish the thyroid as well. Having a skin scraping done to check for mold (fungus), staph (bacteria) etc. is important too, to bring this under control.
Excerpt:
http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/staph.html
"There are two typical Staph lesions. One type begins as a red area on the skin with a pimple-like pustule in the center. The other type is a circular, reddish area with a crusty edge and hair loss in the center. The latter can easily be confused with ringworm. Finding either of these skin patterns in a dog that is scratching is highly suggestive of Staph. Confirmation can be made with cultures or skin biopsy. The lesions are so typical that this is usually not necessary.
This bacterium is usually sensitive to several antibiotics. These include erythromycin, enrofloxacin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, lincomycin, dicloxacillin, and oxacillin. Since these medications can be given orally, treatment can occur at home. Some infections may require 3-6 weeks of treatment before the infection is under control. Antibacterial shampoos and ointments can also be helpful to bring about rapid control of the infection."
"Superficial Pyoderma (including Staph)"
"Superficial folliculitis is characterized by reddened pustules that develop a flattened crust usually five to ten millimeters in diameter. When the crust loosens, the center falls off and a thin circle of epidermal tissue (resembling a collar) remains around the periphery of the lesion. The ensuing area of skin is usually bald and hyperpigmented. It is common to have all stages of infection present at the same time."
http://devinefarm.net/rp/rpskin.htm
"Superficial folliculitis is characterized by reddened pustules that develop a flattened crust usually five to ten millimeters in diameter. When the crust loosens, the center falls off and a thin circle of epidermal tissue (resembling a collar) remains around the periphery of the lesion. The ensuing area of skin is usually bald and hyperpigmented. It is common to have all stages of infection present at the same time."
http://devinefarm.net/rp/rpskin.htm
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Rogansmommy
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TigerTiger
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Our Tiger has the same problem -- all systoms that you mentioned since he's 3 yrs old (he is 6 now 
). We tried everything in the first two years but nothing worked. Until I insisted our vet consider the possibility of allergy and referred us to a specialist. Now Tiger is under regular allergy injection -- every other week -- poor thing 
!And he is getting much better and the hair start to grow back! So maybe you can arrange the same allergy test to find out more information...............
Mendez family
). We tried everything in the first two years but nothing worked. Until I insisted our vet consider the possibility of allergy and referred us to a specialist. Now Tiger is under regular allergy injection -- every other week -- poor thing !And he is getting much better and the hair start to grow back! So maybe you can arrange the same allergy test to find out more information...............Mendez family
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TigerTiger
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Oh, just add to the previous reply, the test will only cost about $200 (Canadian $), the vaccine cost about $118 every six months -- this could be for his life time -- but since there's no side effects compare to the medication, we consider is worth to pay for. We also feed him "Nutriskin", which is a suppliment like Omega 3, you can get it from the vet, it cost about $44 for 236 ml, will last about 6 months depends on Bones's size. Hope all this information help...........
Karen & Tiger
Karen & Tiger
Thanks so much for your answers and help. I'm going to call my vet and ask her about Staph infections. She did talk with me about allergies but wants to rule out other things first as the treatment can be lifelong.
I appreciate the feedback and if you think of anything else let me know.
Debbie and Bones
I appreciate the feedback and if you think of anything else let me know.
Debbie and Bones
Re: "There are also reddened pea size raised areas in this area and other parts of his body"
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Does the rash look similar to the one in the photo below?
Here's an excerpt on skin yeast infections, which do affect the immune system too, but they are often just labeled as 'allergies'. They can get a foothold in the body by a variety of ways, including med use, nutritional, pH, hormone imbalances, etc.
Excerpt:
"The animals experience severe itching, which leads to endless biting, chewing and hair loss. Symptoms may include skin problems like; blackening of the skin, dry flaky skin or greasy type grit on the skin. As the condition worsens over time a bad yeasty smell or odor may accompany this.
Some of these animals may exhibit pimple-like dermatitis where the skin may be wet with pus that progresses through self-chewing or scratching resulting in pyoderma or Seborrhea: A Dry type - similar to heavy dandruff. Greasy type - yellow brown greasy scales that adhere to hair shafts; rancid odor."
Yeast is very evasive and resistant of the body's immune system. So the immune system generates inflammation, which provides a defensive wall against the yeast. Normally this painful inflammation resolves with healing, but in the case of Candida, it resists the immune system. As these immune cells circulate and find yeast in other places, such as the skin, they start additional inflammation. Again however the immune system cannot clear the Candida. Then the inflammation persists, leading to chronic inflammation on the skin."
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Does the rash look similar to the one in the photo below?
Here's an excerpt on skin yeast infections, which do affect the immune system too, but they are often just labeled as 'allergies'. They can get a foothold in the body by a variety of ways, including med use, nutritional, pH, hormone imbalances, etc.
Excerpt:
"The animals experience severe itching, which leads to endless biting, chewing and hair loss. Symptoms may include skin problems like; blackening of the skin, dry flaky skin or greasy type grit on the skin. As the condition worsens over time a bad yeasty smell or odor may accompany this.
Some of these animals may exhibit pimple-like dermatitis where the skin may be wet with pus that progresses through self-chewing or scratching resulting in pyoderma or Seborrhea: A Dry type - similar to heavy dandruff. Greasy type - yellow brown greasy scales that adhere to hair shafts; rancid odor."
Yeast is very evasive and resistant of the body's immune system. So the immune system generates inflammation, which provides a defensive wall against the yeast. Normally this painful inflammation resolves with healing, but in the case of Candida, it resists the immune system. As these immune cells circulate and find yeast in other places, such as the skin, they start additional inflammation. Again however the immune system cannot clear the Candida. Then the inflammation persists, leading to chronic inflammation on the skin."
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Zhuyos mom
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Debbie,
Zhuyo was just recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He started his meds yesterday. They are called levothyroxine. Zhuyo's levothyroxine cost $27.00 (U.S.) for a month's supply. His lab work cost $82.00 (U.S.). Since he's a senior fellow, I had his yearly senior panel done and other than having low numbers on his thyroid test 0.72 (1-4, I believe is normal range), his blood work shows he's as healthy as a chowling! So internally he's in good shape. I'm not sure why your vet's quote is so high. Perhaps your vet is anticipating meds, cost of office visit and lab cost. For us it totaled $142.00 (U.S.). Zhu has to go back in two weeks for another lab test to make sure the dosage of his meds are appropriate or not. Follow-up exam for him is free but labs might be an extra cost but will not be the full $82 since they'll only be checking the thyroid level.
I notice for a few months that his hair was thinning in areas and his fur around the tip of his tail was thinning and not growing back. Also, on his skin were rice like dandruff in an ugly mustard-y color. The doctors said they were over accummulation of oils, which is typical of thyroid problems. Zhu is cream so maybe that is why his dandruff is colored as such. Also, there was a stretch of bare skin on his left hind leg. I thought it was a rash and would put Rx cream I had on hand. It never went away. Then I thought and googled all sorts of ailments (staph, ringworm, pemphilgus-sp?) only to find out that it was nothing but a stretch of bare skin because Zhu tends to rub against that area when he stands or sits up. So it's sorta like a bald spot due to repetitive friction.
Regarding Bone's itching, did you ever try the Rx food "Hill's Prescription Z/D Ultra"? It comes in both dry and canned. Any unused dry is returnable. It's Hill's Rx uber allergy food. Both Pooh Bear and Zhuyo are on it and I have not once witness them itch for unknown reasons (from time to time an ear tickle) or licking to create a hot spot. A couple of posters find the Z/D Ultra not ideal, but for my two, it's good stuff. You buy it from a vet or if you get a prescription from your vet you can buy it at your local PetSmart (if they have an in-store veterinary office). PB's been on it since she lived with us. I tried putting her on Nutro but she itched and sneezed. I was hoping she'd be okay with the Nutro because it was more cost efficient for us. Zhu has been on Hill's since his bloat days (almost 4 years now). He started with I/D but we changed to Z/D when I noticed he had the itchies from time to time. 8-lb Z/D Ultra dry cost $19.99 (U.S.) and 16-lb Z/D Ultra dry cost $39.99 (U.S.). One can of Z/D Ultra cost $2.89 (U.S.).
Good luck to you.
Zhuyo was just recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He started his meds yesterday. They are called levothyroxine. Zhuyo's levothyroxine cost $27.00 (U.S.) for a month's supply. His lab work cost $82.00 (U.S.). Since he's a senior fellow, I had his yearly senior panel done and other than having low numbers on his thyroid test 0.72 (1-4, I believe is normal range), his blood work shows he's as healthy as a chowling! So internally he's in good shape. I'm not sure why your vet's quote is so high. Perhaps your vet is anticipating meds, cost of office visit and lab cost. For us it totaled $142.00 (U.S.). Zhu has to go back in two weeks for another lab test to make sure the dosage of his meds are appropriate or not. Follow-up exam for him is free but labs might be an extra cost but will not be the full $82 since they'll only be checking the thyroid level.
I notice for a few months that his hair was thinning in areas and his fur around the tip of his tail was thinning and not growing back. Also, on his skin were rice like dandruff in an ugly mustard-y color. The doctors said they were over accummulation of oils, which is typical of thyroid problems. Zhu is cream so maybe that is why his dandruff is colored as such. Also, there was a stretch of bare skin on his left hind leg. I thought it was a rash and would put Rx cream I had on hand. It never went away. Then I thought and googled all sorts of ailments (staph, ringworm, pemphilgus-sp?) only to find out that it was nothing but a stretch of bare skin because Zhu tends to rub against that area when he stands or sits up. So it's sorta like a bald spot due to repetitive friction.
Regarding Bone's itching, did you ever try the Rx food "Hill's Prescription Z/D Ultra"? It comes in both dry and canned. Any unused dry is returnable. It's Hill's Rx uber allergy food. Both Pooh Bear and Zhuyo are on it and I have not once witness them itch for unknown reasons (from time to time an ear tickle) or licking to create a hot spot. A couple of posters find the Z/D Ultra not ideal, but for my two, it's good stuff. You buy it from a vet or if you get a prescription from your vet you can buy it at your local PetSmart (if they have an in-store veterinary office). PB's been on it since she lived with us. I tried putting her on Nutro but she itched and sneezed. I was hoping she'd be okay with the Nutro because it was more cost efficient for us. Zhu has been on Hill's since his bloat days (almost 4 years now). He started with I/D but we changed to Z/D when I noticed he had the itchies from time to time. 8-lb Z/D Ultra dry cost $19.99 (U.S.) and 16-lb Z/D Ultra dry cost $39.99 (U.S.). One can of Z/D Ultra cost $2.89 (U.S.).
Good luck to you.
Last edited by Zhuyos mom on Tue May 16, 2006 4:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: "I'm not sure why your vet's quote is so high."
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Since there are so many factors which can pull down thyroid 'numbers', the full range of thyroid tests are considered to be a better picture of what's really going on, than just doing the simpler tests. Various nutritional imbalances, protein levels, other illnesses, skin problems, meds, etc. can lower thyroid too.
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Since there are so many factors which can pull down thyroid 'numbers', the full range of thyroid tests are considered to be a better picture of what's really going on, than just doing the simpler tests. Various nutritional imbalances, protein levels, other illnesses, skin problems, meds, etc. can lower thyroid too.
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Zhuyos mom
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Re: "I have a feeling they did order a full Thyroid panel."
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I get copies of all blood work done. The last time I ordered a full thyroid screening was a few years ago, and I paid more for that, than what you paid for all your tests. The blood was sent out to the thyroid experts at Michigan State and results took about two weeks. The root problem was not the thyroid.
You can have hair and skin symptoms similar to the thyroid hair and skin symptoms, and it could be caused by other factors. Finding the root cause is what's important.
Excerpts:
"The skin lesions present in hypothyroidism mimic those in other skin conditions, especially allergies."
"The most consistent symptom in pets with allergic skin disease is excessive itching. The medical term for this is pruritis."
"Hypothyroidism can cause skin conditions, although dogs with only hypothyroidism are not terribly pruritic (itchy)."
http://www.lbah.com/allergy.htm
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I get copies of all blood work done. The last time I ordered a full thyroid screening was a few years ago, and I paid more for that, than what you paid for all your tests. The blood was sent out to the thyroid experts at Michigan State and results took about two weeks. The root problem was not the thyroid.
You can have hair and skin symptoms similar to the thyroid hair and skin symptoms, and it could be caused by other factors. Finding the root cause is what's important.
Excerpts:
"The skin lesions present in hypothyroidism mimic those in other skin conditions, especially allergies."
"The most consistent symptom in pets with allergic skin disease is excessive itching. The medical term for this is pruritis."
"Hypothyroidism can cause skin conditions, although dogs with only hypothyroidism are not terribly pruritic (itchy)."
http://www.lbah.com/allergy.htm
About 9 years ago my second chow Brandi had a similar condition with intense itching she lost about 80% of her hair. The first vet said it was allergies and wanted us to start her on alergy shots. I did not believe allergies was the cause of the itching because it came on so sudden. I took her to a second vet. He thought it was parasites of some sort and gave us a dip(Zodiac Pro Dip which cotroled fleas ticks and and Sarcoptic mange). I dipped her that night and saw some improvement. A week later still some itching so I dipped her again and the itching stopped. Over time the hair grew back and the itching stopped completely. Word of caution! Brandi itched so bad she gave herself an ear hematoma and had to have surgery. So not only was she itching she had to go through two ear surgeries.
In 2001 Brandi was diagnosed w/breast cancer at that time the vet questioned the texture of her hair (said it looked fluffy like puppy hair instead of adult hair) and suspected she had a thyroid problem as well. I never had the test done so I don't know for sure if it was or not.
The following pics are of Brandi in May/97 when she was ok the second pic was taken in July/97 as you can see she lost a lot of hair and was recovering from her ear surgery, the third pic is about a year later and all is well again. The fourth pic is when she was diagnosed w/breast cancer notice the difference in the hair. I don't know if this was because of the cancer/thyroid/or old age (about 13 years old)
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeefgrs/
In 2001 Brandi was diagnosed w/breast cancer at that time the vet questioned the texture of her hair (said it looked fluffy like puppy hair instead of adult hair) and suspected she had a thyroid problem as well. I never had the test done so I don't know for sure if it was or not.
The following pics are of Brandi in May/97 when she was ok the second pic was taken in July/97 as you can see she lost a lot of hair and was recovering from her ear surgery, the third pic is about a year later and all is well again. The fourth pic is when she was diagnosed w/breast cancer notice the difference in the hair. I don't know if this was because of the cancer/thyroid/or old age (about 13 years old)
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeefgrs/
Kiwani, it doesn't look nearly that bad. His stomach area has the look of that in several places, but with only one or 2 bumps and a small blackened area. He has a reddened bump here and a reddened bump there (looks similar to the bumps in the picture) and dry, flakey patch here and there (mostly on the area under his tail) and a thick scab here and there that is about 1/8th of an inch in height, but comes off when brushing usually, sometimes the skin is red and Bones will have growled if I brushed it off without knowing, but sometimes it comes off and doesn't affect him at all. I notice when I brush his tail it is often full of dry scabs that come off as I brush and there is a bump, not reddened, just white underneath and the hair pulls out so easily that I can make a patch of no hair very quickly. This seems to be the case on most of his body. It doesn't hurt him to pull the hair out and in one area on his side haunch, I uncovered 4 small reddened areas (each about the size of the letter l on the keyboard). Do you think it is yeast? How do I treat that?
Thank you VTchow for your story about Brandi as I too have had a hard time believing it to be allergies - my gut says no because it came on too suddenly. I need to reread your post as I was just able to skim it so far.
I just started a new job and any time I have at home, my boys are claiming and act up when I get on the computer because they want my undivided attention.
Bones was tested for hypothyroidism, but vet said he was in the normal range.
Thank you VTchow for your story about Brandi as I too have had a hard time believing it to be allergies - my gut says no because it came on too suddenly. I need to reread your post as I was just able to skim it so far.
I just started a new job and any time I have at home, my boys are claiming and act up when I get on the computer because they want my undivided attention.
Bones was tested for hypothyroidism, but vet said he was in the normal range.
Re: "It does sound from your description that it could be this yeast. I could ask my vet for a copy of the blood tests - would that tell you anything?"
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If you research skin yeast, you'll see mention of all the symptoms you've listed, including the extra flaking under the tail. What also occurs, is that itching from the yeast opens the door to secondary problems, like the staph infections I mentioned early in this thread, and folliculitis (follicle inflammation, hair loss).
You mentioned that the problem came on suddenly, but when you have a hospitable environment for yeast to flourish, it doesn't take much else of a stressor to start the domino effect into a big problem.
Nutro claims to have high levels of the omega-6, and guarantees that the dog will have shiny coats - but it's this coat oilyness which makes a hospitable environment for the yeast, the refined rice by-products help feed the yeast, and the high 6's give you a nice inflammatory response to anything. Add in some more treats with animal fats, refined flours, sugars, any stressors, humidity (moist coat) and you're all set for yeast to flourish.
Your doctor should be able to test for or recognize a fungal yeast skin problem or recognize secondary problems like staph or folliculitis. There are various shampoos/treatments for the yeast problem and diet is also an important factor for keeping things in balance.
PS - Since I didn't get to read the beginnings of this long term problem, I don't know what skin tests/examinations your vet did do, *if any*, and what was ruled out.
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If you research skin yeast, you'll see mention of all the symptoms you've listed, including the extra flaking under the tail. What also occurs, is that itching from the yeast opens the door to secondary problems, like the staph infections I mentioned early in this thread, and folliculitis (follicle inflammation, hair loss).
You mentioned that the problem came on suddenly, but when you have a hospitable environment for yeast to flourish, it doesn't take much else of a stressor to start the domino effect into a big problem.
Nutro claims to have high levels of the omega-6, and guarantees that the dog will have shiny coats - but it's this coat oilyness which makes a hospitable environment for the yeast, the refined rice by-products help feed the yeast, and the high 6's give you a nice inflammatory response to anything. Add in some more treats with animal fats, refined flours, sugars, any stressors, humidity (moist coat) and you're all set for yeast to flourish.
Your doctor should be able to test for or recognize a fungal yeast skin problem or recognize secondary problems like staph or folliculitis. There are various shampoos/treatments for the yeast problem and diet is also an important factor for keeping things in balance.
PS - Since I didn't get to read the beginnings of this long term problem, I don't know what skin tests/examinations your vet did do, *if any*, and what was ruled out.
Wow, if it is yeast, I will be kinda upset 
that my vet didn't catch this. She has not done any skin tests that I remember, only blood tests and looking at the skin. I will research on the net too. I went and bought another bag of Solid Gold and the staff at the store recommended acidophalus which I bought and have been adding to Bones' food. (she said it helps with yeast) I will call me vet and talk to her about this and treatment ASAP. Thank Kiwani, 
I'll keep you posted...
Debbie
that my vet didn't catch this. She has not done any skin tests that I remember, only blood tests and looking at the skin. I will research on the net too. I went and bought another bag of Solid Gold and the staff at the store recommended acidophalus which I bought and have been adding to Bones' food. (she said it helps with yeast) I will call me vet and talk to her about this and treatment ASAP. Thank Kiwani, I'll keep you posted...Debbie
The acidophilus plays a large role in snuffing out the yeast, and the acidophilus capsule blends kept in refrigeration in health-shops are very potent. Avoid refined grains, sugars, animal fats, in treats too. No more carrots for now because of the sugars. If this is a yeast based problem, you should see some improvement with the diet change and use of yeast killing shampoos/other yeast treatments.
These yeasts have a negative affect on the immune system too, so optimizing nutrition is also very important.
These yeasts have a negative affect on the immune system too, so optimizing nutrition is also very important.
Just to update, I have started the acidophalus, took Bones for a bath with a shampoo recommeded by vet and vet started on a 3 week course of antibiotics. No real change yet, but just started the antibiotics yesterday.
I'll keep posting here if any changes. I haven't been able to even read general discussion threads because of starting this new job - I hope things settle down after I get more acquainted with the work and get into a new routine!! Debbie
I'll keep posting here if any changes. I haven't been able to even read general discussion threads because of starting this new job - I hope things settle down after I get more acquainted with the work and get into a new routine!! Debbie