Irritated skin on 8 month old GSD - Page 6

The swallow reflex will kick in and the dog will automatically swallow. When this reflex kicks in a flap goes over the end of the windpipe to stop food/fluids going into the lungs.

Pam

Blood test results:

White blood cells 21.2 G/L with a “normal” range of 5.4 to 15.3 (probably associated with skin infections).

Red blood cells 6.08 T/L with a “normal” range of 4.2 to 6.2

Haemoglobin 156 g/L with a “normal” range of 140-180

Cholesterol 2.7 mmol/L (OK up to 5.2)

Thyroid hormone 15.66 pmol/L with a “normal” range of 7 to 47, vet considers this low and a possible cause of myxoedema (skin problems) and has prescribed levothyroxine sodium (a preparation of natural thyroid hormone) to counter the effects of the deficiency.   Regular repeat blood tests will be necessary to see whether the supplement needs to be continued.

As the steroid / antibiotic combination seems to be improving the symptoms we will continue this for the time being as well.

Hopefully we will now see a continued steady improvement over the next 10 days until we see the vet again.

It is taking a long time to re-grow his coat, but the vet says this is to be expected (but difficult now it has turned cold – though Mishka seems to have got hold of the idea that it is good idea to keep his blanket over himself).

Thanks for your interest, as usual any further comments will be much appreciated.

fred

Good morning,Im glad you are getting some kind of resolve for this poor dog even if it means with meds.You have been given a suggestion by Wildmoor to get this dog on a novel protein diet.You must cover all your bases as this could very well be adding to the problem.There are several options available nowadays,one is the Royal Canin Hypoallergenic HP.another is the Purina HA,another is the Hills Ultra ZD.These are diets that have the protein broken down to such low molecular weights that the immune system will not recognise it.It sounds like this is the only thing that you have not done yet.If it were my dog ,I would certainly give it a try because if it is an allergy to say chicken,you will never get this resolved by continuing to give chicken.I am having a similar problem with one of my boys and it has'nt been fun watching him itch.I also like you tried the different treatments and in the end it is in fact an allergy to chicken and other foods.If you dont want to go with a hydrolysed diet then at least go with something like Lamb and rice,or duck and patatoe,or venison and patatoe.Just make sure you read the ingredient panel to make sure there isnt the same proteins he is ingesting now.Good luck

Fred, as wildmoor mentioned put the tablet as far back on the tongue as possible but you can encourage the swallow reflex by stroking the front of the neck/throat.

A good blob of honey wrapped round also helps.

Cheers,

AandA

yes honey sounds good it will make it go down easier.

For anyone who has had this problem, I was currious to know how many of you were on a commerical based food vs how many fed raw. I have found over the years that yeast/fungus problems stemmed from the diet and once the dog went to a non commercial diet most of the problems went away. I am a practicing herbalist and my dogs are treated the same. I have a golden retriever that has ear problems on just about any commercial food because of the amount of carbs in the diet. Even with holistic foods we really dont know as consumers just how many carbs are in the food. We have to rely on the ingredients to try and make informed decisions. I can say by experience my dogs tell me just how much there is by ear infections and skin ailments.

And doing dog rescue I see all sorts of skin issues. I try and use the vet as a last resort. We rely on vets and hope they make the right decision but many times when they dont know, its the good ol' educated guess.

 We had this problem with our GSD until we switched her food to Natural Balance Duck and Potato.  The skin irritation was resolved in a month!

I always give tablets in a peice of raw sausage,it works for me.

good luck Fred

Well things seem to be getting better, it looks as though the vet has tracked down the problem.  Apart from thin hair in a few places, the only bare skin remaining is on his throat and this is dry at least.   Energy and appetite are high and he is getting a bit of flesh back on his bones.   The steroids are to phased out over the next 2 weeks.

Thanks to everyone who as taken an interest in our problems offering help and support.

Fred