Severe Yeast infections, treatment options (Fluconazole or Kataconazole) - Page 1

It sounds like the bacterial infection is gone. Yeast infections can be very stubborn. I had a GSD who suffered with recurrent yeast infections in her ears. My vet prescribed Animax for her ears. It's an antibiotic/antifungal (anti candidal) and worked well although it was a struggle to medicate her. It has a cortisone component also, which calms the irritation and itching.  This poor dog also had fungal patches on her skin, which did respond to Nizoral.  She took it orally and I bathed her with Nizoral shampoo every few weeks or as needed.

The prednisone is probably necessary to stop the inflammation and itching. You don't say if he's itching, but I'm guessing he is. However, prednisone by itself won't cure a yeast infection; all it does is suppress the symptoms. In fact, as an immune suppressant, prednisone can cause fungal infections. This doesn't mean your vet is nuts for giving your dog prednisone; it does stop inflammation and itching and allow healing. But it won't cure the yeast infection, only suppress the symtoms while the dog is taking the pred.

In my dog's case, the fungal infections resulted from a poor immune system which reacted to eggs - an ingredient of most dog foods.  You don't say if your dog is rescued or adopted and I suppose you don't know if he is allergic to any foods or substances like pollens or cleaners. What are you feeding him? And what breed is he?

 I have had excellent results with a topical called the Skin Works from Coat Handler.  The salesman who showed it to me actually ate a small amount.  Use it in the ears around the eyes, even the anal area.  It is very safe.  I even used it for diaper rash on my newborn son.  I keep it around for scrapes on myself or the dogs.  I have used it for demodex around the eyes of puppies.  It is fungicidal and bacteracidal (sp).  I have used it in my nose for yeast infections too.  Yuck.  Only a few applications equal releif!  And no I don't sell it or get anything from this.  I used to work in an animal shelter, and used it for skin problems of all sorts.  Good luck.

Both work well, usually Keto is less expensive. The newer antifungal agents fluconazole, itraconazole primarily less side effects ( vomiting, diarrhea).

yeast infections can be made worse by allergies. just out of intrest what do you feed?

regards

Tracie

anitbiotcs and immunosuppressants(prednisone)only make these infections worse.Alot worse. Your dog should be started on acetic acid washes for the yeast. Yeast is normally always found on scrapings. Build up his immune system naturally with a high quality diet, extra vitamin C, which is acidic, and continue to consult your vet. Consider a holistic vet, they are MUCH better at treating these conditions that unfortunately, can become chronic due to treatment that does not work. Von Leistung

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.  He's had some stomach issues and now we're thinking maybe IBD because on a few different foods, he'd start out fine, then have a day or two of diarrhea every 2-5 days.  So far his diarrhea has been best on EVO Red Meat Large Bites so that's what I'm feeding.  Sam, he is a GSD...I'd own nothing else.  His previous owner said he had a problem with yeast overgrowth.  But also said he had a problem with weight gain and he's gained about 15 lbs with me in a little over two months (he's a big dog and was severe underweight, he's still skinny).  So I don't know.  Does anyone know about how long and rate/weight of fluconazole (doesn't have to be exact, just trying to get an price estimate)?  Since it has the least side effects I'd be more interested in it unless the price is completely out there.

GSDs are my breed too, but they are known for having immune system problems and digestive sensitivities. Yeast is a common organism and it is everywhere. A normal immune system can deal with yeast without having allergic or infectious reactions. A suppressed or overactive immune system can have difficulties with common substances, like yeast or certain food ingredients. You are feeding a good food that doesn't have the most common allergens like eggs, dairy or grains. Naturapet, the maker of EVO, has never had a recall to the best of my knowledge. Stay on the Evo and see how he does. With some dogs, switching foods alone is enough to upset their digestion and give them diarrhea. If he gains too much weight, just feed less. Don't let him guilt you.

My concern with the yeast infection is what caused it? I thought it might be an overactive immune system. It still might be. If it were my dog, I"d go with the Nizoral treatment until the infection clears up or perhaps one of the newer antifungals. I know it's expensive, but your vet could write you a prescription which you could fill at CostCo or Wal-Mart. They are the cheapest that I know of, including the pet mail order pharmacies. Somebody else may be able to suggest another pharmacy. You' d have to discuss the dose with your vet before calling around to see which one is cheapest. Be honest with your vet about your concerns over cost. Most vets will work with you.

While you are doing this, look for a holistic vet. Something caused your dog to react so badly to yeast. Holistic vets are better at dealing with these types of problems since they are more willing to work with you to track down the cause and treat it. Be open to odd things like Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal remedies. Sometimes these have great success with immune problems. You might get lucky and have this be the sole incident of yeast infection. I hope this is the case but doubt it since he's had yeast infections before.

Conditions like this can be successfully managed once you figure out why he's reacting to yeast. It does take some dedication on your part, though.

Sam

Oh heck. I missed seeing the egg ingredient in the Evo Red Meat Large Bites. But you don't know if your dog is allergic to anything at this point, so it's just something to keep in mind if he continues to have problems with yeast infections.