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Post by Richard on Dec 8, 2005 20:01:34 GMT -5
With this being our first early winter with Nikki, we're noticing she's scratching a lot more than usual - which wasn't that often during the summer. Rocky has no problems which is why we're getting a bit concerned.
But now that the cooler air is here, she's scratching fairly regularly. Her nose is dry too. We've not changed her diet and otherwise, she's her usual "wild sister" self.
Our house doesn't have a humidifier (the one that was here when we moved in was in such poor state, I ripped it out) but I don't think that is the root of the problem.
Anyone got any idea? I'm ready to head to the vet for some serious further investigation as she has a few pimples too popping up that seemed to coincide with the scratching.
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Post by FlatCoatedLover on Dec 8, 2005 20:36:02 GMT -5
A couple of things to try. If you don't feed raw it may be worth a try. Many dogs are allergic to the corn, wheat, rice and soy found in many kibbles. These allergies can occur all of the sudden when they have never manifested before. If you are not feeding raw or are not interested in doing it, I would add a Fish Body Oil (FBO) or Salmon Oil (SO) suppliment. Most of the food (human and dog) in the grocery is woefully inadequate in Omega-3 fatty acids which had resulted from either overprocessing or the feeding of lifestock animals an inappropriate diet. Anyway, FBO and SO are very high in omega-3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and will help with itching and many other inflammatory conditions.
I would try adding one or two room humidifier to the rooms where the pooch usually is. I have noticed a major decrease in itching since we got ours in both the humans and canine members of the family.
Finally, skin conditions with pimple like pustules can be a side effect of rabies, distemper vaccine along with some others. This also can be a cumlative effect that may not occur after the first or first few vaccinations but with "boosters" 2+ years down the road
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Post by Laura on Dec 9, 2005 0:02:33 GMT -5
Richard, the pustules are also symptomatic of a few other issues as well, cellulitis being one of them, hypothyroidism being another, off the top of my head. Dry, flaky itching skin is one thing, but anytime I see any lesions or dermatitis, there's usually something else going on. A vet check with a skin scraping/biopsy might be a good idea if supplementing with omega 3 or salmon oil doesn't cut it.
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Post by Nicole on Dec 9, 2005 9:16:55 GMT -5
Pimples can also be indicative of a contact allergy. Have you changed anything in her environment..new bedding, new detergent, carpets or rugs, blankets on your bed, floor cleaner etc.
A trip to the vet is probably the best bet at least to put your mind at ease. I hope she feels better soon.
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Post by Richard on Dec 9, 2005 11:38:08 GMT -5
Thank you all for your very helpful suggestions...I think we're going to take all the pointers here under consideration - there is some valid concerns based on what you guys posted - and as for her diet, the suppliment could be what is needed.
I spoke with a coworker this morning and she basically came up with the same thoughts and suggestions that you have here.
But I think I'll just shoot her straight over for a checkup wiht out vet and see what is going on.
I'll update you with what we find when I return.
Thanks again for the posts.
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Post by Richard on Dec 9, 2005 16:35:13 GMT -5
Ok, back from the vet.
We're both in one piece!!
Her skin is a little flakey but not really that bad. There is no redness between her toes or anywhere else. It is probably back to the dry air in the house....we'll look at getting a dehumidifier either in the room or for the whole house over the next few days.
As for the pustule, we actually found a second one on her back near her tail. The vet took samples of each and will send them off to Guelph University for further examination to see if they can identify what they are (hopefully benign). In the meantime, we'll keep an eye on them like you would for moles on a human...changes in color, size, ect.
I'll hear back from them by the middle of next week. Then I guess we'll see if or what the next course of action is necessary.
She also has a bit of an ear infection so we'll be treating that for the next 10 days or so.
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Post by Nicole on Dec 10, 2005 8:44:31 GMT -5
It is probably back to the dry air in the house....we'll look at getting a dehumidifier either in the room or for the whole house over the next few days. Do you mean "humidifier" as opposed to " dehumidifier"? A cup of water set next to the heater works as a temporary humidifier until you can buy one. Also I wanted to mention that if you decide to give fish oil you should also supplement with Vitamin E because the omega 3 inhibits absorption of vitamin E. If you give this, em or pm me or post it and I will give you the dosages of each. I gave this to Sunny when he had his fall allergies (Salmon oil and Vitamin E) and it did help some but man he stunk like fish and so did everything he touched. The things we do for our dogs.. ;D One last thing...ear infections usually go hand in hand with allergies. Just something to keep in mind.
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Post by willow on Dec 10, 2005 9:51:17 GMT -5
I hate skin problems, because they can be caused by an external or internal problem and often times Vets don't even diagnose the problem correctly.
Another thing that was not mentioned is yeast infection, which can be externally and/or internally. With this the ears and even body usually has an abnormal strong odor, causes itching/licking and even hair loss in patches on the body, if bad enough.
We have gone this route and even Vets usually do not diagnose it correctly and called it "allergies" when one time it was Sarcoptic Mange and another time yeast infection.
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Post by Richard on Dec 10, 2005 18:42:54 GMT -5
Thanks Nicki,
Indeed you are correct, I meant humidifier...we have a dehumidifier downstairs in our recreation room we use during the summer...it keeps it comfortable and dry down there...it be nice to turn it around a go the other way in the winter!!! HA!
I'll be in touch about the information you have.
Hi Willow...happy birthday boxing day btw!!!!.....As for the yeast infection, I didn't know dogs could get that...is it both male and females who can get it? And as for sarcoptic mange, even the word sounds yeechy letalone treating for it..I hope we don't even go near that path!!
Thanks for the input again everyone..it's helped a lot.
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Post by willow on Dec 11, 2005 8:03:31 GMT -5
Hi Richard, Yes, male dogs can also get the yeast problem. My dogs always get it in the summer when they swim in the ponds a lot. With the yeast, there is usually a vinegar like smell to their ears and skin, but not always. I am thinking of trying the products I saw on www.nzymes.com. The nzymes and the one for yeast.
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Post by Richard on Dec 14, 2005 0:09:44 GMT -5
Heard back from the vet tonight....good news, the pustules are benign. He suggested we keep an eye on them but otherwise, there is no concern at this time. Her ears are clearing up nicely too but we've got another 5 days to go with the meds. As for the humidifier (thank you Nicki ), we're probably going to go for one in our room for now and see how Nikki does. Depending on the budget, we'll look into a more permanate one in the new year. Thanks everyone again for your thoughts and input on this topic. It was greatly appreciated and extremely informative.
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