I have a ten year old black lab who has had skin problems most of his`life – the pads of his feet are somewhat raw from licking and we have tried`antibiotics, shampoo, topical ointments, sprays, prednizone and generally`trying to keep him from licking – he also has one ear that seems to get
infected often – any suggestions as to what else to do – this has been a`chronic problem since last July – thanks
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Helping pet owners get health help For their pets
It sounds like an allergy problem, and the bad news is that allergies cannot be cured. Not only that, but they often worsen with time. Do not look for something new that the dog may be reacting to–allergies develop AFTER exposure to something that is normal to others, so reactions are generally to things that have been present a long time.
Some allergies are worse seasonally, others fairly constant.
The best treatment is to avoid what the dog is allergic to (which is usually next to impossible because there are thousands of things they could have developed allergies to and most allergic dogs are allergic to several things, some of which may not be avoidable) and to treat allergic reactions when they occur, including the secondary infections that often go with them.
Stopping an allergic reaction is done with antihistamines and/or cortisones, such as prednisone. Whenever possible, it is best to avoid cortisones, but sometimes they are simply needed because the problem is so severe.
Antihistamines are safer and can be used regularly long-term, but won’t always control severe reactions. Often Benedryl works very well (sleepiness side effects usually disappear with regular use) but the dog dose can go far higher than the human dose and many people do not use enough.
Long-term use of prednisone or chronic allergic reactions not well-controlled can lead to secondary infections in the skin that usually start as bacterial but can later include fungal infection or demodectic mange, especially in the feet. Skin thickening can make it harder for medications to penetrate and beat the problem. Usually treatment of infection needs to continue for a MINIMUM of 3 weeks and sometimes for months. Stopping too soon invites recurrence and bacterial resistance.
Avoidance of things the dog may have developed allergic reactions to can be extremely helpful in decreasing the initial reactions that lead to all the secondary problems. Consider a prescription food for allergy–ask your veterinarian–and be sure that the dog gets nothing except that food and water for at least the first 10 weeks to see whether or not allergic reactions are prevented by it.
Consider asking your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary Dermatologist. Keep in mind that veterinarians are frustrated by allergies as well–we want to cure everything, but allergies cannot be cured, only controlled. Treatment will be ongoing and lifelong, with good times and bad times. Your best bet is to catch things quickly when there is a flare-up and thoroughly stop the reaction as quickly as possible to avoid secondary problems. Here are some things that may help, and you may need to do several at once:
*Antihistamines–use regularly!
*Cortisones–use only when nothing else is working or problem is very severe–side effects can include immunosuppression or development of diabetes *Antibiotics and topical treatments for skin sores and ear infections secondary to the allergy *Shampoos for skin infections and soothing itch *Tape test–to look for fungal infection–antifungal medications if found *Skin scraping–to look for mange mites–stop prednisone and use mite medication if found *Allergy testing–by blood test or skin test–to identify some of the things your dog needs to avoid *Prescription food for allergies *Hyposensitization shots–based on allergy test results *Doxepin–a human antidepressant but with antihistamine effects *Atopica–an anti-allergy medication for severe cases.
Good luck!”
Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Lancaster, NY
“If your pet has suffered so long, why haven’t you taken it to a veterinary dermatologist? Ask your vet for a referral or check the phone book or take the dog to Penn or Cornell.”
Ernest Smith, DVM
“Check to see if the neighbors or you are spraying their lawns , it can be causing the dogs problem.”
JANEDANE KENNEL
Holland, OH
“Dear Pet Owner,
Your lab most likely has food allergies, which often don’t respond to Prednisone or other treatments. Ear infections are very common with food allergies, especially in Labs. Do a very strict food trial, where you give him a hypoallergenic diet such as Hill’s ultra Z/D from your Vet, or a completely different diet, such as Fish and Potato or Venison and Potato.
Pick one with no preservatives, wheat or corn. It is vital that you do not give him one table scrap, treat, dog bone or even chewable heartworm medication during this time, which may take 12 weeks to see results. If anyone slips him a piece of toast, or a bite of sandwich during the 12 weeks, the whole test is negated, and you have to start over, because he will keep itching, and you will think it is not the food. It is hard to do this, but very rewarding, when the ear infections clear up, and they magically stop itching. I wish you all the success in the world. ”
Mack L. Barney DVM
Fairfield, CA
My lab has all of the skin problems mentioned, but we have several pets and cannot afford the Hills ultra Z/D-any suggestions for our pet?