Itchy! Ithcy! Itchy!

[hardwork2]

Trixxie has had a scratchy problem for a while. My wife seems to think it is alergies. We have changed food,shampoo,bought her a electric static brush that we use on her everyday, had her to the vet. (He put her on predazone) can't be healthy. We are at wits end trying to figure out what to try next to give her some relief. We even try gold bond powder. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks

[Kikyo]

What does the vet have to say about the condition?

[hardwork2]

Really don't seem to know. that's why the predazone. I suppose. it seems to help alittle but she has to take 2 doses aday when she only takes 1 to start weaning off she's back to digging.

[tac]

What kind of shampoo do you use? I use an oatmeal shampoo on Missy, and it seems to help. Also, I use Miracle Coat conditioner which contains tea tree oil. You migt ask your vet if this might be something to try with your baby. Best of luck to you!

[hardwork2]

We're using ''vets best hypoallegetic shampoo''. I will see if we can find the rinse. thanks

[opthedogfather]

How long has she been itching?? And when you switch foods, how long do you switch for?? What does her skin look like??

I know these sound like dumb questions, but trust me, theyre going somewhere...

[hardwork2]

the itching comes in the spring and fall just like allergies-her food i switched to purina one diet due to her weight gain-this is the first time I have changed her food in over a year-but she did this since I got her and that was three years ago-her skin and her coat looks fine

[opthedogfather]

It does sound like allergies...but it may be a thyroid problem if other sypmtoms are present like weight gain, and temperment change.
As far as her food goes, it doesnt sound like an allergic reaction to food, otherwise the itching would be constant.
I take it fleas arent a problem....
At the vet clinic I work at, we usually give an injectable dose of Prednisone, along with penicillin or another drug. These shots usually work between 6 weeks and 3 months. It may be something to try.
Sometimes, if your vet wasnt particullarly into skin during vet school, he just may not have answers...If thats the case, try finding a second opinion...that vet may be more helpful....

I hope this helps...good luck...

[hardwork2]

What do they do about thyroid problems? She is abit chunky close to 12 lbs but she isn't a teacup she is short and stocky if you know what i mean.

[opthedogfather]

first off, you might want to erase the term "teacup" from your vocab....it's like a curse word around here...
that said, thyroid problems are controled witha medication called levothyroxin or soloxine...usually one tablet a day forever, good news is its a fairly inexpensive medication....

[hardwork2]

We didn't know that was a bad thing to say. I've seen hundreds of ads for the ''extremely small" variety sale. What do they call them?Extremely small?
What is the best way to determine if she has a thyroid problem?
Another thing she is nibbling on her front feet alot. Does this help? We are afraid she's going to cause them to start bleeding. Thanks

[lucyandlola]

there is no such thing as a ''teacup'' thats just what breeders will call the very small ones...chi sizes vary just like with any other breed...but labeling them means more money for them...about your little one it sounds more like allergies i would see a dermatologist and they can do special tests to see what she is allergic to and tell you how to treat her properly...it doesnt really sound like a thyroid problem...especially since the feet are involved the usual symptoms are lethargy, weight gain, dull coat, skin infections, constipation, diarrhea, skin odor, hair loss, greasy skin, dry skin, reproductive problems, aggression, and so on...if she has that then consult with your vet about the proper blood tests (a t4 and free t4 are usually what they do) i hope this helps...im a certified vet tech thats how i know this by the way i dont want to sound like a know it all...

[Trigger]

Trigger just got back from the Vet on Monday and he has mites! I was having the same issues and called the vet a couple weeks ago and she said all he had was allergies. They didn't go away so I brought him in and gave him the scrape test and he has mites. The patches where he was especially itchy on his back and head are now hairless and are almost like hotspots, I guess. Poor little guy looks like he got beat up!! Hopefully his hair grows back quick. The vet prescribed a special ointment, shampoo and a shot that she gave him.

[Mom2Maya]

If you think it may be allergies, the best way to put it to rest is by the Elisa Test. It is expensive but it will tell you everything that your dog may possibly be allergic too. It is a very extensive test and a great diagnostic tool. Another possibility is the RAST test but I don't know much about it. I have never had a dog do the Elisa Test but working in a animal hospital, I have seen it used quite often. You would be surprised to know that allergies are quite common in pets. I had no idea until I started working where I do. I know one medication that our vets use for itching is called Atopica. It is expensive but in most situations, it works. I don't know what the situation must be though for the pet to be prescribed this medication.

Just a few web sites that may be very helpful to you:

www.peteducation.com
www.avma.org
www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp - this is the online merck manual for veterinarians - it is quite heady in it's information but may assist you in alot of different information. It is a Vet's bible.
www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx

I have used these website sooo many times in my own mission to educate myself.

Good luck in your endeavor to find out answers to your questions!

:p Smiles! :p

Kristi

[Austinsmom622]

purina isnt a good food that prob why shes itching you should switch to nutro-
merrick - chicken soup one of the better foods