Max is going to the vet soon to get this checked out but was just wondering if anyone had come accross this before. Also he's a very itchy dog, what would people recommend to reduce his itchyness, something additional in his diet ? He's fed on Natures Menu Complete by Amp and has been for a while but the skin problem has just showed up. It's not fleas as we treated for fleas with Frontline and powder a couple of weeks ago. Any ideas anyone ?

Its not demodex is it? I dont know what more to say without looking at it but what is the skin underneath like? Does it look normal? Fronline does not do mange. Stronghold does, it also does fleas.
When you go to the vet, depending on what his ears look like, the vet may take a skin scrape and do a tape test to see under the microscope if there are any mites present.
I wouldnt worry yet though. It is easily treated, and even if that is what it is, it is in the very early stages at the mo.

Let us know what happens at the vet.
Good luck
steph
x

Why did you use Frontline AND a powder? Perhaps using this combination has started the itchness off, if it has started since this double treatment? I might be barking up the wrong tree - but maybe not! I haven't used your food but have heard good reports of it though I recommend Burns for itchy dogs - we get quite a few in my breed. I would use Stronghold as previously suggested, just in case its sarcops (mage) but wait until 4 weeks after the Frontlone /powder treatment. Have you changed your washing powder (bedding?) or started to use carpet powder or Febreeze recently as all those things can cause itching.

or new furniture, there was something on the radio yesterday or the day before about the finish you can have as an extra to your leather suite to resist dirt was causing a lot of problems to pets very strong chemical apparently.

We used the powder after a couple of weeks as Max was still itching quite bad as we though maybe the Frontline hadn't worked. I have done the sticky paper test that vets do and cant see any fleas so this is why I was asking. Other than that nothing has changed havn't used any Febreeze or anything but the bald patches on his ears are a puzzle, we at first though he had scratched them with his paws but not so sure now.

Actually someone at the breed club suggested it may be Mange steph but I though only puppies got it as Max is 2½.

No, Demodectic mange can flare up at any age, particularly when the dog is a bit off-colour or run-down, and the immune system is under stress.
:)

Hiya
Mange is something to consider. Sadly all ages can get mange. I would seriously suggest a trip to the vet because In my time working as a vet nurse, I have seen the stages that mange goes through. It starts off quite mildly on the ears or around the eyes, then it progresses and goes onto the muzzle, neck etc. If this was the case then your vet may suggest an aludex bath done weekly to kill off the mites.
of course, saying that, it could be something a lot less serious.
Let us know how it goes, I hope it clears up ok.
steph
x

Hi

I have a staffy who had very dry ears and lost all of her fur, I was advised by breeder to rub vaseline ahas they were very dry, spoke to my vet who thought it may hormonal, after a few weeks her ears are nice and soft and fur has grown back completely. hope this is some use.

NikiH

Could it be allergies? This is the worst time of year for allergies to grass, pollen etc.

Piriton antihistamine tablets (the human variety) might help. The dose my westie took was 1 tablet once a day then up to one tablet twice a day as recommended by her vet.

Spinach added to the diet either chopped up (can be bought chopped and frozen from Farmfoods) or you can put it in a juicer and feed by syringe.

Hibiscrub (from Boots and other big chemists) to bath the dog in. It is an anti microbial wash used by medics to wash their hands in hospitals.

If you think allergies are a possibility I would recommend the following book "The Allergy Solution for dogs by Shawn Messoniner". He is an American vet. I bought mine from Caninenatural Cures in Purley and it was delivered the next day.

Food allergies is another possibility. I have heard of dogs developing allergies to such things as bone meal in their food. Don't know if the food you feed has bone meal in it or not. Something like minced lamb and rice diet could be tried.

Hope you can find something to help Max soon.

Ailsa (with Bonnie the allergic westie)

Hadn't considered allegies will see what the vet says and if he does a skin test for mange.

Hi Banger -is Max insured because a lot of the tests that the vets may suggest cost an absolute fortune? My vets bills are over £2000 in the last 2 years (we are insured but have to pay the vet up front and claim it back).

Let us know how you get on at the vets with Max.

Ailsa