Hi there

My westie Millie has started scratching and biting the area by her tail and above her back legs. Also when you stroke her in that area her back legs twitch, as if you have caught a nerve. Ive bathed her in her special ezcema shampoo from the vets and she has had frontline on for a few weeks now. Also my friend was stroking her the other day and thinks she may have a lump either side above her back legs, i groom her everyday and it feels no different to me, could this be related? I have looked closely at the area but cant see anything on the fur or skin.

Thanks
Sarah

I shall look forward to the replys on this as my 11 week Norfolk Cross appears to be experiencing similar symptons, she has not got fleas and the tape test at the vet shows clear but she cannot seem to stop scratching in the sam place you mention. I also thought I felt a lump on one side and if I try to touch the area she gets upset.

Sorry I couldn't help

Debbie

Hi there,

If she doesn't have fleas etc, it could be the summer, one of mine is a bit itchy in these areas also but this always happens during the month of August when Hayfever suffers can be at their worst.

It may be worth trying some piriton and see if this helps , it is harmless in the correct dosage and you will know it is this if it works. Also keep her off the grass as much as possible.

( like all medication it is worth give the vet a call just to ask if this is OK)

Pam

My lab had the same, the vet says it is flea allergy, I use frontline too but he said the flea only has to jump on her and bite her once before he dies to cause this problem. He gave us antibiotics and cream and told us to give her a piriton. It worked fine.

Anal gland impaction can lead to biting at the base of the tail - other possible symptoms including 'scooting' and a fishy smelling discharge......

I agree - take to the vet and get the anal glands checked out - it does sound like they may need emptying (quick and easy usually). If they are ok then the vet will help you work out what the problem is.

Hi there

Thanks for your replies, i phoned my vet this morning, and they also recommended piriton and to carry on bathing the area in warm salty water. I gave her the first dose of piriton this monring, and 'touch wood' this evening, she hasnt scratched or bitten the area once. So fingers crossed, the vet said it should clear up quite quickly and if it is still sore on wednesday to take her along for a check over.
I will keep you posted
Sarah

I have a shih-tzu who has this problem every year. This year it is particularly bad. The vet in the past has given her anti-biotics but it doesn't really do much. He has never suggested piriton. What dosage do you give and is this the liquid we are talking about. It would be great to find something to help her. Maggie

Hello again
Just thought i would update you, Millie's biting and scratching got worse, so i took her to the vets last night, and ended up coming home with a rather unhappy shaved westie :( They shaved the bad area, and she had an injection to help the itching, also she is on antibiotics, they checked her for fleas, and said she was clear, but dont know what bit her. So she is on tablets for a week plus the piriton.
On a more serious nite, they gave her a once over whilst i was there and found a small lump by one of her nipples, she had a breast tumour removed back in March and it was benign and they did an xray and it hadnt spread. They want to wait a week to see if the antibiotics clear it up, in case it is related to the bite, but if it is still there on wednesday they want to take her in to have it removed. She was only spayed this year, so apparently these lumps are quite common in older dogs who were spayed late.
Ill keep you posted
Sarah and Milliexxx

To all - I strongly suggest that you do not give ANY medicine without getting advice/permission from your vet. Piriton will stop scratching/mask symptoms but will not find the cause/and may not solve the problem and you will assume the dog is better when it may be actually be getting worse.

Hi Sarah,

I hope Millies lump turns out to be nothing. Try not to worry about it.

Did the vet actually see a bite? Just wondered why they actually shaved her. From what you are saying it seems they didn't find anything obvious with regards the itching. Fingers crossed the antibiotics and piriton settle her down. The summer months do or can upset them a little. I was at the ringcraft lastnight and a few were taking about how the extra heat this year has made the usual summer troubles worse. All different breeds.

Let is know how she gets on.

Pam