Just wondering if anyone might be able to throw some light on this....
Alfie had a skin infection a while ago.  His armpit was very pink and spotty.  The vet gave him a 10 day course of antibiotics which improved his condition but not 100%.  Now he has what looks like the same thing but on his chest and the vet has put him on a 15 day course of antibiotics with a special shampoo to be used twice a week.  It's 11 days now and has improved but I can't see it clearing by the end of the course.  By the way, it doesn't seem to bother him in the slightest.  No hair loss or itching.  I know pointers are prone to skin problems and I'm wondering if maybe it could be something more serious.  Has anyone had a similar experience at all?  Thanks for your help.

Hi there it sounds very much like what my girl had, you should try steroids. I couldnt at the time as i thought she might be in whelp....But thats what the vet  to do  after...

I would have your dog thoroughly investigated and rule out contact dermatitis, environmental allergies, yeast infections or food allergies first; steroids, IMHO should only be used as a last resort as they control the symptoms but do not treat the cause and can have unfortunate side effects.

Hi,

I've recently had a similar sort of problem with my 6 year old beagle who started scratching her belly and armpits back in February.  We spent several visits to the vets who prescribed antiobiotics and sebocalm shampoo and also gave her a steroid jab which didn't do a lot of good.  Someone suggested using Johnsons coal tar and sulphur shampoo once a week and we also give her a capsule of oil of evening primrose a day.   Although the problem is not 'cured' her skin is so much better and she does not scratch any more.   As we've found out, an allergy could be down to anything - and unlesss you are insured it could cost a small fortune finding out what they are allergic to.

Pehaps you should look to a change of diet? Maybe a food related allergy is the root cause of your problems and a food without additives if you don't already feed one may help. I have found Malaseb wash from the vets very good for 'skin things'. Also do you have a dog blanket? When washing a dog blanket beware the use of some washing powders can irritate a dogs skin. :-)

My dog has got ongoing problems with patches of hair loss - usually on his legs.  He's had steroids which cleared it for a few months, but I don't want him to be on steroids as a long term solution.  At the moment I'm trying Quistel lotion spray on his patches, have used it for about 10 days - and I'm pleased to say it seems to be working!  They have a website if you want to check it out www.actigeneruk.co.uk
  It cost me £34 for shampoo and lotion spray (incl p&p), but I figured if I went back to the vet I'd be paying at least that again anyway, and thought it was worth a try!
  Hilda
 

My dogs itchiness seems to be due to food allergy too
Hes been so much better since he changed to hypoallergenic food