Hi I am not too sure but I think my dog has excema I took him to the vets because he was scratching his ears a lot they gave me the usual ear drops but a few days later he was still scratching and I found a dry dark patch near his ears I then found hard spot with a black top on it I asked my friend to look at it and she seems to think he might have a bit of excema.  Has anyone got any ideas what this could be before I take another trip to the vets.

I'm afraid that diagnosis is outwith the remit of any posters - your vet should re-examine the dog and s/he will be then better able to advise what treatment if any is required. 

There are a number of reasons and varied conditions which result in visible differences to skin and coat and so only a professional exam can serve your dog's best interests as well as your own :)

regards, Teri

Do as suggested get your vet to take another look, also ask your vet if a blood test for allergies would be a worthwhile thing, my dog sufferd for 12 months with a reoccuring ear problem and scratching of itchy skin with scabs and sore red patches and, it was suggested that we try a blood test to diagnose, it was expensive but well worth it, blood test (£200 approx).  My dog was found to suffer from an allergic reaction to food and dust mites, he's been on anti allergy jab treatment (£800 for a years worth) for a year, is just coming to the end of it, its worked and he is a much happier contented and scrath free dog, with no more ear problems.  Your Pet insurance, if you have it, could cover the costs of treatment but check and do it quickly as you may have a time limit to when you can claim.

Scratching and reoccuring ear problems can indicate an allergy of some kind, check the paws for redness inbetween the toes too, even mild redness can also be an indicator for allergy.  I'm only speaking from my experience but its worth asking the vet if they think allergy could be the source of your problem.

Good luck and hope it all sorts itself out.

B

Many thanks I will make an appointment and get him checked out.