My pup was treated last week at the vets for Anal Gland problems with steroids and anti biotics. The tabs did not agree with her and she had loose bowels. I continued the pills for 5 days but then felt so sorry for her that I rang the vet to see if I could discontinue. They said I could and I have managed to get the poops solid by feeding chicken breasts and rice. She has also been having live yoghurt and fish oil. She has loved this change in food but only getting a poop once a day. She is also drinking less water and seems to be reluctant to pass water. She continues to scratch and bite herself although not as bad as it was. The vet said to go back to them and she would prescribe something else.

My pup does not to have been right for ages and has had so many anti biotics (4 times in the last 7 months) that I'm reluctant to take her back to the vets as they probably will want to give her more. All this started following her first season. My question is how long after treatment would you expect the itching to stop and how long before the skin will start to heal up. I have ordered some Quistel shampoo but waiting for it to arrive.

Any help would be appreciated.  

Are they just giving her antibiotics or doing any tests to find the underlying problems ?  Maybe testing is now indicated to find out exactly what is wrong with your pup.

As to how long she will take to heal up and stop itching - it depends on what is wrong and whether is it now cured or eliminated

If she was having dry kibble before then she would not need as much water with a diet that contains liquid but if she is reluctant to pass water then this should be looked into as well in case she has an UTI/blockage etc.

Hope she is fit soon

only anti biotics so far, no tests.

If she is drinking less water this would result in less pee produced? It used to be the first thing she did in the morning on getting up but now it is after her breakfast. The reason I worry about the amount of pee is that she has had 2 bouts of cystitus.

Looks like its back to the vets but hopefully no more drugs untill tests prove whats wrong.

Thanks for your reply.

As she gets older the need to rush out for a wee first thing will ease. As long as it's a reasonable amount and not too dark or smelly I wouldn't worry unduly.

How is her itchy skin now? There are various things you can try, but it is important not to keep on changing her management, or you will not be able to isolate just what is causing her problems. There is stuff the vet can give you which will clear her skin quite quickly, but it doesn't actually SOLVE the underlying problem, just stops her reaction to it for a while. If she scratches too much she will get a skin infection.... more antibiotics... it can be a nightmare. There is plenty of advice available on the internet, a google search for GSD itchy skin will bring up all sorts of information. BUT only try one thing at a time, and be patient. Nothing will provide an overnight cure!

Hope she is improving.