Has anyone else's dog suffered with the same symptoms as my mum's eleven year old miniature schnauzer who is constantly licking himself and has huge areas on his body of nasty thick black scabs?

He has been to the vets several times who prescribed various different drugs none of which deal with the source of the problem and all have side-effects.

Could anyone suggest a homeopathic remedy or any advise as my mum is now at her wits end.

Thanks,
Jenny.

Sounds awful - I would ask the vet for the name of a skin specialist and to be honest I wouldn't give the dog any more drugs until I got a better professional opinion from an expert.  Good luck.

My dog had similair scabs and was prescribed anti biotics followed by steroids over a period of 3 months. In the end the vet did skin tests which identified the problem straight away. Turned out to be Demodicosis and also after a while Ringworm as well. The anti biotics were totally useless for either and the steroids even making the problem worse. Knowing what I know now, I would insist on skin testing from the outset. It took another 6 weeks to clear the problems once diagnosed. All this time my pup was unable to attend training classes and has had detrimental concequences as regards her socialisation. All those drugs which were not required. This problem has cost hundred of pounds also (good job she was Insured). Makes you wonder wether this is the vets way of getting more cash knowing that they are Insured?