Dear Dr. Baum
--
My dog's got a really bad skin rash on his upper back and stomach.
We have given him antibiotics, and that helped, but a few months
after we stopped giving them to him, the same skin rash returned. We
tried changing his food and it makes no difference. What may I do to
help my little pooch? (3-4 yr old cocker Spaniel) :-(
Dear
:-( :
Well, you
certainly have the right breed to be afflicted with the kind of
dermatological problems that you described. Cocker Spaniels, indeed
all the spaniel breeds, are prone to a variety of skin conditions
that ultimately manifest themselves as oily seborrheas. This
condition typically presents as an oily, flakey coat punctuated with
multiple rashes which appear as raised red dots as well as circular
peeling lesions. Very often there is a concurrent ear infection
present.
As you
learned, it is not too difficult to remedy the situation at hand,
but what is difficult is to control the tendency for constant
recurrence. Some of these dogs may be hypothyroid (low functioning
of thyroid gland) and a simple blood test will determine if they
need thyroid supplementation.
In most situations,
the condition is triggered by allergies that initially inflame the
skin, causing increased flakiness and increased oil production by
the sebaceous glands. The increased oiliness of the skin allows the
proliferation of the bacterial population which in turn causes
secondary pyoderma (infections in the skin- i.e. acne). Treatment
is directed at clearing the secondary problem of the pyoderma with
antibiotics (Clindamycin is my favorite at this time), as well as
frequent bathing with shampoos to remove the excess oil (Benzyl
Peroxide). At the same time, treatment for the allergy with
anti-inflammatory drugs (Triamcinolone or Prednisolone) should be
initiated. Depending on the level of chronicity, it should take
anywhere from two to six weeks to clear up the problem.
Long-term therapy is aimed at controlling the inciting factors of
allergy by use of antihistamines or low doses of oral Prednisolone.
Frequent bathing with mild hypoallergenic shampoos as well as good
flea control is also essential. The ultimate maintenance dose of
oral medication should always be the least amount that keeps the
problem under control. Of course the dose can fluctuate due to
seasonal and environmental conditions such as increased pollen
counts and Santa Ana winds. Maintaining these types of skin
problems is a lifelong commitment. Good Luck!!
Next
week:
Surprise question!
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