Sheryl

Thank you for free information, it's wonderful to know someone is still around that can afford a labor of love.

My dogs are Terriers, Sonny and Gracie. Sonny is 6 years old and has had skin problems since he was a puppy. They haven't been terrible and have been manageable. We have used benedryl this year more than ever before as it was recommended by our Vet.
Sonny had a severe reaction to something this year. The vet seems to think it was his diet. I feel he ate something on his walk. I want to trust the vet but I have to say I don't. :( Sonny had severe diarrhea. After 3 days at the vet, and testing. The Dr. told me he had kidney damage, enlarged liver and possible pancreas problems. He put Sonny on antibiotics and changed his diet to Vension Potatoe by Royal Canine.

I have continued with this diet for 5 mos. His hair is falling out and he has extremely dry skin and both dogs itch day and night.

I have just purchase Dynovite for dogs. Skin eze shampoo and conditioner which I have had some luck with in the past.

I have fed Sonny raw food in the past and a new product for a year called Fresh Select which seemed to work fairly well with no problems until the severe diareaha which the Vet claimed was from his probable allergey to chicken, turkey and beef.

I feel a little afraid to change foods, but I feel Royal canin diet is not right due to Sonnys rashy, itchy skin and thin hair. (no hot spots). Gracie now is itchy too, red feet from the grass I guess and dry skin and itchy all over from the food change? I just don't know.Oh by the way Gracie is now 3 years old and is Terrier Poodle mix. :)

Please tell me your thoughts and advice and forgive my English skills.

Thank you again, Sheryl

My Comment:

Hi Sheryl

Thank you for your kind words!

This helps me a lot in “keep me going”

And now to your problem...

It is not possible for me to be very specific as several dogs and their problem is not straightforward.

I don't know whats have been done earlier but reading your question I got some things to be aware off.

First of all can it be scabies?

Or another parasite?

If more than one dog has symptoms I always regard this as a possibility. This, of cause depends on your local “parasite problem” but have you thought of scabies.

The symptoms might not be classical but can at times be very difficult to see as scabies. Often the dogs bite their legs and can loose a lot of fur.

Only a thought and not by any means a diagnosis!

Malassezia in dogs can be a problem as well. It can complicate another skin disease or be the cause by its own. It is easy to do a impression smear and look in the microscope to see if any “club like organisms” can be found.

Shampoos or medicine can be used to controlled the malassezia infection. This has often a great effect on the puritus.

The general amount of bacterias on the skin can be important as well. Too many can cause itching as well. Easy to get some ideas about the bacterial number on the skin in the same impression smear as used in the malassezia investigation.

Do you get any medication for the kidneys and liver?

Liver blood samples, are they normal?

In general in skin diseases which is difficult to control, some hydrolyzed diet or a diet free from grain and a novel protein source could be a help.

“Hypoallergenic” or “Sensitive” – both from Royal Canin is good choices. Just remember that it might take several weeks before any improvement is seen on the itching.

The pancreas problem should be taken into account, but I don't know if it is a big problem or not.

Omega 3 is very important and can have a very beneficial effect on the kidneys as well.

So this is a must, and it should be fish oil omega 3.

I hope this can add some value to your thought process and give you some new ideas.

All the best

Per Schonbeck