10 Year-Old Weimaraner Needs Alternative to Steriods

by Reed A.
(Massachusetts, USA)

Weimaraner Foreleg Rash

Weimaraner Eye Rash

Weimaraner Neck Rash

We have a 10 year-old Weimaraner that developed an intense itching problem about two months ago. He never had problems like this before, and we can't identify anything significant that changed in his environment, eating or daily exercise routine.

Since the itching started he has scratched or nibbled off his hair in several places and his skin is red and swollen across his ears, belly, forelegs and part of his flanks (see 3 pictures above).

Our vet initially diagnosed an "environmental allergy" and put him on a light dose of steroid (prednisone) and benedryl for a couple of weeks. This did not seem to have much effect. The vet then put him on a higher dose of steroids -- which he is now on continuously -- but he still scratches a lot, is always hungry and thirsty, and is starting to have issues with his bowels.

I seem to recall that prolonged steroid use has negative side effects. We'd like to try something else. What do you recommend?

Thanks!

-Reed A.

Comments for
10 Year-Old Weimaraner Needs Alternative to Steriods

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My Online Vet Response for 10 year old Weimeraner needs Alternative to Steroids
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Reed,
You are absolutely correct that long term steroid use can be detrimental to your dog's (and human) health. Since the itching has had no improvement with anti-inflammatory drug use, the diagnosis of environmental allergy is incorrect.

It usually indicates a food allergy, although it would be best to be sure by having some skin scrapings and fungus cultures done, and also a blood panel to check thyroid levels. The blood panel would also help to monitor if the liver is ok after taking the steroids.

You made no mention of what diet your dog is on, or if this itching started after a diet change. Other 'triggers' to a sudden onset of itching could be a vaccination.

The locations of where your dog is scratching is very suspicious of Sarcoptic mange. This mite, once into the skin, does cause intense itching, and steroids would not clear it up. It is also contagious to humans. Check if anyone else in the household has a rash and itching.

Seeking out the help of a local holistic veterinarian to guide you along, weaning your dog off the steroids and providing support for the liver (I would suggest starting milk thistle at 8mg per lb two times daily to help the liver while you are weaning him off of the steriods) would all be good ideas to consider.

In the meantime, adding some Omega 3 fish oil for dogs to his diet, about 500mg twice a day, and transitioning him to a raw dog food diet may help to moisturize the skin from the inside.

And NO more vaccinations until this problem is solved and his immune system is back to normal. Even then, if a vaccination is what triggered this problem, I would be VERY cautious about repeating any vaccination in the future. See Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats and the section on "Harmful Effects of Vaccinations".

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Skin Conditions,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section

Dr. Tillman Was Correct!!!
by: Reed A.

Dear Dr. Tillman.

Thank you for your assistance. Following your diagnosis we took our dog back to the vet and, after further testing, the vet determined that the dog was indeed suffering from sarcoptic mange, as you suspected.

There is a lesson in this, I believe, that veterinarians may be just as easily prone to prescribing the steroid "quick fix" for animals as they are for humans!

Best regards,

-Reed A.

My Online Vet Response for 10 Year-Old Weimaraner Needs Alternative to Steroids
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Reed,
I am so glad you were able to get the correct diagnosis, and the help that your dog needs!

Thank you for letting us know!

Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Re:10 year old weim needs alternative to steroids
by: Anonymous

Hello! I have a 7 year old weim who started getting the same type of rash on her neck.. It turns out she became allergic to the metal on her choke collar!! She has had allergies to food ( diary and corn) and as she gets older her sensitivities seem to change.. Hope this helps!MG

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