Dog Ongoing/Recurring Skin Rash

by Sarah Saez
(San Diego, CA, USA)

Dog's Armpit Rash

My dog has had some form of a recurring rash since I rescued him two years ago.

Hello, My name is Sarah and my dog's name is Wally. He's a 9 pound what I think is a silky terrier. I found him two years ago in the middle of an intersection. After seeing if he was micro chipped and trying to find any owner we happily added him to our family.

Since finding Wally he had a rash on his belly that looked different from the one he has now, almost like a fungus. We took him to the vet who prescribed us miconazole lotion. That helped for a while but when the rash came back a while later we took him to another vet who performed a skin scraping on him and various other tests.

This vet diagnosed him with skin dermatitis, skin category pseudomena spp. and prescribed him ketochlor shampoo and cetopodoxime. This seemed again to work but the rash reappeared again and we tried taking him to yet another vet so see if they could help, and who again gave him a skin scrape, again ruling out mites or roundworm, and gave us genesis topical spray that hasn't cleared the rash (they never even gave us a diagnosis).

So here we are again, with no real answer to his problem and still worried about our baby. The rash is mainly under his right armpit and there is hair loss there. We also discovered the rash on his neck area. He used to naw at his arm a good deal but now seems to be itching other parts of his body, mainly his elbows.

We've given him flee baths and use Frontline spray but there's no real sign of him having fleas that we can tell, and fleas have not been spotted by any of the vets we've taken him to.

We're feeding him wellness now and switched from Eukanuba. We just want to find out what's wrong with him, get a diagnosis and find a way that we can treat him effectively for the long term.

Thanks so much.

Comments for
Dog Ongoing/Recurring Skin Rash

Click here to add your own comments

My Online Vet Response for Dog Ongoing/Recurring Skin Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Sarah,
From just a photo of Wally, I do not think that I will be able to give you a diagnosis. BUT, from his history of a recurring skin problem since the time you found him running in the street in an intersection, I would be very suspicious of Wally having some emotional grief or sadness.

The bacteria found is probably only secondary to the true underlying problem. If Wally has been continually itching, chewing, and irritating the area and not allowing it to heal, of course, it will get infected. His overall immune system is depressed, making him more susceptible to bacteria, fungus, etc. Also, if he has any dental problems, gingivitis, or a bad tooth, the bacteria in his mouth, and saliva can transfer to his skin.

Therefore, improving his emotional well being using Bach flower essences would be the first step. In the clinic, I would make up a 'Bach Combo' for Wally. Using a 2 oz glass dropper bottle, add 10 drops of Rescue Remedy, 5 drops of Walnut, 5 drops of Honeysuckle, and 5 drops of Water violet. Fill it with Spring Water, and add 2-3 drops to his drinking water daily or squirt 1/2 dropperful into his mouth once a day. Continue for 3-4 weeks (Rescue remedy for anxiety, walnut for getting adjusted to change, honeysuckle for homesickness and water violet for grief.)

If he is improving then decrease to 2 times per week for another month. Then to one time per week for a month.

You can also make up this mixture in a small travel size pump spray bottle, to spray on his skin as needed to 'calm' down the skin. If he licks it, it will help him too.

Next, he must be on canned Wellness, NOT dry food. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options. Canned or a raw diet would be essential for his immune system and to allow his skin and haircoat to return to normal.

Next, remove all toxins from his body, and STOP the Frontline and any flea repellents. Use an oatmeal shampoo (like EpiSoothe) weekly to help reduce the itching. If his skin is dry, then massage in coconut oil all over, especially in those areas that are the worst, let it stay on for 1-2 hours and soak into his skin. (You may need to put him into a carrier so he is not jumping onto your furniture and get everything greasy.) Then bathe him with Dawn Dish soap, to remove the oil, followed by the oatmeal shampoo. This can be done weekly for a month, then as needed.

(Continued in Part 2-Ongoing/recurring skin rash)

Part 2 - Dog Ongoing/Recurring Skin Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

(continued from above)

There are also many good dog dietary supplements available to improve the immune system and help the skin. Mega C powder, Immuplex, and Omega 3 fish oils are a few of them. And finding a holistic veterinarian would be the best way to help guide you in restoring Wally to good health.

To find a holistic veterinarian in your area click here:
find a holistic veterinarian in your area

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

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,
- Dog Itchy Skin,
- Dog Skin Rash,
- Dog Skin Allergies,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask a Vet Online via My Online Vet (SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED FOR NEW QUESTIONS)

Want to ask our veterinarians a question but haven't subscribed to My Online Vet? Click here to learn how or click here to go back to the Ask a Vet Online Library of questions.

Want monthly "News You Can Use" and important Organic Pet Digest new content updates? Click here to sign up for our FREE Dog Care Monthly newsletter.

For additional research, search for your topic...

Also see...

OPD's Site Map of Dog Care Topics

Disclaimers: The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a pet owner/site visitor and his/her local veterinarian(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified professional.

In the spirit of full disclosure, we wanted to let you know that we proudly support this website through advertising and affiliate marketing. In other words, when you click on a link that takes you outside of this website, we often earn a small commission. These small commissions allow us to keep the site up and running and to continue offering it completely free of charge to you. Rest assured that all content, recommendations and advice are created before, and are independent of, any sponsorship or affiliate relationship. Click here for more info.

Vet Care

Food & Treats

Illnesses & Remedies

Health & Wellness

Pet Friendly Travel

Grooming

Product Reviews

OPD Community