by Maria
(Ecuador)

Last year my dog Bruno developed a skin allergy that the doctor treated with some antibiotics. Later we changed his food to an hypoallergenic one (Z/D Canine Ultra hypoallergenic) because we noticed that the food with proteins increased his skin problems, itching, etc. (pink spots that develop in black crusts). Right after we changed the food, we noticed that his skin improved a lot and two weeks later, he has no sign of the crusty skin.

He has been eating this food for nearly 10 months.
He is underweight (13 lbs) but his appetite is good and his always plays with my other dog (schnauzer too). Nevertheless he is a very nervous and stressful dog.

In February 2013, we moved to Ecuador in South America and we brought our dogs and the hypoallergenic food. Our dog keeps eating only the mentioned food, but again he is starting to develop the same symptoms that he had before. The symptoms were accompanied with black spots and his belly hair turned to a weird pink color (new signs).

The city that we live is very humid and hot in the 1st quarter of the year and the houses do not have air conditioning in all the areas of the house. I do not know if the weather is one of the factors.

He has been treated on and off with antibiotics but he continues to develop the pink rash one week after the antibiotics. I do not know if he became allergic to the food or something else.

He a 7 year old white/gray miniature schnauzer. Two years ago he was diagnostic with a aspergillus in his nose. He received 2 treatments and he had a successful recovery.

P.S. Additional Information:

Bruno is a lovely dog – he has a sweet dog but is very nervous and shy personality around people. He loves to be with our family but he is not sociable at all.

He loves to play with my other dog (Henry, with a strong personality). He feels secure with Henry but also he respect him a lot.

We take them out for a walk 4 times a day for 25 minutes or so. He drinks a lot of water after the walks.

Also, I forgot to mention that our veterinarian (new doctor) perform a blood test to know how was his liver, kidneys, thyroid, etc. Everything came back fine except that he has an increase of his white cells due to the round of antibiotics that he took the last 2 months.

She thinks that he is malnourished because of his diet ( ultraa hypoallergenic diet) and she prescribed some vitamins. She also found a bacteria in his blood test that was produced by a tick or mosquito bite. She prescribed an antibiotic to get rid of that.

Regarding the food, I tried to incorporate a small amount of a new hypoallergenic food (Royal canine imported from Argentina) that has a little bit more protein, but with no good results.

Instead of that, I tried with the z/d canned food (I bring this food from USA in case of emergency, but I ran out of it) and he loves it and I also see a little improvement.

Is there any way that he can eat a homemade food?

Could I put neosporin in the affected area or give him some benadryl?

Best regards,
Maria

Comments for Pink Dog Skin Rash with Black Crusty Areas & Black Spots

Jul 18, 2013My Online Vet Response for: Pink dog Skin Rash with Black Crusty Areas & Black Spots
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman July 18, 2013

Hi Maria,

For Bruno, a 7 year old Male neutered Miniature Schnauzer, you wrote:
“Two years ago he was treated for Aspergillus in the nose.”

This is a condition seen in immuno-compromised individuals. For Bruno to be susceptible to this disease indicates that his immune system was severely weakened.

You wrote,
“Last year he developed a skin allergy treated with antibiotics and managed with Z/D.”

Z/D is considered an extreme’ hypoallergenic diet. Not a diet conducive to improving or building a good immune system.

You wrote,
“This year we moved to Ecuador and the skin problems have returned. Treated with MORE antibiotics.”

Moving to a foreign country is a HUGE stress on any individual, human or canine! And you mention that Bruno has a nervous, stressful personality, he is shy and NOT sociable. (Which indicates he has a difficult time adapting to new things, places or people.) He ‘respects’ the other dog that has a strong personality. (Meaning that he must always be subordinate, and be careful how he reacts toward the other dog? More stress!)

He is thirsty. (Borderline dehydration will predispose to skin problems, dry skin, allergies, skin infections, etc.) His blood test shows an increased white blood cell count, and there is bacteria in his blood. He is treated with MORE antibiotics.

OK, here are my suggestions:

1. A homemade diet would be EXCELLENT!

Check the recipes found in Dr Richard Pitcairn’s book, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

And consider using the RAW meat he suggests in the book. NO RAW PORK or RAW FISH. There are some hypoallergenic recipes included in the book.

2. You may need to continue the canned Z/D to incorporate it into the ‘new’ homemade food to get him used to it. DO NOT FEED him any DRY DOG FOOD. In fact, it would be healthier to have your other dog on a canned plus raw diet also.

3. NO VACCINATIONS. Bruno already has a very weak immune system. He is NOT healthy. He should not receive any more vaccinations at all.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO


Jul 18, 2013My Online Vet Response for: Pink Dog Skin Rash with Black Crusty Areas & Black Spots
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman Hi Maria,
Here is the rest of my response.

4. Supplement his diet with Acidophilus.

Acidophilus is the beneficial bacteria that is found in the intestine. Every time he has had antibiotics, more of the ‘good’ bacteria in his intestine is killed. (You can use ‘human’ acidophilus in a capsule form. Open the capsule and sprinkle in 1/4 capsule into his food two times daily.)

5. Add one of these immune supplements to his food to build his immune system:

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

6. Bathe him one time per week with a mild baby shampoo or oatmeal shampoo. DO NOT apply any ointment or topical cream to his skin. It will only ‘draw’ his attention to it, and encourage him to lick it.

Instead use Rescue Remedy. (A natural flower essence used to decrease anxiety and to help calm down the skin.) Hopefully, this is available in Ecuador. Or you can order it online!

Add 20 drops to 4 oz pump spray bottle and fill with Spring Water. Keep it in the refrigerator and spray on his skin as often as needed. You can also add 3-4 drops to his water bowl daily for the next 3-4 weeks. You may need to make him wear a cotton ‘baby’ T-shirt to prevent him from scratching his skin even more.

7. Homeopathic remedies would be an excellent alternative to use instead of antibiotics, or Benadryl. A holistic veterinarian would be the best to consult to get started.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

If you MUST use Benadryl, the dose for dogs is 1 mg per lb two times daily. If Bruno is only 13 lbs he can take 13 mg two times daily. In the US, Benadryl is available over the counter in liquid children formula, 1 tsp = 12.5 mg. Or the ‘Adult’ formula is 25 mg per tablet.

So, Bruno would need 1/2 tablet two times daily. I suggest giving him a low dose to start, then increase as needed. Perhaps only 1/4 or 1/2 tsp of the liquid form one time daily to see if that helps.

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

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 Symptom Checker – Photo, Question & Answer Library for Thousands of Dog Symptoms


Jul 20, 2013Pink dog skin rash
by: Maria Thank you very much for your advice.
Finally I have the answers that I was looking for.
I already bought the book that you recommended me.
Thanks!
I will keep you posted in Bruno’s health.

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