Skin Issues - Superficial Bacterial Infection

by Amber
(Tucson, AZ)

Belly rash with some scabby bumps

We have a 2 year old mutt, and about a year ago she started losing hair across her entire body and developed scab like bumps on her legs, head, and neck along with dry skin.

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She also gets a red rash on her belly intermittently. The condition improved for a while but has now returned. She has had lab tests for desert animal diseases (Valley Fever, etc), thyroid problems, mites, mange, etc.

We started giving her fish oil and changed her to a hypoallergenic diet, eliminating grains and beef, but her symptoms continue.

She has occasional hot spots on her front legs but otherwise doesn't seem to scratch or lick more than normal.

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Skin Issues - Superficial Bacterial Infection

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My Online Vet Response for Skin Issues
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Amber,
The photo you sent is rather non-descriptive for any specific disease. But it appears to look like a superficial bacterial infection, especially appearing in the abdominal area. I would be concerned at her young age, developing hair loss and chronic superficial skin problems plus hot spots, that this could have started after receiving a vaccination.
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Anything that would affect her immune system could make her more susceptible to these types of problems. Vaccinations are the most common cause, but emotional/mental stresses and exposures to toxins (dietary/environmental) are also possibilities. As time goes on, if the underlying problem is not identified or corrected, she may develop more chronic problems, such as ear infections, bladder/vaginal infections, gum/tooth disease, etc.

Therefore, I would suggest starting with a treatment plan that seeks the help of a local holistic veterinarian. Click here to find a vet in your area.

A hypoallergenic diet would only be beneficial if she did have a dog food allergy. (And she would need to be on the food for at least 3-6 weeks to see any improvement.) Also, a hypoallergenic diet is a very restrictive diet, and not one that would be conducive to producing a thick, shiny, hair coat. I would suggest checking some of the raw diet products.

Bathing her with a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo, one time per week for 3-6 weeks would help to remove some of the surface bacteria on her skin.

Omega 3 Fish oils are good supplement for improving the skin and hair coat. But again, she needs to have a 'HOLISTIC' check-up/exam.

The goal is to work on treating the whole patient, not just the skin, using homeopathic remedies,trying to improve the diet, adding needed supplements, provide emotional balancers,remove toxins, remove effects from vaccinosis, etc. in order to boost the immune system and improve the vital force so the patient heals.

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: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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Submitted by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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Comment
 <span style="clear:both;"> <div class="AdSenseBoxMid" id="mid_add">  <script type='text/javascript'> GA_googleFillSlot("OPD-sbi-c2-template-CONTENT-midleft-300x250-wrap"); </script> </div> </span> Hi Amber, The photo you sent is rather non-descriptive for any specific disease. But it appears to look like a superficial bacterial infection, especially appearing in the abdominal area. I would be concerned at her young age, developing hair loss and chronic superficial skin problems plus hot spots, that this could have started after receiving a <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-vaccination-schedule.html">vaccination</a>.  </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </span> --> Anything that would affect her immune system could make her more susceptible to these types of problems. Vaccinations are the most common cause, but emotional/mental stresses and exposures to toxins (dietary/environmental) are also possibilities. As time goes on, if the underlying problem is not identified or corrected, she may develop more chronic problems, such as <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-ear-infection.html">ear infections</a>, <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-incontinence-products.html">bladder/vaginal infections</a>, <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-dental-hygiene.html">gum/tooth disease</a>, etc. Therefore, I would suggest starting with a treatment plan that seeks the help of a local holistic veterinarian. <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/animal-care-dog-holistic.html#Locate">Click here to find a vet in your area</a>. A hypoallergenic diet would only be beneficial if she did have a <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-with-dog-food-allergy.html">dog food allergy</a>. (And she would need to be on the food for at least 3-6 weeks to see any improvement.) Also, a hypoallergenic diet is a very restrictive diet, and not one that would be conducive to producing a thick, shiny, hair coat. I would suggest checking some of the <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/raw-natural-dog-food.html">raw diet products</a>. Bathing her with a mild shampoo, such as baby shampoo, one time per week for 3-6 weeks would help to remove some of the surface bacteria on her skin. Omega 3 Fish oils are good supplement for improving the skin and hair coat. But again, she needs to have a 'HOLISTIC' check-up/exam. The goal is to work on treating the whole patient, not just the skin, using homeopathic remedies,trying to improve the diet, adding needed supplements, provide emotional balancers,remove toxins, remove effects from vaccinosis, etc. in order to boost the immune system and improve the vital force so the patient heals. 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: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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