Skin Issues – Superficial Bacterial Infection

by | May 10, 2019 | Ask A Vet, Skin Issues | 0 comments

by Amber
(Tucson, AZ)

Belly rash with some scabby bumps

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.

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.

Comments for Skin Issues – Superficial Bacterial Infection

Feb 23, 2010My 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.

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.

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 dog food 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.

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

Jul 29, 2015Sounds exactly like why my dog was FINALLY diagnosed with! NEW
by: Anonymous The symptoms sound identical to what my dog had for almost a year. After multiple vet visits, hours of scouring the Internet and tests for scary diseases, she was finally diagnosed with a skin yeast infection. A switch to a raw diet was ultimately what cured it. An allergy to something in her dry dog food was what threw off her immune system, allowing the normal levels of yeast on the skin go haywire.
Jul 29, 2015My Online Vet Response for: Skin Issues-Superficial Bacterial Infection NEW
by: Dr Carol Jean Tillman July 29, 2015

Dear Anonymous,

Good for you for switching your dog to a raw diet. In many cases that is all it takes to restore health!

At this time, I am no longer answering questions online. So, if any others find they need help, it would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian or, better yet, find a local holistic veterinarian to help.

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

Take care
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Jul 29, 2015My Online Vet Response for: Skin Issues-Superficial Bacterial Infection NEW
by: Dr Carol Jean Tillman July 29, 2015

Dear Anonymous,

Good for you for switching your dog to a raw diet. In many cases that is all it takes to restore health!

At this time, I am no longer answering questions online. So, if any others find they need help, it would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian or, better yet, find a local holistic veterinarian to help.

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

Take care
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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