Can't stop Scratching-Help

[Scooby4]

My dog Scooby had a "stroke" a few years back. His entire right side went completely "dead". You could actually feel the difference as it was very cold and clammy on that side. He's recovered back 75% with some lingering issues. His front paw has no feeling in it and his back leg isn't as strong. He can stand up on his hind legs but not on certain surfaces.
Everything has been doing okay. However, for the last few weeks he's gotten an obsessive scratching fit on his right side! I know he is allergic to fleas. He's had them on and off lately. I gave him a bath and got rid of majority of the fleas. However, he still continued to scratch in an are that typically doesn't get the fleas in.
I gave him another bath and no fleas. During the bath time he continued to scratch his right side behind his right front leg on the side. I had to physically hold the leg to stop him! I had to make sure the medicated shampoo wasn't washed off by his scratching. No sign of fleas or cuts in that area.
The "coldness" issue seems to be more prominent on that side lately. He's having some difficult time walking. Mind you he has compensated to his condition with the lack of feeling on that right side over the years in his walk. His walk has now taken a different turn. His legs seem to "fall out" behind him and sometimes seems to "trip" over himself. Especially when excited. I do take him on walks and let him swim to keep him exercised.
Has anyone have a dog with such "special needs?" I plan on taking him to the vet but wanted to make sure I ask the right questions. I am still not sure what caused the original "stroke" if it was one. These could be symptoms of another disorder. If it is, I would like to hear if anyone knows what that could be? He's a beagle/jack russel mix about 7 years old. I am really beginning to seriously worry. He's acting okay but not happy with the obsessive scratching. Seems like some type of numbness issue? Thanks!

[wolfsoul]

When my rat, Frisco, developed paralysis in his back end, he could no longer feel his back feet. He chewed a large hole in each of his hind feet. The vet didn't give me any detailed explanation for this, but told me that it was due to the fact that Frisco could no longer feel his feet. Perhaps it's the same situation with Scooby?

[Scooby4]

I took Scooby to a newer Vet today. Was NOT happy with the results. I was rushed in and out soo fast I am not even sure I could recognize the vet on the street! I don't know if it was because it was just before lunch or there were other patients. I didn't see any patients waiting .
I did get BOTH Scooby and Shaggy their rabies vaccine shots and a 6 month supply of Frontline. They were treated soo fast I never even seen Scooby get his shot! Even Shaggy wasn't even snapping it was soo fast.
I did try to talk to the vet about Scooby's condition but didn't get any information I didn't already know. He just told me that Scooby has "Ultra Sensitivity". DUH!!! Why do you think I was there? He also told me that Scooby should take an antihystamine on a more daily regimen. Scooby was soo obvisously broken out NOW that he needed a shot of antihystimanine. He on occassion will need a stronger prescription dose that OTC pills can't help. My regular vet always gave Scooby a shot when he is this broken out.
I am just soo disapointed in the vet treatment. I had chosen to "shop around" for another vet just in case I needed one. My regular vet's office has strange hours and days off. It is sometimes better to have another vet on "stand by". I had heard good things about this vet and was recommended by the local animal control office. Not sure what to do now. I am unemployed and today's visit was a "catch all" visit for any conditions that needed looked at and treated. I had enough money to take the dog's in to make sure everything was healthy and up to date. I am glad there is Pet talk out there so I can get better advice than these local vets!!!

[Jessika]

Scoooby4, this could be a number of things that may not even be related to his paralysis. Food allergies, hot spot, skin fungus, seasonal allergies, skin mites... the list could go on and it really is hard to pin-point what it is exactly unless you pay lots of money to have tests done and its just a pain in the butt.

Gosh I can't believe how they treated you at the vet though! How RUDE! They should care just a little more about your pets health and well being instead of brushing you off like it doesn't matter! I hope you find a new vet and fast!

On a side note though DO NOT pay for an antihystamine from the vet... they charge you an arm and a leg for only two weeks supply, when you can buy a bottle of benedryl and it does the same thing!!

[dragondawg]

Translation: Your dog is super prone to allergies.

A daily antihistamine such as Benedryl will help... after you get things under control. The skin by now probably has an infection which will only cause the itching and allergic reaction to increase. You will need to treat the infection internally as well as externally, or with antibiotics. Also short term Prednisone therapy 1-2 weeks will reduce the inflamation. Remember to taper off when on Prednisone. Cost wise the Prednisone isn't much. Also an antibiotic such as Cephalexin is relatively cheap.

You might want to stop by the Vet's office without the dogs. Ask to speak with the Vet and inquire about Prednisone and antibiotic treatment. Since you were just there, they can't hit on you for a visit, which should save some money. If they refuse then find another Vet, and tell them you want to help your dog, but can't afford hefty diagnostics etc. The goal again is to get the Prednisone and antibiotics. After which Benedryl to control the allergic reactions.

All of this assumes your dog isn't suffering from hypo-thyroidism or some other skin condition.

[Scooby4]

I just talked to my former neighbor and they had a similar experience with the vet as I did. They felt he didn't do much physical examination or explanation.
I did give Scooby a benadryl tablet awhile ago. It seems to help some but not enough. I think I am going to call the regular vet and set up an appointment. I can't afford it but can't afford not to either.
As I was typing this email I heard a "thunk" noise. It was Scooby trying to get up the stairs and falling. His "weakness" is really getting worse. The sensitivity level has doubled. If it is due to his allergy condition then maybe I can get him some treatment.
The vet told me he would be "super hypersensitive" but can't something be done? I am going to ask the vet about the predisone and the antibiotics. I was hoping the Frontline would have kicked in first. Sometimes eliminating the flea source helps the most.
I have also noticed that some kind of "crust" forms on his ears lately. He turns extremely "pink" and warm when he's having a reaction. I give him a benadryl and his ears seem to turn dark colored again and crusty. He's been given baths and his ears washed. Is this crusting a part of his reaction? It's strange. Thanks!!!

[Jessika]

The crusting could be due to a skin fungus and that could very well be his problem!