Bad Dog Dandruff and Hair Loss in NM

[mwormser]

4 vets can't figure it out and don't know what it is. I find that very odd.

The only thing that apperars to work is the 4% chlorohexaderm shampoo.

It keeps the dandruff down but does nothing for the scabs. I end up using my fingernails and scraping them off. It's gross. If I could wash Jet every day, I think it would keep the scabs down but that's not possible. I end up doing it once a week or less. Seems like 4 days is the best.

Cushing? I'll have to look that up.

Good luck with Snerfu. And yes thankfully, it doesn't itch him.

One other thing I didn't mention is that his toenails are pithy, curving and thin. Another side effect of his dissability.

martin

[mwormser]

Just put in a call to my vet. Chushing sounds almost like what he has.

Thanks martin

[kokopup]

Sorry to be posting late in your problem but I would like to relate how Koko was treated. Koko is a Golden/lab mix also. She had the same issues as your dog so we ended up at Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. They did all the allergy scratch and blood test that showed her allergic to common things like dust mites etc. She also had a low normal thyroid. When we started her treatment her back was one big crusted scab and dandruff so bad that it filled the brush when we brushed her. She was bald in spots all over her back and tail.

The School came up with an allergy shot that we had to first administer every other day and has now gotten down to once a month. She was on Cephalexin and Prednisone what seemed like and eternity. The first at home treatment was a bi-weekly shampoo in a lime/sulphur concoction that we had to leave on her. She recieved this shampoo twice weekly for a month. Since then I have shampooed her once a week in Virbac Etiderm Shampoo.

I have changed her food to eliminate all corn and beef. She is now on a "Chicken, Rice and Oatmeal" by Nutro.

The Auburn vet elected not to treat her thyroid even though my local Vet was.

She has TOTALLY cleared up and her coat now does not have a single trace of dandruff and no scabs. Every one comments on how shiney and soft her coat is. This time last year it was dry brittle and falling out. Her normally bushy tail was bald in spots.

I guess we were lucky that the Auburn Schools approach has been successful for us. I wish you luck.

[kokopup]

Quote by mwormser

Just put in a call to my vet. Chushing sounds almost like what he has.

Unless your dog has been getting to much Prednisone I doubt it has cushings. I haven't heard of any symptoms in your post that would lead me to believe this is the case. Cushings can be brought on by over adminstration of glucocorticoid drugs like prednisone. Otherwise it is usually a tumor or old age that can bring it on.

[mwormser]

Thanks for the info. The vet didn't seem to think it was Cushings either. I did order an allergy shot. It take 10 days to manufacture.

The question is, How much money should you spend on a 12 year old dog? Granted I love my Jet and we have been through a lot together but it has already cost me 6K in tests with no diagnosis.

martin

[kokopup]

It is always a hard call when it comes to our pets and when is enough, enough. I have spent a fortune on Koko so I know how you feel. I have probably spent 6k+ on her and she is just 4 now. I had a $3700 bill for double CCL surgery when she was less than one.

Although 12 is considered old in retriever years I know you still want to do all you can to keep your beloved Jet comfortable..

You might try some of the things I posted that worked with Koko. I think her food was one of the issues we were fighting in addition to the allergies to household mold/dust mites etc. If she still has scabs you might try the lime/sulphur treatment along with the Etiderm shampoo.

Good luck to you and Jet.

[mwormser]

Didn't know I had to give him shots. Hate needles. I thought it was going to be 1 big shot the vet gave him. This is the last medical thing I can do besides bringing him to the Mayo Clinic for dogs, where ever it is.

martin and jet