baker_girl

I'm really interested in this thread too. I am currently using Malaseb for one of my dogs as he has quite bad dry, flaky skin. It has just come up recently and is quite bad. Started out as patches of red weepy sores and now big crusty patches. The vet said probably an allergy but I suspect now probably a staph/yeast infection. Malaseb shampoo and then Aloveen conditioner to try and get some oils into the coat. I'd be open to other stuff too once the worst of it is cleared. I recently had an alternative chiro vet swear by Martha Gardiner's Wool Wash. I'm not so sure though as it's a laundry detergent?? I've read various other forums where people swear by it but I'm just wondering for my guy with a skin condition could it be any good? I don't want to make it any worse.

Well that's the issue his skin is so dry and scabby which I'm starting to think is a bac/fungal infection of some sort. I have been using Aloveen conditioner after the wash. I was advised to wash about twice a week until he gets better than once weekly? I also saw you can use Pyohex lotion as an after conditioner too and wondered if that would be better while his skin seems the worst.

Thanks stormie. Great cause I just bought a large bottle of Malaseb. I'm hoping it's not bad to treat for staph and fungus anyway..you can't over treat with a shampoo can you?? My dog's a lab...so he's always hungry..haha. I don't want him gaining weight so will have to just continue feeding as normal?

I don't actually know the real difference between Pyohex or Malaseb? I was told once by the vet nurse that the Malaseb is slightly more broad spectrum as it's anti-bacetrial and anti-fungal where as Pyohex is just one?? I also just went online to purchase the Phyohex lotion which is sometimes sold in the Malaseb shampoo as a combo pack. I might use that as the conditioner while this issue is so bad and then switch to Aloveen again. I've noticed Jet drinking more than usual? Can the steroid treatment affect him like this after the one course and gain weight too?? It's a nightmare!

To the OP, it looks a lot like what my 11month old Lab is going through now too! He literally woke up one day and had all these sores down his back which now have turned into scabby, flaky skin patches like in your pic. It's horrible. Only thing though is my dog is not scratching or seems irritated by it?? Originally I tried to apply Neocorte and that didn't seem to have any great results. I read on here and other sites to try apple cidar vinegar as a diluted spray on the coat or dab it on the areas. I tried this but I didn't know if it was making it worse or better. I didn't want to keep self medicating him so took him off to the vet who as I suspected suggested I put him on a course of steroids and anitbiotics. I'm trying this for this time but I don't think I'll do the steroids again if it doesn't heal or comes back. I've also now decided to wash him twice a week with Malaseb to try and treat if it is a yeast/fungal infection and then also use Aloveen conditioner on his skin and coat after to try and get some oils back in. I'm getting desperate too. I just had him clipped and now he looks like a cute mini great dane..haha.

Going back to those initial questions, I guess this: 'How do you assess whether what you have done has been successful?" is the issue we are currently facing with our second dog? Our boy may be facing a possible hereditary hip condition and I thought surely the breeder would be keen to assist us in the diagnosis or even offer advice? It's a pretty daunting thing to be facing and so confusing to know what the best thing is to do. When we got our dog, the breeder was very enthusiastic and kept telling us how he is really keen to know how his dogs grow up and to keep in touch and that's the kind of breeder he is. Our boy had a shorter tale for a lab and the breeder said that he had got xrays and the vet concluded it was fine and should not be a problem. Because of this he was really keen to get the dog to a 'good home, with good owners'. He kept saying he didn't want to give the dog to anyone and it had to be the right fit. Which I thought was great and that was of course our top priority too. We feel in love with our little guy and so glad to have him. But the relationship with the breeder has been somewhat disappointing.

I've got two labs both from different breeders. With my first lab the breeder was really great with my initial enquiries and everything leading up to us picking up our girl. After we did though all communication from her stopped. I emailed her a few times with updates and pics just so she was in the loop with our girls development but never heard back. Currently with my second lab, we are going through a few issues and are dealing with suspected hip displasia. This has been going on for a few months now and initially I contacted the breeder as I thought as a breeder he would want to know about these possible issues. He was quite forceful in us getting a second opinion and said he didn't believe the issue with the dog would be as serious as what our vets are claiming. We did on his advice go to his recommended vet and decided against initial surgery. Now a few months down the track the issue seems to be getting worse for our boy so I again wanted to email the breeder just to keep him informed and ask for advice about possible places for xrays to diagnose the issue. But haven't heard anything back. I've actually emailed a few times with no response. I have to say both my experiences with these breeders has been a bit dissapointing. I was just hoping for more of an ongoing relationship where I could learn from their advice and experience should I have any issues. That's the whole point I chose to go to reputable breeders to get my dogs. Maybe I'm naive but as a breeder I would have thought they'd be interested in the ongoing wellbeing of these dogs?

Hi Everyone, Again thanks for your replies. I'm going to contact my breeder and see who he can recommend to have xrays done perhaps. It seems there's so much to consider, even getting the right person just to take the xrays. I don't want to rush into doing anything more agressive so really want a diagnosis of what really could be wrong. Like I said, he is displaying no signs of pain or lameness and is really a very happy and energetic boy. He is not overweight and we manage his diet almost obsessively, weighing each feed. We monitor his jumping and excercise and when swimming making sure to only take him to lakes with solid ground etc not the beach. So we are doing all we can at the moment.

Hi Staranais. Thanks for the advice. I'm not even sure where to find a specialist or ask for a recommendation but I'll try and do some research today and find out.

Thanks for the replies so far. I've contacted both the original vet who firstly recommended the pelvic fusing surgery and the chiropractic vet who also sees our dog. I'm not sure now, which vet would be best to get the xrays done by. Not that I don't trust either but I want an honest, unbiased opinion of the possible condition once xrays are done. Both these vets have been great but I feel both these vets are on complete opposite tangents to each other, one that may suggest surgery and then the other who will recommend every possible alternative treatment first. I'm a bit confused about who to seek further treatment from now.

Thanks for your reply Rappie. At 10 months, would he be far enough developped to now get a good indication of any condition through radiographs? I'm happy to do this. I've been told previously it is hard to diagnose a condition until a dog is fully developped. Not sure how accurate this is and if a 10 month old is considered fully developped?

Hi All, As stated, I have previously posted about my Labrador Jet. At the time he was 19 weeks old and recommended to have pelvic surgery to fuse the joints together to try and prevent hip dysplasia. We took him to an alternative chiropractic vet for a second opinion. He did a thorough examination and based on his advise and from what we saw when examined we decided against the surgery. Fast forward to now and Jet is 10 months old. We have been keeping a close eye on him and have been giving him joint supplement as the only management to his possible condition. However in the last several months we have noticed an audible clicking in his hips and can also feel the clicking movement when we put our hands on his rear as he walks. He shows absolutely no signs of pain and is a happy energetic dog who loves to run. We took him back to the chiro vet recently for another assessment and on conclusion he did say that Jet's left joint had more laxity than the right and less muscle build up. His advice was to continue with the joint formula, also put us on fish oil, we also give him Vitamin C powder and told us to introduce a swimming regime into his exercise. It's only been a month or so but we've seen no improvement. The chiro vet has not diagnosed anything at this stage however I do believe there is an underlying issue. The clicking of his hips just doesn't sound right as does the movement I can feel when I touch him. We are most concerned that this is going to develop into something much worse and he will be in pain as he gets older. I want to try and do what I can now to help him but I'm really not sure what else we can do? I've been suggested by the trainer where we take Jet to do hydrotherapy to seek a natural therapist who works on his tendons and muscles to relieve tension which could also be an underlying issue. I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with this sort of treatment and if it has helped? We are coming to terms with the fact that later in life Jet may need more aggressive treatment and/or surgery if this does develop or get diagnoses as hip dysplasia. Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Out of curiousity..does anyone rate using a combined tick and flea collar as an only measure for treatment of fleas? Like Killtix.

Really?? I had no idea they would cover pre existing condtions once a waiting period was served? From all their product statements I've read, they excluse pre existing entirely? How long have you been with them? It was a blocked tear duct due to a tear duct infection, i suppose its a rare thing and actually hasnt happened again so maybe thats why? We have been with them just under a year now. Edited to say, I must check my policy doc again to be 100% sure but I am sure it said they would cover him in 12 months for any eye condition ( except tear ducts) and then after 24 months for any eye conditions including tear duct probs, like I say I must check my doc to be 100% sure but I know none of the other insurers wanted to cover his eyes ever! Went and had a look at my policy doc and it is exactly as I thought, no eyes for 12 months and after 24 months they will review weather they will cover the tear ducts or not, which will be 2011 Oh ok. That's really good to know for anyone considering it. It's not written like that in any of their policies so I'm assuming you'd need to ask or tell them when they ask you regarding pre existing conditions.

KJ...No I don't think they would have as I believe they would have classed it as a Preventative, Ellective or Routine surgery to prevent illness/injury in future. However they did say to me...that if I was also to go against the recommendations of a vet, this may in future also affect any claims. So you damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. It really comes down to what they define certain procedures as and also in their history checks, how the vets write up your pets history and their recommendations. Well for my case I believe.

Really?? I had no idea they would cover pre existing condtions once a waiting period was served? From all their product statements I've read, they excluse pre existing entirely? How long have you been with them?

Hi, Another one with Petplan. I went with them for the wide range of things they covered, reasonable excess and 100% rebate. I've had claims so far of up to $2000 paid back. I too did find length of time to process claims a little ridiculous. For one we had to constantly call and follow up. kate&eddie- When they paid directly to your vet, was this a first time claim or ongoing? I'm just having an issue at the moment...or had. Where I was considering getting a recommended surgery done, yet Petplan refused to give me any indication prior to the procedure if they would cover it. I told them that part of the decision to do it would be if it would be covered. I had to write an email to the Manager in the end because I needed further clarification. They kept repeating the exclusions if it's pre existing and during waiting period but I needed to know for my particular circumstance. Anyway, I guess I just don't understand how they have that option to agree to pay your vet...if they don't pre advise if a claim will be covered? Surely you wouldn't go through with a procedure and then your vet agree to be paid directly unless they are 100% sure it will get paid?

MissMonaro/centitout Thanks for your comments. Actually, your comments reassured me greatly, especially what you said MissMonaro. I have another chocolate lab. Nearly 2 years old. I remember her walking with a sway but not as much as Jet. I can't remember to be honest. I keep trying to compare how Jet is to what I remember of my other dog and then get worried. But yeah, he definatley looks like he's swaying from the middle. Almost like he's two pieces...a slinky dog :D Thanks.

Hi, Thanks to everyone for the responses so far. At this point we've decided not to go ahead with the surgery. We are also not going to get xrays at this point because we feel it won't change our decision about the surgery so there is no point. In 2-3 months we will take our pup back to either the chiro vet or osteo specialist at our regular vet and if they feel he is not developping at the normal stages for his age we will get xrays. We are hoping that his akwardness and his swaying walk is just a puppy stage he is going through. He is a pretty big boy for 18 weeks and I think has a bit of growing left so we will see.

Yes, this is my thought too. I will add, that the vet I visited came highly recommended by my breeder and apprantley on the DOL forums too. I have been told he is renowned for being able to give a good diagnosis without xrays. I'm not saying he can or can't but only saying what I've been told. The only reason why I'm thinking not to go ahead with the xrays, as my mind now is pretty made up to not go through with the surgery. I understand your comment about having a baseline and I can see the sense but either way, I don't think I'll want to go ahead with the surgery. My thoughts are to monitor him closely for the next few months, go back to the chiro vet in a month or two and if he still not developping at what's considered normal for his age, then I'll get xrays.

Hi teekay, Exact age 18 weeks 4 days. I am waiting for my breeder to email me parent's hip scores. (he told me when I first purchased Jet but have since forgotten)

I just wanted to update so far about my situation. I went and had a second opinion this afternoon with another vet. A chiropractic alternative treatment vet. He was thorough. Initially he did say that from his observations of how our pup was walking, it was a slight concern. From there he did his physical exam and manipulations. His checks were very extensive and I felt confident from what I saw with my limited knowledge of the condition. Our pup did not display any pain and seemed comfortable. He did say that his left hip seemed to have more laxity than the other. He did discourage us to have the surgery, however I expected this. He also though, suggested we don't have the xrays at all either as he felt the vet would pressure us. He feels my dog does not have signs of HD. I am less inclined to go ahead with the surgery. However I was still considering the xrays to at least have a more informed picture of the state of his hips. Another member on DOL contacted me and offered some advice. Coincidentally she had visited the exact same vet and Dr as the one of my second opinion. Her experience with this vet is almost exactly the same as mine. She too was told that her dog did not have HD after her pup was displaying symptoms (which I might add, sounded worse than mine). However 2 years later the dog has now been positively diagnosed with HD. My only concern is that like my regular vet, this second opinion comes highly biased with his opinion on the correct method of treatment? I wonder if I should still have the xray.

Hi Fordogs, I have done a search on this forum and can only find two articles classified under JPS. I went and had a second opinion this afternoon with another vet. A chiropractic alternative treatment vet. He was thorough. Initially he did say that from his observations of how our pup was walking, it was a slight concern. From there he did his physical exam and manipulations. His checks were very extensive and I felt confident from what I saw with my limited knowledge of the condition. Our pup did not display any pain and seemed comfortable. He did say that his left hip seemed to have more laxity than the other. He did discourage us to have the surgery, however I expected this. He also though, suggested we don't have the xrays at all either as he felt the vet would pressure us. He feels my dog does not have signs of HD. I am less inclined to go ahead with the surgery. However I was still considering the xrays to at least have a more informed picture of the state of his hips. Another member on DOL contacted me and offered some advice. Coincidentally she had visited the exact same vet and Dr as the one of my second opinion. Her experience with this vet is almost exactly the same as mine. She too was told that her dog did not have HD after her pup was displaying symptoms. However 2 years later the dog has now been positively diagnosed with HD. My only concern is that like my regular vet, this second opinion comes highly biased with his opinion on the correct method of treatment? I wonder if I should still have the xray.

Thanks Tarmons. I guess your above statement is exactly what I'm trying to find information on. The specifics. What harm can come of this procedure. I'm waiting for a call back from the specialist who has recommended this procedure and also will ask when I see the other Vet today.

Hi, Yes, I've made an appointment for a second opinion for this afternoon. I've made it with a holistic, alternative and chiropractic vet. So I will see what his opinion is. I feel much better in doing this.