Chow Skin Problem - Help!

[KTs Here]

A friend has a Chow Chow that has really really bad skin. Its very dry, in patches and is making his hair fall out. He currently has lost fur on his hind legs. From pictures ive seen it looks a bit like mange but the vet did skin scapes when he had it last time.

He apparently had this a couple of years ago and the vet didnt seem to have the answer to what it is? Can anyone recommend any ideas or solutions? I will try and get some pics up of it but im having problems with the camera at the mo.

[poodlefan]

You can go at skin issues from the inside or the outside.

Personally, if its this bad, I'd be referring them to a veterinary skin specialist but in the meantime..

What is the dog fed? What colour is it?

Edited December 17, 2008 by poodlefan

[peaceful]

If its not mange then I'd ask the vet for a referral to an internal medicine specialist.

Sounds like something internal to me.

[puggy_puggy]

If you feed dry food or any type of processed food at all I would get him off it and onto a BARF or RAW diet that contains no grains at all.

Last time was it actually diagnosed as mange?

Does he have a smell?

[sas]

1) Blood Test to test for Allergies (Approx $200-$500)

2) Intradermal Skin Testing at a Skin Specialist (Approx $500)

If the Owner can not afford the testing, I personaly feel it is only right to get the dog onto some medication so it can become comfortable such as a low dose of Cortisone.

I'd get the dog onto Omega 3, 6 & 9 such as this product: http://www.animalcare.net.au/p/146429/performa-3---20lt.html

Also be looking at getting the dogs general health up, I reccomend Rufus and Coco Vitamins: http://shop.rufusandcoco.com.au/c-1-vitami...upplements.aspx

I have personaly had some success with their Itch Relief Shampoo: http://shop.rufusandcoco.com.au/p-7-itch-relief.aspx

Has your friend tried Malaseb? http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...16279562e66da5c This is something the Vet probably would have reccomended on the first consult.

Some DOLers have had some success with the Evening Primrose Range from Groomers Products:

Food Supplement: http://www.groomersproducts.com.au/equineg...ersproducts.htm

Evening Primrose Shampoo: http://www.groomersproducts.com.au/equineg...ersproducts.htm

Supplements such as Vit E and Zinc can be helpful when dealing with skin issues and sometimes you can find these vitamins combined with Omega Oils such as with this product: http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=302&page=2

Sometimes skin issues can be a result of a lack of minerals so mineral tablets can assist such as:

http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=305&page=1

http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=305&page=2

Methionine is also used for skin issues: http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.ph...=305&page=1

The problem could very well be something as simple as a Flea Allergy, so making sure the dog is having regular treatment or even changing products if neccesssary.

The skin issue could be related to a food intolerance, so going on a 6-8 week food trial could assist as well. The Eagle Pack Holistic Range can assist in some cases: http://www.fortheloveofdogs.com.au/eaglepack.php

Yeast issues can look like allergies too, so this is something to look into, typically the Vet can do a tape test to see how much Yeast is present on the skin. Some information here about Yeast problems in dogs and the natural appraoch to sorting it out: http://www.naturalpaws.com.au/fungalyeast-...-110-false.html

Looking online for a Holistic Vet in your area can also be a good start for complimentary medicines.

Many DOLers have used Robert McDowell, so he's a good place to start with Natural treatments: http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au

Greenpet is also another well known company: http://greenpet.com.au/pet-shop/

Edited December 17, 2008 by sas

[Guest RosieFT]

You have had lots of advice, I just thought this was interesting re the mange testing..

http://www.dog-health-guide.org/caninemange.html

Canine Mange Diagnosis

Your vet can probably diagnose mange just by looking at it. He or she can also do a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope. Mites might not show up in the skin scraping, however, because your dog may have scratched the area, killing the mites in that spot. Just because mites don’t show up in the skin scraping doesn’t mean there are no mites on the dog, however, so a negative skin scraping doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t have mange. Skin scraping tests are considered accurate about 50% of the time. Sometimes a vet will just go ahead and treat a dog for mange and, if symptoms go away, then the diagnosis is confirmed.

[goldchow]

Kts Here,

Has your friend been back in touch with the breeder of his chow? Skin problems tend to be heriditary and in some particular lines.

Chows have different requirements in dietary and skin care than other breeds and this is where this boys breeder should be able to offer assistance.

This chows diet needs to be re assessed, anything over 22% protein generally results in skin problems, especially in the heat. Chows tend to not do well on commercial foods and do not tolerate preservatives, wheat, corn or soy. All my chows are fed raw chicken/fish/ offal with some cooked brown rice and quite alot of vitamized vegetables.

Your friends chow may benefit from some added chelated zinc to his diet and as has been suggested, the omega 3,6 s etc in the form of salmon oil, flaxseed oil etc.

Try Advocate, it will work very well if its mange, and Chows can get a type of mange that other dogs don't, Advocate should work. There is an injection the Chow can have for it, can't remember what its called offhand having never had to use it. Meanwhile bathe the Chow in Malaseb once or twice a week to relieve the itching until the Advocate kicks in, usually about three to four weeks. Once the Advocate kicks in stop the Malaseb (it drys the skin out and aggravates any itchyness) and use only gentle, all natural shampoos, which must be rinsed out thoroughly.

Obviously the chows grooming needs to be maintained at all times and kept completley free of fleas. I haven't met a chow yet who isn't highly allergic to them.

This is very brief but hopefully it will give your friend something to think about. Feel free to contact me privately if you think I can help any further.

I should also add that most vets are not familliar with the chow breed. Depending on where you are I may be able to put you in touch with chow breeders and which vets they use.

Cheers

Edited December 18, 2008 by goldchow

[KTs Here]

Thanks for all the help. I will be giving my friend all the advice that you lovely people have provided and hope we see an improvement with his skin soon.