Itchy Dogs And Allergies

[calliech]

I've read so many posts on itchy puppies, dogs, allergies, atopy etc and it really breaks my heart to hear of such suffering. Hot spots are a fact of life with some of our little friends. I would like to share a tale of my mother's Westie, Lucy which is a tale of success and many of you might like to take a leaf out of her book.

Lucy at 9 weeks old had a bit of a crusty yellow thing happening on her forehead and in her ears. She began to lose her hair and itch alot. It migrated under her chin, to her shoulder joints, behind her elbows, between her legs and generally anywhere warm. She was bathed 3 times a week in malaseb which left her hot and red all over. There was not much success and her skin began to darken, go leathery and smelly.

She looked so uncomfortable and sorry looking but happy to be loved and alive.

Allergies were of course diagnosed but at such a young age, it was quite impossible to believe. She was checked for demodex and sarcoptes and none was found on several occasions which was not surprising since she was treated with bayer advocate.

The vet did thryoid function tests which were normal so he took a skin biopsy and sent it off for histology. Histo suggested atopy and yeast. Since she was so young, just 9 months by this stage, he thought he's steer away from the atopy for a while and treat the yeast. Malaseb was taken away as it was causing a reaction. Instead Hexal wash (from the pharmacy) was used which is a cheaper form of Nizoral wash. Nizoral tablets were prescribed and Daktaran lotion (it's a spray) was used. All of these are anti-fungals.

Within a couple of days of using the Hexal and daktarn, the crusts died off leaving pink, red or blackened bare skin beneath. She looked so manky but at last there was success.

The hexal wash was done every 2 days. The daktaran was sprayed onto all inflamed areas. The Nizoral tablets worked internally to abate the yeast (Malassezia furfur). After about a month the hair began to grow back around her eyes and muzzle. It was such amazing success. The problem was gone.

She has had only a couple of hot spots at her shoulders in over a year which is treated immediately with daktaran lotion.

So there you go. A success story. If any of you are having massive problems with itches and allergies, perhaps you should suggest to your vet the nizoral tablets or even insist. It's just another avenue but hopefully one that will be just as successful as it was with Lucy. Don't forget the daktaran lotion.

[Guest joshie]

Thanks so much. I have tried SO...many things. The melaseb I have used for so long now it seems to irritate him. I will go to the chemist tonight to get the Hexal wash. I realise I will have to get the Nizoral tablets from the vet on prescription, but how about the Daktaran lotion do I get that from the chemist or the vet?

Many thanks from Joshie

Actually my beagle's name that has this problem is "Lucky" . I have had 7 beagles over the years and have never had a skin problem or ear problem yet.

[t-time]

Joshie, this idea leans towards a fungal infection

Calliech - great post and certainly food for thought for those that have explored so many options

[peigirl]

Hi Calliech

Great post! My boy Rafael has quite bad atopic dermatis - diagnosed thru intradermal skin testing, with extreme reactions to all insects and almost every weed, tree and grass pollen. He amazingly has a brilliant coat and skin and touch wood, has never lost fur or had any sores or hot spots. I honestly don't understand how given his atopic dermatis is very bad.

He is bathed weekly with Malaseb but I will look into the Hexal wash. I do believe the Malaseb slightly irritates him.

And by the way, your photo is just beautiful!

[Carla2]

Calliech,

So glad to hear she has recovered, poor little baby, must have been terrible, and even worse for you having to watch it happening.

Carla

[calliech]

Daktaran lotion which is actually a spray can be bought over the counter from the pharmacy. You can also get creams with the same ingredients that are cheaper but only suitable for shorter haired dogs such as beagles. Not that great for Westies although for small areas creams are ok especially around the eyes where you don't want to spray. You can use a combination of both though.

Active ingredients suitable for yeast are clomtrimazole (eg canesten or clonea cream), miconazole (found in daktarin products) and ketokonazole (found in Nizoral products). The pharmacy assistants are usually very helpful and know their products for yeast and fungal infections. Just tell them it's for a dog. There's also another product called Resolve that comes in a solution which has the same ingredients as the Daktaran. I'm not sure if it's cheaper but always ask for the best value for money product in the application type you prefer such as solution, spray or cream.

You can get a tincture for painting onto toenails too. Spraying the toes or dipping feet into a hexal solution daily will help to rid the feet of yeast which will be spread by scratching. The tincture is more tenacious like that foul paint stop-n-grow for nail biters, so it wears longer.

Malaseb has an antifungal and an antibacterial which are different but I hear a reaction is common with it. Hexal just has the antifungal. What usually happens is if there is a persistent yeast (fungal) infection, then their can be a secondary bacterial infection. If you get rid of the primary yeast infection, then the bacterial infection goes too. You can also get an antiseptic from the chemist called chlorhexidine hydrochloride which comes as a wash or a lotion. The lotion can come as 100% or with alcohol in it so the latter can sting open wounds but it's good for the odd scaly patches.

Nizoral tablets can only be prescribed by the vet but Lucy had such wonderful success that I really want to spread the word and get the suggestion out there to dog owners who might pass it on to the vets. If it works then it's better than life long cortisone or cycles of cyclosporin.

If anyone is going to try this method, could you please keep us informed of progress here so that if it works for you too we can spread the word. It worked for little Lucy.

Picture is of my little darlings, Nelson, Seamus and Lily on my wedding day.

[cityslicker]

Instead Hexal wash (from the pharmacy) was used which is a cheaper form of Nizoral wash. Nizoral tablets were prescribed and Daktaran lotion (it's a spray) was used. All of these are anti-fungals. ....................

Within a couple of days of using the Hexal and daktarn, the crusts died off leaving pink, red or blackened bare skin beneath. She looked so manky but at last there was success.

The hexal wash was done every 2 days. The daktaran was sprayed onto all inflamed areas. The Nizoral tablets worked internally to abate the yeast (Malassezia furfur). After about a month the hair began to grow back around her eyes and muzzle. It was such amazing success. The problem was gone.

Great to hear Calliech that that type of treatment worked for Lucy, Malaseb is very harsh on dogs with sensitive skins and can cause more harm using it over longer periods.

Hexal wash (from pharmacy) - do you have a "name", as Hexal is company name.

Loved the wedding family photo.

Cityslicker

[Guest joshie]

I've read so many posts on itchy puppies, dogs, allergies, atopy etc and it really breaks my heart to hear of such suffering. Hot spots are a fact of life with some of our little friends. I would like to share a tale of my mother's Westie, Lucy which is a tale of success and many of you might like to take a leaf out of her book.

Lucy at 9 weeks old had a bit of a crusty yellow thing happening on her forehead and in her ears. She began to lose her hair and itch alot. It migrated under her chin, to her shoulder joints, behind her elbows, between her legs and generally anywhere warm. She was bathed 3 times a week in malaseb which left her hot and red all over. There was not much success and her skin began to darken, go leathery and smelly.

She looked so uncomfortable and sorry looking but happy to be loved and alive.

Allergies were of course diagnosed but at such a young age, it was quite impossible to believe. She was checked for demodex and sarcoptes and none was found on several occasions which was not surprising since she was treated with bayer advocate.

The vet did thryoid function tests which were normal so he took a skin biopsy and sent it off for histology. Histo suggested atopy and yeast. Since she was so young, just 9 months by this stage, he thought he's steer away from the atopy for a while and treat the yeast. Malaseb was taken away as it was causing a reaction. Instead Hexal wash (from the pharmacy) was used which is a cheaper form of Nizoral wash. Nizoral tablets were prescribed and Daktaran lotion (it's a spray) was used. All of these are anti-fungals.

Within a couple of days of using the Hexal and daktarn, the crusts died off leaving pink, red or blackened bare skin beneath. She looked so manky but at last there was success.

The hexal wash was done every 2 days. The daktaran was sprayed onto all inflamed areas. The Nizoral tablets worked internally to abate the yeast (Malassezia furfur). After about a month the hair began to grow back around her eyes and muzzle. It was such amazing success. The problem was gone.

She has had only a couple of hot spots at her shoulders in over a year which is treated immediately with daktaran lotion.

So there you go. A success story. If any of you are having massive problems with itches and allergies, perhaps you should suggest to your vet the nizoral tablets or even insist. It's just another avenue but hopefully one that will be just as successful as it was with Lucy. Don't forget the daktaran lotion.

[Guest joshie]

Calliech,

I started Lucky's Nizoral wash and Daktaren spray on Friday. On advise from the pharmacy, it was recommended not to get the Nizoral prescription as this drug is very severe on the liver more so than the cortisoids. So far he has been the least aggitated for a a long time. We have had no feet chewing for 2 days. I will bath him again on Wednesday and use the lotion every 2 days. Fingers cross.

I will keep you informed of his progress.

Joshie

[calliech]

Hey Cityslicker it's called Hexal Konazol 2% medicated dandruff shampoo. Alot of dandruff is caused by fungal organism and the condition when severe is called tinea capitis. So this anti-fungal anti-dandruff shampoo is great for dogs too. It's cheaper than the Nizoral. Great stuff.

Joshie I'm just so pleased. Yes the Nizoral tablets can be harsh and they are only prescribed by the vet. The vet may like to moniter liver function tests but since it's not a life long medication, usually only 2 weeks at a time, then the likelihood of liver damage is minimal. Eventually the dog is able to build up it's skin defenses and normalise the skin flora to the point that it can fight the yeast itself. Once the barrier is broken and the yeast takes a hold, it is very difficult for the animal to control it through it's natural defenses. This is the same for humans. The medications allow the animal to recover enough to fight off problems itself. This can be said for all infections.

Keep us informed.

[larry]

have you tried omega 3 oil supplements ?

as increasing the amount of omega 3 oils in your dog's diet can help the skin and coat to repair themselves ?

[axelotti]

Hi

Just reading through the posts with interest as my staffy has always had really sensitive skin (as a lot of them do). We just had him going well with no rashes, scabs and no chewing/licking/scratching himself and his fur was starting to thicken up and then we took him to a friends house for the weekend and he found a massive patch of wandering dew to hang around in. As you could imagine a rash flared up pretty severely and it just won't clear up - I don't think the humid days we've been having has helped. It's been over 3 weeks now and I'm washing him twice a week to sooth the itches and heat etc and using an oatmeal shampoo the vet recommended. I was just wondering if this Hexal that everyones speaking about would benefit him He won't leave himself alone which doesn't allow his skin to heal - would a cortizone injection help do you think??

We give him Omega3 oil suppliments as suggested, he gets sardines with his dinner, I've been putting vitamin e oil on his scaby bits to heal them (he absolutly LOVES eating the empty gel capsuls - strange thing) and rubbing an anti-inflamitory cream (can't remember what it's called) that the vet gave me for the next time he got a rash. I just want him to leave himself alone for long enough so his skin can repair. I feel so bad for him, I get eczma and I know how bad itching skin is.

[cityslicker]

Hi

Just reading through the posts with interest as my staffy has always had really sensitive skin (as a lot of them do). We just had him going well with no rashes, scabs and no chewing/licking/scratching himself and his fur was starting to thicken up and then we took him to a friends house for the weekend and he found a massive patch of wandering dew to hang around in. As you could imagine a rash flared up pretty severely and it just won't clear up - I don't think the humid days we've been having has helped. It's been over 3 weeks now and I'm washing him twice a week to sooth the itches and heat etc and using an oatmeal shampoo the vet recommended. I was just wondering if this Hexal that everyones speaking about would benefit him He won't leave himself alone which doesn't allow his skin to heal - would a cortizone injection help do you think??

We give him Omega3 oil suppliments as suggested, he gets sardines with his dinner, I've been putting vitamin e oil on his scaby bits to heal them (he absolutly LOVES eating the empty gel capsuls - strange thing) and rubbing an anti-inflamitory cream (can't remember what it's called) that the vet gave me for the next time he got a rash. I just want him to leave himself alone for long enough so his skin can repair. I feel so bad for him, I get eczma and I know how bad itching skin is.

Hi Axelotti

How disapointing for you, the wandering jew is certainly the bane of all dog lovers.

Cortizone will give relief, but won't cure.

The product is Hexal Konazol 2% - Medicated Anti-dandruff - anti-fungal shampoo for human use. You could try the Daktarin, it is available in 3 types - tincture, spray and cream (human use). I have used the cream quite successfully.

Personally I wouldn't use Epi-soothe, because it contains Oatmeal. Any dog that suffers from itchy skin should not be eating any dog biscuits, for wheat and food colouring causes all sorts of problems. Is the anti-flammatory cream you are using, Illium cream, that's cortisone based and I would avoid this.

Try adding to the water, a capful of Apple Cider Vinegar, it has healing powers, also add Flaxseed Oil, it also contains Vit. E, I was told by a naturopath that Flaxseed is the main ingredient of Missing Link, ML - animal version has been banned from importation into Australia.

I've used Cold-pressed Neem Oil, available from Health Food Shop, costs about $5.00. Dab it onto the affected spots with a cotton bud, it too is healing.

Cityslicker

Edited December 5, 2006 by cityslicker

[calliech]

Hi axelotti.

If after 3 weeks the skin has not repaired itself with and you have been constantly treating it you need to take him off to the vet to get a proper diagnosis.

If you're quite certain that the culprit is Wandering Dew or Creeping Jesus then a trip to the vet the order. It causes an allergic reaction in some dogs with hair loss, licking and chewing. Those that are sensitive to it can have a nasty reaction from just a brush against it. Aloveen is your ideal shampoo here. Doesn't dry out the skin. If the allergic reaction isn't stemmed then superinfection can occur in which case you'd have to go to antibiotics. Hopefully it's just the plant allergy and you won't have to go that far. Antihistamines such as Polaramine and phenergan are often of great benefit to help relieve the itchiness. Anti-inflammatories such as prednisolone may be required as the reaction is an allergic one but will only be prescribed after clinical examination.

If the lesions are due to bacteria (pyoderma) then antibiotics are required and a medicated shampoo such as Malaseb that has chlorhexidine or triclosan in it. If it is complicated by yeast then certainly the Hexal medicated wash will help. Nizoral is another alternative. If yeast is suspected we do a skin impression smear and look at it microscopically. Fungal organisms can be seen under the microscope. The medicated shampoos slough off the dead layer of skin that the fungal elements like to adhere to and start a party under. If this keratinised layer isn't slouged off then you may be just treating the superficial layer of skin and not penetrating to where the fungal elements like to exist. This is why you use a medicated wash such as Malaseb, Nizoral or Hexal. Then use a topical treatment such as Daktaran lotion which is actually a spray. There is also another over the counter prep called Resolve solution 2% miconazole that some pharmacies stock. Assuming it was a yeast infection, all this will help but it sounds like you're quite sure about the Wandering Dew.

[axelotti]

Thanks Calliech

We're off to the vet tomorrow. I've been washing him in the aloveen and he seems much more relaxed after this. He actually seems a lot chirpier today. I was getting quite worried as he often sat with his ears pinned back constantly licking his nose which I think is a sign of anxiety but he hasn't done that in a few days.

He has had all of those skin tests you mentioned. When we first got him as a pup he had demodectic (sp) mange which we treated and cleared up but he was still always ichy and seemed like he had dandruff (the vet said this was cause he was oily??). We've tried diet and we cleared ALL of the wanding jew from our own yard (it's a bast*rd) and he was going really well - UNTIL we took him to our friends place which had HEAPS of wandering jew up the back. When we got home I noticed his belly was covered in heaps of little blisters or pimples and I remembered that the vet mentioned this is what to look for with wandering jew allergies so I'm pretty certain that's whats caused it. The one thing that does annoy me a bit with the vet and his itchyness is she keeps putting it down to him being a blue staffy and basically gives the impression of "thats just the way it is!!" But we'll see how they are tomorrow.

[Muttaburra]

Thanks for all the info. Maxi had a hotspot develop under his collar. Except I didn't recognise it as such, and thought it was from collar rubbing. Anyway, it came and went but was persistant. Finally the penny dropped, der, and I treated it for hot spot. I used a powder for human (prickly heat) for the relief of heat rash, chafed skin and eczema.

It contains

Zinc Oxide 250mg/g in a starch base.

Fixed it up within days.

Also good for any other little itchy spots he gets from dragging his stomach along the grass or lifting his leg against a plumbago bush ;) or any other of his little mishaps that cause an itch.

Too much use of zinc can cause some interference with absorbtion of certain nutrients, so use only as needed. Otherwise a hand thing to keep on hand for early intervention.

[calliech]

Hi Axelotti,

Ok, the blistering sounds like Wandering Dew. Once you get that under control with anti-inflammatories and anti-histamines from the vet then you can attack the other problems. Dandruff is caused by fungal organisms. Yes that's in humans too. After this outbreak is cleared up and he's recovered, you can try washing in Malaseb or Nizoral or Hexal Konazol. Bacteria and yeast love oily skin. They utilise the oil and dead skin as food and are like scavengers in this way termed saprophytic. When you clear up the dead skin essentially exfoliating it off, the nice warm protective housing is taken away from the organism, thereby leaving it vulnerable to treatments. So washing the dog which removes excess oil and dead skin aids in allowing the medication in the shampoo to do it's magic. The topical treatments added to hot spots are the knock out.

If he's continually itchy and has allergies, then there are options. Cortisone is great for allergies but it's not without side effects, including imunosupression. There is also cyclosporin if we're talking allergies. Saying that you have a Staffy or Westie and they're prone to skin problems is like saying redheads are more prone to eczema....yes it's true but you don't have to just live with it. There are treatments.

The vets have the answers but you have all the information. You are the spokesperson for the dog and you know your own animal. If you don't agree with something then speak up and ask more questions. No-one is infallable and sometimes getting to the right answer requires some meandering. Assuming too much based on breed can also cause unnecessary delays in treatments and recovery.

Let us know how he goes in the next few days or so. Here's hoping he's happier in a day or two.

[calliech]

That's good thinking InDogWeTrust. Zinc Pyrithione is in quite a few anti-dandruff shampoos such as Selsun blue. Zinc and selenium based treatments are common in the treatment of Seborrheic dermatitis in humans and serve to loosen and remove that flaky keratinized layer of skin. It's good to see others are thinking outside the box too. Spread the word!

[Muttaburra]

Yep Calli, had it handy since I bought it for myself for those really humid days, to put where the underwire bra meets the skin. I thought it would do me as a talcum powder substitute. Quite inexpensive, made in Frenchs Forest, Sydney by Carter Wallace, labelled on front as "Prickly Heat Powder", got it from a major Supermarket.

Also came across a cream for dogs with Zinc and herbs ages ago, but find it hard to locate, called K9 something. When we lived on a small acreage, Maxi used to get the red rash, pustules then scabs, it was from all the grasses and other plants. Now we are in the suburbs he only gets a much reduced outbreak from contact with the Plumbago. Fleas and diet are ruled out since it is so specific and I have nailed it right down now.

Calli, I agree with your approach for immediate treatment, then results can be good. Once it gets to the pustules and scabs, well then the skin has more work to do healing and other irritants can get a hold.

Also important to isolate any Environmental cause, not easy either but a list of known plants like Wandering Dew, Plumbago, etc, and elimination of fleas as much as possible is a good start. Even some carpets and wool can react to a plant allergic dog.

Then the diet may need attention to identify dietary allergies etc. supportive supplements like the omegas etc.

A dog, seriously allergic to grasses etc, may need to be kept as an indoor dog, or given a run with cement or artificial grass.

There is also a mild cortisone cream available without prescription that can be used in the early stages of the rash, you have to rub it right into the skin for a couple of minutes, after that the dog tends to lick it off. This is not so effective on a hot spot.

[chepet]

Yep Calli, had it handy since I bought it for myself for those really humid days, to put where the underwire bra meets the skin. I thought it would do me as a talcum powder substitute. Quite inexpensive, made in Frenchs Forest, Sydney by Carter Wallace, labelled on front as "Prickly Heat Powder", got it from a major Supermarket.

Also came across a cream for dogs with Zinc and herbs ages ago, but find it hard to locate, called K9 something. When we lived on a small acreage, Maxi used to get the red rash, pustules then scabs, it was from all the grasses and other plants. Now we are in the suburbs he only gets a much reduced outbreak from contact with the Plumbago. Fleas and diet are ruled out since it is so specific and I have nailed it right down now.

Calli, I agree with your approach for immediate treatment, then results can be good. Once it gets to the pustules and scabs, well then the skin has more work to do healing and other irritants can get a hold.

Also important to isolate any Environmental cause, not easy either but a list of known plants like Wandering Dew, Plumbago, etc, and elimination of fleas as much as possible is a good start. Even some carpets and wool can react to a plant allergic dog.

Then the diet may need attention to identify dietary allergies etc. supportive supplements like the omegas etc.

A dog, seriously allergic to grasses etc, may need to be kept as an indoor dog, or given a run with cement or artificial grass.

There is also a mild cortisone cream available without prescription that can be used in the early stages of the rash, you have to rub it right into the skin for a couple of minutes, after that the dog tends to lick it off. This is not so effective on a hot spot.