Question:
My 8-year-old English bulldog has a skin condition in which small scabs appear on the skin. When they dry up and fall off, so does the hair, leaving bald spots. The hair grows back in time, but slowly. She does not itch all the time, except when she first wakes up after sleeping for a long time.My vet prescribed Cephalexin and Medrol, as well as medicated shampoo. This has been a problem for eight months. Would you have an opinion on this?.
A.P., Portsmouth, Va Jul 16, 2006
Answer:
Clearly, the course of treatment has not cleared up your dog's skin condition. More tests are called for, or a consultation with a veterinary dermatologist.But before you do that, have your veterinarian check your dog's blood to evaluate thyroid function and possible vitamin A and zinc deficiency.Ruling out ringworm and bacterial skin infection, and if blood tests reveal nothing abnormal, your dog could well have a food allergy (beef and dairy products are common causes of allergy in dogs), or be allergic to pollen, dust mites and other agents she has contact with or inhales. She may simply require more essential oils (like flaxseed, 1 teaspoon daily, or fish oil, 1 quarter teaspoon daily) in her diet, which would improve her coat and skin condition.
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