Question:
I have a 7-year-old white cockapoo. He suffers from anal-gland problems. He has had his anal glands packed several times because my vet said there was an infection, and the glands do not secrete when he defecates. I clean the glands on a regular basis, but he scratches himself all over, chews his feet and seems to have ear infections quite often.My vet said that she believes all of this is related to allergies, but I haven't had him tested for that yet. I've given him antihistamines (50 milligrams twice a day), but they don't help.I am most concerned about the anal-gland situation, since he is constantly chewing and licking around his backside area. It seems that he is obsessed with this behavior and does it all the time, sometimes all night long. During the itching and chewing, he'll finally defecate, and then he seems to be OK for awhile.Do you think I should have him X-rayed to see if there is something else going on that is the cause of his discomfort, or do you agree with my vet that it's probably aller
C.L., Teaneck, NJ Sep 17, 2006
Answer:
Your poor dog is clearly miserable. His foot-chewing and ear infections add up to a dysfunctional immune system. This calls for a holistic approach to improving your dog's overall health. Try a homemade, whole-food diet (as per the recipe on my Web site at http://twobitdog.com/DrFox/Endocrine-Immune-Disruption-Syndrome). Print out a copy of my article "Endocrine-Immune Dysfunction Syndrome," which includes ways to boost your dog's immune system, and share it with your veterinarian. A food allergy might be at the root of your dog's problem.
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