Question:
Last summer, our 6-year-old cocker spaniel developed a skin condition that consisted of dry spots that were crusty and a bit lumpy. If we removed one, there would be a redness that healed and left a black patch on her skin that could be seen through her buff coat.
We took her to three different vets for diagnosis, and each one came up with a different reason and different treatment. They included antibiotics, steroids, special shampoos and fish-oil spray for her food.
These spots occur on her right side slightly above her collar, down below her ear and on the side of her body. She had this condition most of last summer, and it went away in early November when we started using the shampoo, mild steroids and the fish oil for a few weeks. We continued with just the shampoo all winter, and she was spot-free. The condition returned late May and has slowed somewhat with the use of the fish-oil capsules in her diet and continued use of the special shampoo.
She does not seem bothered by this condition and never scratches it, letting us freely examine her. We shave her coat off at the beginning of summer to keep her cooler and trim her once more before the end of summer. We had her skin scraped and tested under a microscope, but nothing was positively identified. She had Lyme and heartworm tests -- all negative. The vet thought it might be a thyroid condition and suggested the $400 test.
Do you have any idea what this condition is? The vet says skin conditions vary, so one must eliminate by trial and error. The dog is active, healthy and weighs about 30 pounds.
K.P., Oakton, Va Jan 02, 2011
Answer:
Before investing in thyroid-function testing, I would give your dog one human daily dose of vitamin A. Many cocker spaniels with seborrheic skin problems respond favorably. In addition, give her vitamin E and a multimineral supplement that includes zinc and selenium. Add 1 teaspoon daily of brewer's yeast. Keep up with the fish oil (like good-quality Nordic Naturals for dogs and cats). Periodic shampooing with Selsun Blue medicated (human) shampoo may also do wonders.
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