Question:
We took an 11-year-old male bichon frise from a cancer patient. We took him to the vet and were told that he had arthritis and needed pain pills (Previcox). Months later, the vet did a blood test and said he should be on thyroid pills (levothyroxine, .05 mg, daily).
During the 14 months we've had him, he has always had scaling-skin issues. We got Pharmaseb shampoo, chlorhexidine skin cleanser, pramoxine itch spray, omega caps and antioxidant from the vet. He weighs 10 pounds. The skin is getting worse. He has developed dark and white scales and black skin tags. A month ago, we switched to vegetarian dry and wet food -- no improvement yet. Prior to this, he ate a no-chicken diet.
The worst part is that he develops a bad smell four days after a bath. I have tried vinegar and water between, but that is only good for two days.
In your column, you recommended small amounts of turmeric, ginger, kelp and brewer's yeast that we give him daily. We need to get ahead of this smell problem. Do you have any suggestions?
P.L.T., Royal Palm, FL Feb 21, 2011
Answer:
I applaud you for taking in this old dog. His health problems come with age and possibly years of being fed nutrient-deficient, highly processed manufactured pet foods. His poor skin condition and bad odor are telling signs and may also reflect declining kidney and liver functions, which a routine blood test should help determine. Adding polyunsaturated fatty acids such as flax, borage, hemp, primrose and coconut oil (alternating a few drops in his food every day) should help improve his skin and general condition. Bathing with Selsun Blue medicated (human) shampoo may also be of benefit. Then try weekly or every biweekly bathing with botanical doggy shampoos (www.nuhemp.com), available in most pet stores. But if he does not improve, the veterinarian should run more tests, especially for Cushing's disease, which is common in older dogs with concurrent thyroid issues.
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