Originally Posted by dwerten (Post 2816136)

thyroid panel is not part of the normal blood work up it is an ADD ON so your vet would have to order a separate add on for this and i recommend jean dodds or michigan state is where you want blood sent for that panel to get the most accurate results -- it will test for T4, T4FREE, T3, T3FREE, T4AA, AND T3AA - if you do not see these numbers and letters on your blood work it was not done and this is a must with dogs having skin issues

Originally Posted by The Puperatsi (Post 2808237)

thanks for all the info, the idea of vaccinosis seems the most likely. Several of you have commented on getting his tyroid checked, and I should have mentioned that we have done a full body workup on him, and he is very healthy. He does not have any thyroid issues and is in good spirits. He just looks nasty. He gets stressed easily and we have tried to keep him as "uneventful" as possible. As for the yeast, there is none in his ears and the vet said it's a build up internally, not external. The only way to combat the yeast is time and an everyday regimen of fatty acids and oils.

I also was upset when we took them in for the shots needed by the groomer, and they gave him a yearly rabies shot! I was under the impression, and from past experiences (and we have 5 Yorkies) that the first rabies is a year, and then every 3 years after. We took them all to a new vet last year, since we moved, and they gave him a 1 year instead... I was NOT happy. They didn't even tell me, I noticed it when we were filling out the grooming updates.

We have taken him to several vets, and have spent lot of time and moolah on him to see what the deal is, and that is why I am writing this, since we have not been able to get a good diagnosis for his problems. Also, We would like to keep him as comfortable as possible while he is recovering.

Thanks again to everyone, and keep the ideas coming!

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic (Post 2808849)

Just wanted to add one more suggestion, that I have learned from experience.... When the regular vet cannot figure out things quickly, seeing a Vet Dermatologist for skin issues is very helpful. In the long run, it is less expensive and of course, saves our furbabies a long period of misery.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom (Post 2809372)

If he has systemic yeast (not a topical/local infection), you have to give an Oral (pill) anti-fungal, like Diflucan - for about 6wks. Time does not make yeast go away, unfortunately - it just gives it more time to grow.

A regimen of Diflucan (same thing used in humans) will knock it out of his system, where it lives esp. in the small intestine.

I've not heard of fatty acids being helpful for yeast, but probiotics are essential. Once yeast has assaulted the sm. intestine, you need to help re-populate the intestine w/ the healthy flora or yeast will just continue to take over.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom (Post 2809372)

If he has systemic yeast (not a topical/local infection), you have to give an Oral (pill) anti-fungal, like Diflucan - for about 6wks. Time does not make yeast go away, unfortunately - it just gives it more time to grow.

A regimen of Diflucan (same thing used in humans) will knock it out of his system, where it lives esp. in the small intestine.

I've not heard of fatty acids being helpful for yeast, but probiotics are essential. Once yeast has assaulted the sm. intestine, you need to help re-populate the intestine w/ the healthy flora or yeast will just continue to take over.