UPDATE: Roxy's Skin Issues
 

Brief story. For the past year Roxy has developed skin issues. First she had a few small spots of thick dry skin flakes, then the pimples in her private areas and then constant scratching that lead to staph infections. I tried about 5 different shampoos, giving her coconut oil in her food, fish oil, vitamin E - she eat home cooked meal, no corn or grains, we tried antib's and antihistamines, and I am sure other things too I just can't remember.

Anyway, this has been going on for the last year. I admit, it has got better: Roxy just itches her armpits, ears and chin. And it is really after she is given a bath, which I have limited to every 3rd week. I make sure she is rinsed very well and use no condition. Currently I have been using Minksheen. I immediately apply Skin Work by Coat Handler, but it takes that 2 or 3 weeks to heal that skin or so I think and then its time for bath and the cycle happens all over again.

I took Roxy to the Vet yesterday and he confirmed that she has a mild staph and mild yeast infection. Unfortunately with Roxy's liver issues, 'other' ways of dealing with this is no good for her. So he gave me a medicated shampoo - Chlorhexiderm

I bathed her as soon as I got home and will again over the weekend and then again once every week. I also apply the skin works creme as it was still red and raw from scratching. In 1 day there is such an improvement that I can cry from joy. My baby is finally going to heal - I am so happy!

I am also giving her 1/4 teaspoon of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar in her food and 1/4 teaspoon of pure organic aloe vera gel in her food, so I am not sure if they are helping her heal too - but WHATEVER is doing it I am so happy!

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Nicole, that's wonderful news for you and Roxy. It's heartbreaking to see
them scratch and never be comfortable. I had a terrier mix who has severe
skin allergies. Went to an holistic vet for years. Even that did no good.
May he RIP. Poor baby did not have a single spot on his body to pet when
he passed at 16yrs. I hope she continues to improve and be free from
scratching.

Awww:)
I bet she feels so much better.

I'm so happy you have found something that is helping. Big hugs to Roxy from me and Lucy :)

WOW.

I am SO happy to hear you found some relief - bc, as you've seen, it can nearly be imPOSSible! Amazing. Thanks for sharing, bc it really is a lesson for all of us to keep pushing until we find an answer. Btw, how did he confirm the infections - was it by deduction or did he actually do a skin scraping a grow it out in culture?

YAY for Roxy!! :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :yay_jump: :yay_jump:

I made the appt to either confirm or rule out 2 things: Yeast or Mites

He took a look at her problem areas: Armpits, Chin, Ears
and he said he is certain she has both atopic yeast and staph. He said he is 98% sure it is NOT mites (mange) but being that her skin was so raw he didn't feel a skin scrape was necessary at this time. We talked about protocol he would do and recommend for both the yeast and staph, but with her Liver Issues, we are very limited as to an approach. Even some medicated shampoos are no good for liver issue dogs.

It has only been about 3 or 4 days straight of the ACV and Aloe Vera in her food, and I only bathed her just yesterday morning in that shampoo, but I can't even begin to explain just how good her skin looks. It might be a combo of everything, not sure, but I truly hope we are on a path to recovery.

That's great. Is the shampoo by prescription only? Cali has severe scratching and we can't find out why or get it under control.

Incredible. SO happy for you BOTH!

If she didn't have liver issues, would he have given her anything systemically (as in orally) in order to really nail that yeast and staph - like oral nystatin or something (just curious what his approach would be)?

(BTW, loving your quote in your siggie :D)

I don't think it is prescription, but I did buy it there. I will let you know the whole name, but it is mild and it is Chlorhexiderm Shampoo (I think 2%)

Yes. He did mention nystatin and other stuff too, but we can not give it to her.

I like my siggie too, but I can't take credit for it, I did see it written on a texas rescue site and I had to have it too :D

Good news! Mitzi and Maggie both have those 'Schnauzer Bumps' and IME it helps to put a cotton shirt on them. I also stay away from a lot of brushing and use Aveeno oatmeal shampoo. I use 'animax ointment' too and that helps a lot.

Hopefully your baby gets rid of the itching and the rash for good!

Carpet Fresh
 

I sprinkled Carpet Fresh and vacumned...hmm...nice smell. However, poor Charlie was itching and think it is a combination of grass plus perfumes in Carpet Fresh. Thanks for your information on keeping the "itches" at bay. Warmly, Deborah PS Charlie also has had yeast in his feet (test positive) and demodex (which doesn't cause them to itch).

Thank goodness something is working with Roxy. You and she must feel so much better!!!!