Jenna still scratching/losing hair - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Jenna AK · 11-11-2011, 12:24 AM

Ladyjane and Bitsy, thank you for the encouragement on the prednisone. I'll give it some more thought. I just want my poor girl to get over this and feel better.

IsabelleOllie · 11-11-2011, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenna AK

Ah okay, so there's no ozone being generated? Because it does make the air seem nicer at first, then there's this odd smell and my throat gets dry. I had to turn it off for now.
My vet told me to leave the sebozole on for 5 minutes and believe me, that's all Jenna will tolerate.
Maybe that's the problem? Not getting the shampoo on long enough? But she gets cold and tries to jump out of the tub.
Also, does anyone have an easy method for ear cleaning? She won't hold still for me. And what does everyone do for laundry soap? We have hard well water here.

I would try wrapping her in a warm towel and holding her, rather than leaving her standing in the tub while the sebozole is on her. Thats what I do when I bathe Belle and need to leave the conditioner on her for a few minutes. Then when it's time to rinse you can put her back into the tub.

Bitsy · 11-11-2011, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IsabelleOllie

I would try wrapping her in a warm towel and holding her, rather than leaving her standing in the tub while the sebozole is on her. Thats what I do when I bathe Belle and need to leave the conditioner on her for a few minutes. Then when it's time to rinse you can put her back into the tub.

That is what I was going to suggest. Good luck!!!!

Jenna AK · 11-11-2011, 04:09 PM

Okay, I'll give that a try, thanks. Although I'm sure she won't be happy with me for 'drying her off' then putting her back in the tub! Lol...

When she first came home with us, baths terrified her and I think in a way they still do. I would have to sit in the tub with her, fully clothed mind, and that's the only way we could wash her. She begins to fidget if the water cools the least bit. To this day, if you use the dreaded 'B' word in front of her, she tucks tail and ears, runs to the nearest sympathetic lap, jumps up, rolls over and wiggles tail, 'tocks and legs in the most comical way you can't help but laugh and go 'Awwwww' at the same time.
I thought only big doggies hated bathtime? xD

Jenna AK · 11-12-2011, 03:24 PM

Okay, this afternoon I took a look at a wet spot that she must've just chewed on the inside of her right rear leg and she's given herself a road rash there. (you can see where blood is coming to the surface but not breaking through) Is there anything I can do for that? I cleaned it with a puppy wipe and rubbed in some plain neosporin ointment. There's no sign of the brown spotting there, but I think it's across from her vaginal area where there is some of that. Plus her vaginal opening looks like there's a light bit of discharge there. It's crusting on the fur in that spot. I did rinse her bottom with a water/cider vinegar solution last night after her walk, but clean rinsed it thoroughly and dried her. What would cause this?

I'll be calling the vet again of course. Anything else I should do in the meantime?

Ellie May · 11-12-2011, 03:59 PM

While there is a very big chance that it is NOT food allergies, the best way to do an elimination diet is with a hydrolyzed rx food. NB LID really isn't the best route.

Allergies are very possible. However, there is really not reason not to do a quick thyroid check. Small breeds can and do get thyroid disease. You might want to get a second opinion... That said, it really depends on what is truly wrong with the skin (how about a dog dermatologist?). A systemic yeast infection may require oral yeast meds. A bacterial infection may require antibiotics. And just plain ol' skin irritation from scratching too much requires some relief for your girl. Or maybe a combination of meds is needed.

Steroids are not bad. They are very good drugs. There are side effects like with any other drug. They can cause major problems if dogs are on them long term. She shouldn't have to be though. After the itch cycle is broken, if they are environmental allergies you could do allergy testing and injections or even Atopica long term isn't a terrible idea. It comes down to this. Your girl is constantly itchy and now her skin is getting destroyed because of it. She is suffering if she is very itchy. It is a quality of life issue. She should get the drug that will make her feel better. Then when she gets over this itch hump, maybe something else can be tried. It is the fastest way to get them relief. It should esp. be tried if an antihistamine given 2-3 times a day for at least 10+ days didn't work.

We even use steroids for Ellie and she by no means should be taking them. however, it is a quality of life issue. There are many to choose from. We do Vetalog injections (as needed which is rare) or Temaril-P tablets. And when her back goes out and she has to have it, we use Pred. Gotta do what you gotta do to keep your girl comfortable...

yorkieusa · 11-12-2011, 04:15 PM

Do you have one of those soft collars? That way she couldn't chew on herself so much. I wish I could help you more. I know you've been battling this for the longest time. I haven't posted in a long time, because I really had no advice.

You can get some four-legged joggers for her. When she goes out, she won't be quite as cold. That is what I put on mine in the coldest of weather and then a coat over that!

This link belongs to one of our YT members:

dog clothes joggers

Jenna AK · 11-12-2011, 05:13 PM

Thanks everyone. I am glad to have your help.
I don't have a cone, no. I think I saw those softee ones at Petco, so I'll try to find one next shopping day. She scratches a lot too and is difficult about getting her nails trimmed since touching her feet makes her pull away and try to run off. I don't think she'll tolerate the pedipaws, but I'll give that a try.

I was beginning to suspect the food before I brought her in the first time, but because I have other itchy animals in the house, the inhalant allergy thing sounded right...or mites. But this shampoo hasn't helped, it's only made her dried out. The ionizing air purifier just stunk up the house and made us both start coughing. That this has all come on so suddenly and developed so fast stymies me.

The vet teetered on thyroid but wasn't going to test her. He wants the prednisone tried. He did suppose she could use an antifungal internally, but was too focused on the steroids to think far along those lines. He just kept saying 'I know it's ihalant allergies...' It doesn't help that he has a son with bad asthma and he kept comparing Jenna's problems to what sets off his son's symptoms. Normally this guy is great, he saved one of my past dogs from GDV a few years ago, but the practice has changed locations since then and I'm not sure if they are under new management. Just about all but one of the vets there have started to rub me the wrong way. I just have so few options for vets in Fairbanks, especially for my rabbits who have to have exotics care.
Most vets here see sled dogs primarily. Many people have little dogs, but no one seems to specialize in them. No dermatologists, but we do have good dental folks across town. She'll need her teeth done soon too, poor thing
I read that thyroid trouble is not life threatening, but if quality is deteriorating, what kind of life is it? She's had such a sad look in her eyes lately and it's infuriating me that I can't seem to light a fire under anyone for her.
She is also developing intestinal gas again the last few days. She is eliminating fine, but her tummy must hurt.

I have IBS, so I know she must feel bad when she starts gurgling loud enough for me to hear.
If DVP NB is no good, (she's eaten it for a year and a half...what changed?) I have some BlueBuffalo here. Will that be okay to suddenly switch her to util I can get her something better? And I'm guessing NO people food at all right now?
We go back to town Monday. I'll start making a list of things she needs from this post.
Sorry to wax long. Thanks again!

Jenna AK · 11-12-2011, 05:38 PM

Oh, and we've not be given any antihistamines for her either. She pretty much sleeps all day anyway, no use in making her more tired, but I'm wondering if there are other benefits she could get from something like benadryl?

Ellie May · 11-12-2011, 05:46 PM

They can be attempted to see if they take the itch down. Works for some dogs with envir. allergies and not for others. Might be worth a try. At this point though bc she is suffering steroids may be the better option.

ladyjane · 11-12-2011, 06:07 PM

I would absolutely give my pup steroids!! She needs some relief from that itching!!

As for hypothyroidism...that is NOT a big deal. Two tiny pills/day and they are cheap. They are fine with meds.

yorkieusa · 11-12-2011, 06:14 PM

I used to mix Blue Buffalo with the primary food I feed mine, but I found it gave her gas so I quit feeding it. Of course, it may not affect your little girl the same. Just thought I'd throw that in there.

Jenna AK · 11-12-2011, 06:54 PM

Please don't shout at me ladyjane,...I'm not trying to start an argument and I'm not concerned with cost of meds, really. I'm just trying to get information. I'm more wondering how she's developed whatever she has. And how we get it stopped without causing other problems.
Please do tell me more how the prednisone works, if you would. Will it increase her appetite at all? She's getting to be a bit of a butterball as it is.... I think she's bordering on 7 pounds.
The prednisone round my vet described sounded like 2 pills twice a day for 4 days, then every other day for four days, then one pill every day for four days, then one every other day for four days...after he began rattling this off I got confused so I'm not even sure that's what he said...so that's a bit over 2 weeks worth, right? If she has hypothyroid, will the prednisone hurt her? I'm guessing I should probably make him test her first. Is that a blood draw?
Does it really make them pee more? She's no good with puppy pads and HAS to go outside to pee. (not that she hasn't wet the rug when I wasn't paying attention)
Something else she's doing that concerns me...she will be perfectly at rest and then suddenly begin breathing heavily, all the while fully awake. And she runs her tongue around her mouth a lot, like she's got cottonmouth. But the saddest is that little nose whistle of hers. It's the one thing she always does when she's anxious. Usually when I leave her for any amount of time, but lately it seems to happen more often. Could she be in pain? Should I consider pain meds as well?
Sorry for all the questions. Just a nervous Yorkie mom.

ladyjane · 11-12-2011, 06:58 PM

I was not shouting.

Maybe someone else can answer your questions.

I do think you need to listen to your vet...and ask him questions, too. Write them all down so that you don't forget.

Jenna AK · 11-12-2011, 07:16 PM

I'll do that, thank you.

Sorry, when I see exclamation points I think someone's yelling at me. My bad.

Thank you, yorkieusa, for the info on Blue Buffalo. Is there a food anyone can suggest I try on her? (not Science Diet, I hope) FYI, I think she's allergic to things like beef (sadly her favorite!), chicken and wild game like bison or venison. She just plain doesn't like fish, but I suppose if I put it down enough times she'll eat it.
I see a lot of focus on yorkie blood sugar too. Could that factor in to her skin problems perhaps?

11-11-2011, 12:24 AM	#16
Jenna AK YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southwest Oregon, heart left in Alaska Posts: 371 Blog Entries: 1	Ladyjane and Bitsy, thank you for the encouragement on the prednisone. I'll give it some more thought. I just want my poor girl to get over this and feel better. __________________ Jenna Bean ~ ~ An angel on four legs Sometimes I wonder who rescued who?

11-11-2011, 04:09 PM	#19
Jenna AK YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southwest Oregon, heart left in Alaska Posts: 371 Blog Entries: 1	Okay, I'll give that a try, thanks. Although I'm sure she won't be happy with me for 'drying her off' then putting her back in the tub! Lol... When she first came home with us, baths terrified her and I think in a way they still do. I would have to sit in the tub with her, fully clothed mind, and that's the only way we could wash her. She begins to fidget if the water cools the least bit. To this day, if you use the dreaded 'B' word in front of her, she tucks tail and ears, runs to the nearest sympathetic lap, jumps up, rolls over and wiggles tail, 'tocks and legs in the most comical way you can't help but laugh and go 'Awwwww' at the same time. I thought only big doggies hated bathtime? xD __________________ Jenna Bean ~ ~ An angel on four legs Sometimes I wonder who rescued who?

11-12-2011, 03:24 PM	#20
Jenna AK YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southwest Oregon, heart left in Alaska Posts: 371 Blog Entries: 1	Okay, this afternoon I took a look at a wet spot that she must've just chewed on the inside of her right rear leg and she's given herself a road rash there. (you can see where blood is coming to the surface but not breaking through) Is there anything I can do for that? I cleaned it with a puppy wipe and rubbed in some plain neosporin ointment. There's no sign of the brown spotting there, but I think it's across from her vaginal area where there is some of that. Plus her vaginal opening looks like there's a light bit of discharge there. It's crusting on the fur in that spot. I did rinse her bottom with a water/cider vinegar solution last night after her walk, but clean rinsed it thoroughly and dried her. What would cause this? I'll be calling the vet again of course. Anything else I should do in the meantime? __________________ Jenna Bean ~ ~ An angel on four legs Sometimes I wonder who rescued who?

11-12-2011, 03:59 PM	#21
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	While there is a very big chance that it is NOT food allergies, the best way to do an elimination diet is with a hydrolyzed rx food. NB LID really isn't the best route. Allergies are very possible. However, there is really not reason not to do a quick thyroid check. Small breeds can and do get thyroid disease. You might want to get a second opinion... That said, it really depends on what is truly wrong with the skin (how about a dog dermatologist?). A systemic yeast infection may require oral yeast meds. A bacterial infection may require antibiotics. And just plain ol' skin irritation from scratching too much requires some relief for your girl. Or maybe a combination of meds is needed. Steroids are not bad. They are very good drugs. There are side effects like with any other drug. They can cause major problems if dogs are on them long term. She shouldn't have to be though. After the itch cycle is broken, if they are environmental allergies you could do allergy testing and injections or even Atopica long term isn't a terrible idea. It comes down to this. Your girl is constantly itchy and now her skin is getting destroyed because of it. She is suffering if she is very itchy. It is a quality of life issue. She should get the drug that will make her feel better. Then when she gets over this itch hump, maybe something else can be tried. It is the fastest way to get them relief. It should esp. be tried if an antihistamine given 2-3 times a day for at least 10+ days didn't work. We even use steroids for Ellie and she by no means should be taking them. however, it is a quality of life issue. There are many to choose from. We do Vetalog injections (as needed which is rare) or Temaril-P tablets. And when her back goes out and she has to have it, we use Pred. Gotta do what you gotta do to keep your girl comfortable... __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

11-12-2011, 04:15 PM	#22
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	Do you have one of those soft collars? That way she couldn't chew on herself so much. I wish I could help you more. I know you've been battling this for the longest time. I haven't posted in a long time, because I really had no advice. You can get some four-legged joggers for her. When she goes out, she won't be quite as cold. That is what I put on mine in the coldest of weather and then a coat over that! This link belongs to one of our YT members: dog clothes joggers __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

11-12-2011, 05:13 PM	#23
Jenna AK YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southwest Oregon, heart left in Alaska Posts: 371 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks everyone. I am glad to have your help. I don't have a cone, no. I think I saw those softee ones at Petco, so I'll try to find one next shopping day. She scratches a lot too and is difficult about getting her nails trimmed since touching her feet makes her pull away and try to run off. I don't think she'll tolerate the pedipaws, but I'll give that a try. I was beginning to suspect the food before I brought her in the first time, but because I have other itchy animals in the house, the inhalant allergy thing sounded right...or mites. But this shampoo hasn't helped, it's only made her dried out. The ionizing air purifier just stunk up the house and made us both start coughing. That this has all come on so suddenly and developed so fast stymies me. The vet teetered on thyroid but wasn't going to test her. He wants the prednisone tried. He did suppose she could use an antifungal internally, but was too focused on the steroids to think far along those lines. He just kept saying 'I know it's ihalant allergies...' It doesn't help that he has a son with bad asthma and he kept comparing Jenna's problems to what sets off his son's symptoms. Normally this guy is great, he saved one of my past dogs from GDV a few years ago, but the practice has changed locations since then and I'm not sure if they are under new management. Just about all but one of the vets there have started to rub me the wrong way. I just have so few options for vets in Fairbanks, especially for my rabbits who have to have exotics care. Most vets here see sled dogs primarily. Many people have little dogs, but no one seems to specialize in them. No dermatologists, but we do have good dental folks across town. She'll need her teeth done soon too, poor thing I read that thyroid trouble is not life threatening, but if quality is deteriorating, what kind of life is it? She's had such a sad look in her eyes lately and it's infuriating me that I can't seem to light a fire under anyone for her. She is also developing intestinal gas again the last few days. She is eliminating fine, but her tummy must hurt. I have IBS, so I know she must feel bad when she starts gurgling loud enough for me to hear. If DVP NB is no good, (she's eaten it for a year and a half...what changed?) I have some BlueBuffalo here. Will that be okay to suddenly switch her to util I can get her something better? And I'm guessing NO people food at all right now? We go back to town Monday. I'll start making a list of things she needs from this post. Sorry to wax long. Thanks again! __________________ Jenna Bean ~ ~ An angel on four legs Sometimes I wonder who rescued who?

11-12-2011, 05:38 PM	#24
Jenna AK YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southwest Oregon, heart left in Alaska Posts: 371 Blog Entries: 1	Oh, and we've not be given any antihistamines for her either. She pretty much sleeps all day anyway, no use in making her more tired, but I'm wondering if there are other benefits she could get from something like benadryl? __________________ Jenna Bean ~ ~ An angel on four legs Sometimes I wonder who rescued who?

11-12-2011, 05:46 PM	#25
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	They can be attempted to see if they take the itch down. Works for some dogs with envir. allergies and not for others. Might be worth a try. At this point though bc she is suffering steroids may be the better option. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

11-12-2011, 06:07 PM	#26
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	I would absolutely give my pup steroids!! She needs some relief from that itching!! As for hypothyroidism...that is NOT a big deal. Two tiny pills/day and they are cheap. They are fine with meds. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

11-12-2011, 06:14 PM	#27
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	I used to mix Blue Buffalo with the primary food I feed mine, but I found it gave her gas so I quit feeding it. Of course, it may not affect your little girl the same. Just thought I'd throw that in there. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

11-12-2011, 06:54 PM	#28
Jenna AK YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southwest Oregon, heart left in Alaska Posts: 371 Blog Entries: 1	Please don't shout at me ladyjane,...I'm not trying to start an argument and I'm not concerned with cost of meds, really. I'm just trying to get information. I'm more wondering how she's developed whatever she has. And how we get it stopped without causing other problems. Please do tell me more how the prednisone works, if you would. Will it increase her appetite at all? She's getting to be a bit of a butterball as it is.... I think she's bordering on 7 pounds. The prednisone round my vet described sounded like 2 pills twice a day for 4 days, then every other day for four days, then one pill every day for four days, then one every other day for four days...after he began rattling this off I got confused so I'm not even sure that's what he said...so that's a bit over 2 weeks worth, right? If she has hypothyroid, will the prednisone hurt her? I'm guessing I should probably make him test her first. Is that a blood draw? Does it really make them pee more? She's no good with puppy pads and HAS to go outside to pee. (not that she hasn't wet the rug when I wasn't paying attention) Something else she's doing that concerns me...she will be perfectly at rest and then suddenly begin breathing heavily, all the while fully awake. And she runs her tongue around her mouth a lot, like she's got cottonmouth. But the saddest is that little nose whistle of hers. It's the one thing she always does when she's anxious. Usually when I leave her for any amount of time, but lately it seems to happen more often. Could she be in pain? Should I consider pain meds as well? Sorry for all the questions. Just a nervous Yorkie mom. __________________ Jenna Bean ~ ~ An angel on four legs Sometimes I wonder who rescued who?

11-12-2011, 06:58 PM	#29
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	I was not shouting. Maybe someone else can answer your questions. I do think you need to listen to your vet...and ask him questions, too. Write them all down so that you don't forget. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

11-12-2011, 07:16 PM	#30
Jenna AK YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southwest Oregon, heart left in Alaska Posts: 371 Blog Entries: 1	I'll do that, thank you. Sorry, when I see exclamation points I think someone's yelling at me. My bad. Thank you, yorkieusa, for the info on Blue Buffalo. Is there a food anyone can suggest I try on her? (not Science Diet, I hope) FYI, I think she's allergic to things like beef (sadly her favorite!), chicken and wild game like bison or venison. She just plain doesn't like fish, but I suppose if I put it down enough times she'll eat it. I see a lot of focus on yorkie blood sugar too. Could that factor in to her skin problems perhaps? __________________ Jenna Bean ~ ~ An angel on four legs Sometimes I wonder who rescued who?