I posted this to rec.pets.dogs.health without
too much success.

Things are beginning to get much worse day
by day and the vets seem unable to help.

See short videos of Rufus.... if you do not have
broadband then I suggest the small version...

http://www.oofus.com/pix/PoorRufusMed.WMV

http://www.oofus.com/pix/PoorRufusSmall.WMV

This is Rufus, our Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla.
He was born locally (Hampshire, UK), on
19th May 2002, making him now twenty months
old. Rufus has a good walk every day, usually
one and a half to two hours, at a good pace in
local woodland. He is well socialised and is friendly
with everyone and other dogs. He has two meals
a day consisting of one third Waitrose organic
complete dry food, one third Waitrose biscuit
mixer, and half a tin of Waitrose dog meat.

During the hot weather of summer 2003 we first
noticed this 'itchy back' problem, particularly when
he was in direct sunshine in the garden. I assumed
it was heat problems and cooling him down/or/moving
him out of the sun seemed to solve the problem.
(He loves to swim and the hosepipe is a great attraction!).

I have bathed him with Malaseb and regularly used Frontline.

However during the autumn of 2003 the symptoms
have steadily become worse, usually indoors where he
will literally run round in circles and hide in corners, frantic
with his attempts to repeatedly 'snatch' at whatever is
bothering him. Sometimes he will look at the ground in
front and around him as if there is something there.
He does not scratch. The only place he seems to find
peace is in his basket where he will curl up and sleep.

I have visited our local veterinary practice where he has
been given a full blood and skin 'work up', but no food
or other allergies have been found. He has been treated
for sarcoptic mange (just in case) to no effect.

Rufus has now started to exhibit this behaviour in the
garden and out on walks, and he is so worried about his
'tickles' when he is indoors that it is plain to see that he is
quite miserable. During the worst spells his ears are back
and his breath is laboured.

Any help or information would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,
Roy