Cypher now has a new problem that we are trying to work out with the vet.
He seems to have developed an allergy to something. Your mission, help us
figure out some ideas.

Over the last 2 weeks, he has developed a very musty doggy-type smell. He
scratches ALL the time and even has a few small bald patches on his legs.
Actually, looking at him now, he has a lot of small bald patches on his
legs, stomach, and lower chest. The vet recommended using an oatmeal
shampoo as a temp. solution while we try to figure out what is causing the
reaction. The shampoo works for a couple hours, but then he is back to
itching again.

His diet has not changed (lamb and rice formula) He is up-to-date on
heartworm, shots, and flea control. no sign of mange or other parasites.
Vet checked for ear mites because he has always scratched his ears a lot,
but always comes up clean. His skin looks dry, but isnt flaky or peeling.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

dainerra

When was his last shots or heartworm? Any change in the environment, lawn
products, etc, has the bug guy been by to spray around the house??

Teresa

"CaptRon" wrote in message
thlink.net...
Cypher now has a new problem that we are trying to work out with the vet.
He seems to have developed an allergy to something. Your mission, help
us
figure out some ideas.
....

Thyroid?

"CaptRon" wrote in message
thlink.net...
Cypher now has a new problem that we are trying to work out with the vet.
He seems to have developed an allergy to something. Your mission, help
us
figure out some ideas.

Over the last 2 weeks, he has developed a very musty doggy-type smell.
He
scratches ALL the time and even has a few small bald patches on his legs.
Actually, looking at him now, he has a lot of small bald patches on his
legs, stomach, and lower chest. The vet recommended using an oatmeal
shampoo as a temp. solution while we try to figure out what is causing the
reaction. The shampoo works for a couple hours, but then he is back to
itching again.

His diet has not changed (lamb and rice formula) He is up-to-date on
heartworm, shots, and flea control. no sign of mange or other parasites.
Vet checked for ear mites because he has always scratched his ears a lot,
but always comes up clean. His skin looks dry, but isnt flaky or
peeling.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

dainerra

My doberman does exactly the same thing. I have taken him to the vet 5 or 6
times and they have checked for mites and fleas($100 a visit), but cant find
any. They gave him a steriod and antibiotic which clears up everything for 2
weeks thens he goes right back to scratching all over. They want up to do blood
work ($300) to see what he's allergic to and then its $150 a month for 6 months
for building his immune system. Dont have that kind of cash right now so
Curious just has to hold on a little longer.

CaptRon wrote:

Cypher now has a new problem that we are trying to work out with the vet.
He seems to have developed an allergy to something. Your mission, help us
figure out some ideas.

Over the last 2 weeks, he has developed a very musty doggy-type smell. He
scratches ALL the time and even has a few small bald patches on his legs.
Actually, looking at him now, he has a lot of small bald patches on his
legs, stomach, and lower chest. The vet recommended using an oatmeal
shampoo as a temp. solution while we try to figure out what is causing the
reaction. The shampoo works for a couple hours, but then he is back to
itching again.

His diet has not changed (lamb and rice formula) He is up-to-date on
heartworm, shots, and flea control. no sign of mange or other parasites.
Vet checked for ear mites because he has always scratched his ears a lot,
but always comes up clean. His skin looks dry, but isnt flaky or peeling.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

dainerra

"Joe Stiles" wrote in message
...
My doberman does exactly the same thing. I have taken him to the vet 5 or
6
times and they have checked for mites and fleas($100 a visit), but cant
find
any. They gave him a steriod and antibiotic which clears up everything
for 2
weeks thens he goes right back to scratching all over. They want up to do
blood
work ($300) to see what he's allergic to and then its $150 a month for 6
months
for building his immune system. Dont have that kind of cash right now so
Curious just has to hold on a little longer.


yes, that is our problem, the cash to find out what is wrong.. Will ask
the vet about thryoid as someone else recommended. am beginning to wonder
if it is maybe just the grass he could be allergic to? all of hte bald
patches, scaly skin and smell seems to come from his legs.
as for the ear scratching, we've started joking that he doesnt like having
floppy ears

dainerra

Emily Carroll said in rec.pets.dogs.breeds:

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

My first thought is a chemical. If it was the seasons, he
probably would've started earlier.

Great suggestion. Triggers like this often occur with epilepsy.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.

"CaptRon" wrote ...
Cypher now has a new problem that we are trying to work out with the vet.
He seems to have developed an allergy to something. Your mission, help
us
figure out some ideas.

Do you have any wandering jew plant in your garden? That's known to cause
allergic skin reactions in dogs (not to mention allergies in humans too).

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wandering_Jew_(plant)

cheers
Rache'
(New Zealand)

"CaptRon" wrote ...
"Supergoof" wrote ...
Do you have any wandering jew plant in your garden? That's known to
cause
allergic skin reactions in dogs (not to mention allergies in humans
too).
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wandering_Jew_(plant)

no, havent seen any plants like that..

I've also seen it with plain green, or green and white leaves.

Hope your vet gets to the bottom of the allergies quickly. Can you give dogs
antihistamine?


Rachel
(New Zealand)

"TypicalGirl" wrote in message
...
Thyroid?


That's what I was going to suggest. I know that with shar pei, the bald
patches on the lower half of the body can be a sign of a thyroid problem.

One thing that I have found great results with as far as fighting allergy
problems is Missing Link diet supplement. It seems to give the immune
system a good over-all boost.

Robin