I have an 11yr old Papilon recently diagnosed & on tablets for a heart condition (Vetmedin, Fortekor & Frusemide).

She has a concurrent issue running alongside which is a skin condition. I first noticed a scab on her back which I took her to my vets for by which time it had grown slightly & the vet was able to peel away taking the fur from it.

The area has since grown & is now 3-4cm - the original area has some fur grown back now surrounded by a bald patch at the outskirts of which there is further scabbing. The "saddle" area of her back is "dandruffy" but it is yellow & scaly & more predomiantly in the black patches of her fur.

She has been tested negative for ringworm/mites & I am using a medicated shampoo on her once a week. I have noticed another small scab appearing on her leg and she has a lump with a small scab just on her neck by her spine. I am collecting some fuciderm today to see if that would help.

The vet is suggesting a biopsy but said it could be difficult with the heart problem. Any suggestions or advice would be gratefully received as I am very worried for her.

Thanks all x

The vet is suggesting a biopsy but said it could be difficult with the
heart problem. Any suggestions or advice would be gratefully received
as I am very worried for her.

Thorough blood work including thyroid testing would be helpful.

Thanks I will mention it when I go back in a couple of days.

Update: the fuciderm seems to be halting the scabbing & hair loss & hair is growing back from the centre of the bald patch outwards slightly. I have a new shampoo to use Malaseb - which I have so far only used once & the yellow dandruffy stuff is still on her back.

She had blood taken which proved the thyroid was OK, I think her liver function was slightly off but nothing too majpr apparently. She then had blood taken to test for Cushings Disease which was also negative but where they took the blood from her jugular/front area she came up in a big blood bruise so I am now awaiting the results of clotting tests!!

I have also had her Fortekor reduced to half per day as she was a little wobbly & she now seems pretty perky in herself just has a bruised front & a couple of bald bits!!!! *sigh*

I don't know if the vet still wants to think about a biopsy or if she now things it is just some strange skin infection.... have to wait & see I guess!

Also I was told to keep her on a really bland diet for a month to see if she had food allergies so she was on chicken & rice but I've now been told to expand the diet to increase nutrients - anyone have any tips?

x