Bacterial folliculitis

Submitted by sitartzm on April 18, 2012 - 5:38pm

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So I took my Brewer in two days ago because he had some patchy hair lose and some "pimple" like things along his back. The vet said he was 90% positive that it is bacterial folliculitis. He said he wasnt so sure because he couldn't see the bacteria on the slide from the sample he had taken. He then tells me to give Brewer 3 weeks of antibiotics and that if it doesn't show improvement to come back in two weeks. It might be something to do with his immune system attacking him. Let me say that this is not my normal vet. And I have never liked this vet but he was the only one available, and with my crazy schedule with school and work I didn't have any other options to take him any other day. When I asked what bacterial folliculitis was he just said bacteria on his skin. Well I get that. I want to know what causes it. Is this going to happen the rest of his life? When asked about the immune system he said that Brewer would have to be on steroids on and off for the rest of his life, and he doesn't want to do that because "Brewer just don't need to gain any more weight with as chunky as he is." RUDE! 1st off Brewer is 60lbs and has been for about 4 months now. (remind you he is only 11 months old) and his normal vet says he is perfect in weight for as big he is and how big his parents were. So now after rambiling, does anyone know anything about what is going on? Anything would help. THANKS in advance.

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sorry dol no experience...but

Submitted by Pegsy on April 18, 2012 - 6:11pm.

sorry dol no experience...but i would go w/my gut...you said you

didn't like this vet...he sounds like he's too busy to edolain thoroughly...

i'd go for a second opinion....hope the bugaboo gets bette and it's nothing serious

smoochies the scrunchy face

I would definitely get a second opinion.

Submitted by AmyandSophia on April 18, 2012 - 6:27pm.

I would never put one of mine on steroids off and on for life! I think you need to start building up his immune system, give a 500 mg vitamin c daily in his feed. Also give Salmon oil every few days, you can get Wild Norwegian Salmon Oil at walmart for very little money.

The vet you saw is an idiot. He didn't see anything on the slide but tells you that's what it is anyway. Oh. Really? I would not hesitate to get in with your regular vet.

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Amy and Sophia

ahhh CHECK PLEASE ! dont walk RUN to your Vet

Submitted by RARett on April 18, 2012 - 6:50pm.

That one just sounds - Odd.

This is where I look at whoever is 'servicing me' (waiter, cashier, nurse, whatever) I raise my hand up in the air (with a number 1 held high) and say very loudly but calmly 'CHECK PLEASE ! ! !' that gets ALOT of attention - Cause i'm CHECKING outta this hell hole ! LOL.

I Have no experience, but I definately dont have warm fuzzies. You are paying for the service - atleast give me a warm fuzzy of sometype. Dont have me standing there dumbfounded

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Hey sorry about your bad

Submitted by tonyjerry on April 18, 2012 - 9:54pm.

Hey sorry about your bad experience with the vet. Folliculitis is any inflammation of the hair follicle and bacterial is inflammation due to usually staph. The same staph that is on all dogs and humans is able to gain entry deeper to hair follicicle and cause the infection. The actual cause of this can be from trauma like a cut or bug bite but sometimes is due to an autoimmune disorder. Not sure why your vet would go and jump to that conclusion unless this is a recurring problem. Any antibiotic covering staph should work, he probably gave you Keflex because its cheap and effective. Hopefully that takes care of it and you dont ever have to deal with it again. I would just contact your normal vet and let him know what happened so he is up to dat with Brewer's health.

oh right, taking chronic

Submitted by tonyjerry on April 18, 2012 - 9:58pm.

oh right, taking chronic steriods a very big deal so id really question that. we give Oliver salmon oil too, there is some evidence that it helps with the cardiovascular, immune, and musculoskeletal system so we figure it cant hurt

Funny you should post..

Submitted by HOLLAND75 on April 19, 2012 - 10:21pm.

My puppy has ringworm and the vet mentioned that puppies often get these kinds of infections because they are still developing their immune system. So it may be a puppy thing. Like with humans, the bacteria lives on our skin but stress can trigger a break out...That vet sounded like an alarmist, but I would still get a second opinion. I hope it improves!

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