Hot Spots/Staph Infection/Dermatitis
Submitted by karenr65 on August 22, 2011 - 11:31amHi - My 10 year old Winston has had his share of staph infections through out his years but the one he has now is the worst. He always does well on cephlaxin (sp) but this time it didn't work. My vet then gave him clavamox and that didn't do a thing. He gave me medicated shampoo and that helps remove the crustly spots but it does not seem to be improving. He said the next step would be to take him to a dermatologist. So I decided to do another round of cephlaxin and if it doesn't improve, I will take him. He is not in any discomfort - he just looks bad. What are your thoughts on this? Is this something that he will just have to get out of his system? Any quidance will be greatly appreciated.
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Karen and Winston
Dermatologist is the way to go at this point
Since your boy is 10, his immune system is probably not as good as it used to be. Maybe try and give your boy some immune boosters like Colostrum or astragalus. Have you changed his food recently? All these can be factors. Since he has been on antibiotics several times, his infections may be resistant to them. Hoping for a good outcome.
You may want to have him tested
for low thyroid. Thyroid problems can damage skin/coat. Easy test, just blood work and pretty inexpensive.
Lynn King CPDT-KA
skin infection and ear infections
are both a sign of food allergies....but it could also be a sign of a low immunity system and since yours seem to be chronic...here is a suggestion...one capsule of cod liver oil a day ( has vit d, and is high in omega) and i would go one tab of vit c 500mg ......stay away from yogurt has to much sugar,,,their are other probitics on the market that work better...i use pure honey to boost my dogs immune system...1/2 teaspoon to a qt of water.....
and of course think about a raw diet...even a pre made one...may help...antibotics are only hiding the big problem....]
good luck
He has only had about 5 infections in his 10 years...
and has eaten the same thing since he was a puppy. Can he just all of a sudden become allergic to something he has always eaten?
Karen and Winston
Yes!
Your Winston may be allergic to his food! It can happenwith humans as well as animals. My boy is now allergic to flaxseed and barly. It happened about 2 years ago when he was 9yrs. old. Prior to that his food contained flaxseed which is supposed to be great for their coat. Now I make him home made.
Yes, dog food companies often change
their formulas, even just a little change can cause upset with a dog.
Lynn King CPDT-KA