Joker's Skin Problems

Submitted by armyretired on July 12, 2012 - 6:18am

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It's been going on for about a month now... Took Joker to the VET on June 15th and was given Temaril for 10 days...It started getting better and now it's getting worst... I have an appt on Friday, but was wondering if there's something I can do now... I've also noticed that Joker doesn't want to eat very much and doesn't even want to get off the porch. He's being very lazy.... Thanks for your help...

Submitted by armyretired on July 12, 2012 - 6:22am.

While Joker is sitting, sometimes he will keep turning around like he's trying to rub his butt....

Are you using any flea meds?

Submitted by AmyandSophia on July 12, 2012 - 7:32am.

That looks like a flea dermatitis or allergy, or a contact dermititis. A change of laundry detergent or other environmental contact with an allergen will produce similar skin issues. I would definitely look in that direction...also, what food do you feed? If it isn't grain free, he could be having an allergic reaction to his food.

The tail pocket...he may be scooting on his bottom to itch his tail pocket. Do you clean it often and keep it dry? Just thoughts of what could be causing the issues you are having.

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Amy and Sophia

I've never used Flea Medicene

Submitted by armyretired on July 12, 2012 - 8:12am.

I've never used Flea Medicene on Joker.. Never needed too... I feed him IAMS, which he's been on all of his 4 years of life... One thing we did do was get him a bed and washed it once a week.. I thought that may be the problem so I got rid of it... I do clean his tail pocket a couple of times a week with a baby wipe (scent free)... Thanks for your help...

Fleas

Submitted by Deb and MacKenz... on July 12, 2012 - 9:43am.

Are you sure he doesn't have fleas? What he's doing sounds just like a flea problem. And he could be allergic to fleas thus the horrible irritation and hair loss. IMO IAMS is a horrible food, I would be looking for something else. What works for 4 years might not work the rst of his life. Like humans they can form allergies later in life.

Are you giving Salmon oil or somthing similar to boost the Omega 3 & 6? I would start that. Why not try a supplement like Missing Link as well.

Agree with Lisa the meds the vets pump are just a bandaid, once they are stopped the problem will return.

Is his coat like this all over or just in his bum area? Another tell tail sign there is a flea problem.

Temaril is a combination antihistamine/steroid

Submitted by onslowsmom on July 12, 2012 - 9:07am.

which leads me to believe this vet thought this was an allergy issue. Did they say if it was staph or bacterial? Typically steroids are just a bandaid and do not really fix the issue (at least with my experience). Poor Joker must not feel well if he is sluggish. I would take him back to the vet. Has he ever had this issue at this time of year before? If not, it is most likely some kind of contact or food allergy as Amy suggested. I hope he feels better. You may want to ask about getting a medicated shampoo for him if you don't have any already.

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Food Recommendation

Submitted by armyretired on July 12, 2012 - 12:06pm.

Could you give me some food recommendations? I live in a very rural area and it's hard to get premium food... I have a tractor supply 30 miles and Petsmart about 100 miles.. Very small walmart(that's where I get the IAMS) I have a couple of small pet stores that may be able to order what I need... I appreciate everybodies help with this problem.. I hate seeing Joker in this condition......

Grain free usually works best

Submitted by onslowsmom on July 12, 2012 - 12:46pm.

there are a number of different ones. We personally use Taste of the Wild Bison and Venison which we also buy at the Tractor Supply (I will tell you its a Diamond product and they have had recalls so do your homework). Maybe try a small bag first to make sure it agrees with him.

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We have used Taste of the Wild with good success...

Submitted by Kathy Chester N... on July 12, 2012 - 1:47pm.

we have recently switched to California Natural grain free, we have one on venison and two on salmon. Most horse/pet depots will carry these foods and if not, they can order them. You should be able to find some kind of grain free at your depot, for skin problems I've found the fish based helps the most. You can also order online, I know Ca Natural is actually cheaper through Amazon with the free shipping for two bags.

Skin Issues

Submitted by carmiesmommy on July 12, 2012 - 12:18pm.

My recommendation is to take your bully to a dermatologist. I first give my vet a chance then I head straight to a specialist. They will most likely take care of the problem quickly. Looks like a skin scraping may be in order. It could be mites. Steroids will only make that condition worse. On a more holistic note,you may want to give your baby some herbs to boost his immune system like astragalus. Good luck!

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