Friend's dog has skin problems

[cowgirlnat]

My friend has an american bulldog that has had a severe itch for months now. She has tried absolutely everything. The dogs skin is red all over and it usually itches to the point of bleeding. I haven't seen it so I can't describe in too much detail, but this is what she has tried so far. Benadryl, medicated shampoo, anti-fungals, anti-bacterials, changed the food (i believe she's on science diet or prescription diet lamb and rice), changed detergents, head and shoulders, eggs, and has been using apple cider vinegar most recently.

I'm the one that suggested the vinegar and she says it has made the biggest difference. She puts it on her food and sprays it on the dog. She also says that it seemed like the dog had some relief for a short period after the head and shoulder's bath. She also says that she thinks the benadryl gives her some relief as well. The dog also has runny eyes so she feels that it is allergies (the pollen is BAD around here), but the vet says it is impossible for a puppy to have allergies. I've told her to get a 2nd opinion.

Today I told her to try spraying some listerine on the dog to see if that won't help (would kill bacteria and helps stop itching). I may tell her to try some athlete's foot cream b/c I had to use that on my horse once when he had a small patch of dermatitis. The other thing I've suggested is trying some Flax Seed Oil capsules...they've made a HUGE different in my dog's coat. He had perpetual dandruff. I also told her to go online to pet suppliers and see what OTC dog allergy medications there are. The only last thing I can think of to suggest changing the dog over to a raw diet. I did tell her to give the dog some anti-inflammatory to maybe help with the inflammed skin.

Other than that, I'm at a complete loss. It's difficult b/c we have no clue what is causing it so we're just batting in the dark. The dog is primarily white skinned and white coated. It's mostly from the neck down. She has 2 other dogs with no symptoms what so ever. She has already spent over $600 taking it to the vet. They've done skin scrapes out the wazoo...the only thing they haven't done is do an allergy test but the vet claims it would be a waist b/c the dog is so young. She weighs about 50lbs and is primarily indoors from what I understand. When she is outside she is fenced in and only with the 2 other dogs she lives with. The symptoms may be worse at night, but it's hard to say b/c the owner works during the day and when the dog wakes you up at night itching, it always seems worse.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what we could possibly do for this dog?

Thought I would add that the dog is actually 6 months old so she's not really a PUPPY puppy, but not an adult.

[Dauxside]

The food would be my first consideration. If she's feeding Science Diet that's not the best food, anything with corn or wheat is liable to cause allergic reaction.

[cowgirlnat]

I really do think it's the prescription diet though. She has to buy it at the vet's. When she first told me what she changed it to I did have to pause for a second to think about what she said b/c I too am not a fan of science diet. But I'll ask again just to be safe.

[BratBoxers]

First needs a food change to something grain free my suggestion is EVO. Then I would suggest bathing in ACV 2x daily and then use Selsun Blue bath 2x a day, after dog is air dried I would try using Tinactin foot spray. I also suggest using a black light on the dog before all this if spots glow green then the dog has a fungal infection.

[cowgirlnat]

Originally Posted by BratBoxers

First needs a food change to something grain free my suggestion is EVO. Then I would suggest bathing in ACV 2x daily and then use Selsun Blue bath 2x a day, after dog is air dried I would try using Tinactin foot spray. I also suggest using a black light on the dog before all this if spots glow green then the dog has a fungal infection.

How long does she use the ACV and then how long for the Selsun? I assume you're not telling me to bathe the dog 4x a day. Neat trick with the black light!

[tala&w00kie]

i agree with most poeple...change food with no grain if poss...also check the yard possibly something organic could cause him to itch (plants, fertilizer) maybe try tea tree oil in shampoo..that will refresh skin and relieve some itchiness
good luck

[BratBoxers]

Originally Posted by cowgirlnat

How long does she use the ACV and then how long for the Selsun? I assume you're not telling me to bathe the dog 4x a day. Neat trick with the black light!

Yep, actually I am The ACV you can just put the dog in the tub and mix with water and pour over him rub in. The selsun blue you want to scrub that in if in fact it is fungal you have to hit it hard and for at least 3 weeks. I have figured out fungus is a strange thing. Let dog air dry and do not rinse ACV off. Dont forget if there are more than one dog in the house even if they don't have signs of fungal infection more than likely they other dog could be carrying fungal spores which could reactivate his problem treat everything even the house blankets, crate, collars & leashes.

[weezyNollie]

My question is -- how much of this is owner treating their own pet, and how much is from seeking veterinary care.

Has she gone to a dermatology specialist? Has the dog been allergy tested? What about skin scrapings?

[cowgirlnat]

Originally Posted by weezyNollie

My question is -- how much of this is owner treating their own pet, and how much is from seeking veterinary care.

Has she gone to a dermatology specialist? Has the dog been allergy tested? What about skin scrapings?

That was $600 in vet bills...not other expenses. The dog has not been allergy tested b/c the vet feels it would be a waste. As far as a dermatology specialist, I would have to do some research to even find one. I doubt there are any in this area. I am going to keep pressing her to go to a different vet. They have done skin scrapings though and there are no parasites.

[weezyNollie]

What types of antibiotics has the dog been on? Have they ever cultured the infection?