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Desiree
March 08 at 14:52
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Mange or just skin problems
Hi all! I have been having problems with my dear Westie's skin for over a year now. At first, the vet said he had skin allergies...it continued to get worse, even with giving him allergy medicine. I took him back to the vet, and at this point his hair was falling out (on his legs, tummy, and chest). He was scratching till it bled. The vet took one look at him and said it had to be mange. They did a skin graft (sp?)and came up with an inconclusive test, but she said she was sure that's what it was. So after 3 months of using the Revolution, there's no improvement, and he's still scratching like crazy. They said they can't do a dip because of the type of mange he has (I don't know how they know what kind he has since the test came up inconclusive). So, my question is...do they know what they're talking about? Could it possibly be something else or should I take him to a dermatoligist? Has anyone else had this severe of a skin problem just from allergies? My poor, poor doggy!! Thanks in advance for any help =)
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Lynda and the Minkies
 
March 08 at 17:30
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Most Westies are "itchy" dogs, unfortunately. To be honest, your vet sounds bloody hopeless.
I have given my two Evening Primrose oil every day since they were puppies and this has put a stop to it. However, your vet's diagnosis has meant your Westie's problem needs clearing up first (go to a different vet) and start the Oil immediately. Just add it to food, it takes around 2-3 weeks to see a difference but it DOES work. Please let us know what happens.
XXX.
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Desiree
March 08 at 17:46
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Thank you so much for your reply! I will definately try it. Where exactly can you buy this evening primrose oil? I've never heard of it.
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Lynda and the Minkies
March 09 at 09:23
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Any supermarket. Buy their own brand. You don't need to go to a specialist health shop.
XXX.
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Stephanie & Dugan
 
March 08 at 17:56
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
My parents had a collie with demodectic mange (demodex). It has a very distinct odor, can't miss it. They spent thousands of dollars trying to get it cleared up with no success. Finally, they cut out all the chemical dips & drugs, changed her to a homecooked diet and fed her a product called Immuno-Boost (?? or something similar). She was never totally healed but much more comfy after that. They learned very few vets know what they are doing when it comes to skin problems, and we have a large vet teaching hospital here that saw her and couldn't help either. Good luck, I hope it clears up.
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Jackie, Sammy & Willis
 
March 08 at 18:18
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Desiree, you can get Evening of Primrose Oil Capsules at Wal-Mart even, or drugstore. It is an Herb. I think the dosage is 1000 mg. a day for 2 weeks, then 500 mg. a day, everyday after that. I also give 400 mg. Vitamin E each day. I put this in a little vanilla yogurt. You can prick the capsules with a pin and squeeze the oil into their food. I have been doing this for awhile and so far no allergies. A very affordable, pleasant, safe remedy. Good luck!
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Janie
March 08 at 20:45
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Also, pick up some Bag Balm at the drug store and rub it on her sores. I'd change my vet also. There is no need for your dog to be this miserable.
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Theo and Casey
March 08 at 20:52
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
This sounds to me like a classic case of malassesia which is caused by yeast, is extremely itchy and the fur becomes rancid smelling.
If left untreated the skin becomes thick, wrinkly and will turn dark, almost black. Does any of this sound familiar?
Here's a link to great info but keep in mind the pictures are graphic and extreme cases which have been left untreated but ARE curable.
Malassezia
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Lynda and the Minkies
March 09 at 09:42
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Poor little buggers on these pages were in dreadful states, weren't they !!
XXX.
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john / irene TOBY
March 14 at 14:32
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Brought tears to my eyes to see the state of those poor little ones
John / irene TOBY
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Theo and Casey
March 09 at 11:04
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Yes, so sad to see, but I get a wonderful, warm feeling when I see the results of treatment. It's so sad that some people will dump a dog because they have not looked for reasons and treatment for their ailment.
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The Oregon Girlies...
 
March 08 at 20:54
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
You can't properly treat it unless you know what it is. I would definitely see a Dermatologist to see exactly what it is.. A itchy Westie is a miserable Westie, and it won't get any better until you treat it.. There are so many exellent shampoos and other meds out there, take advantage of them, Your Westie will be so grateful. Please keep us updated.
xxxBetty and the Girlies...
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Washington Gang
March 08 at 22:38
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I vouch for the Evening Primrose Oil. It has completely stopped Maggie from itching and scratching! This is the first year she has not had to take Benadryl or have steroids. Her hair is absolutely wonderful, not oily or dry like it was before. It would be oily in some spots, dry in others. This has been a godsend to Maggie and to me and I recommend it to anybody that has an itchy dog.
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Jamie
March 09 at 12:58
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Yes start using the EPO caps, Jamie's itching has all bu stopped.I also bought him new bedding and a new brush
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Elliot's Kay
March 10 at 00:04
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Desiree, here is a site that will explain more about mange. I can see how it would be hard to tell what mite your pup has if it is mange. Maybe a 2nd testing at a different Vet or Doggy dermatologist is in order. If it is mites causing this, primrose oil isn't going to help. You have to get rid of them.
K
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/mange1.html
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Brenda
March 10 at 21:30
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I agree with Janie. Change vets and get your little one on a yeast-free diet. Look at the post called Wendy Update posted 3/10 (on the regular board) and what the diet (and Bag Balm) has done for her. Evening Primrose is a wonderful remedy, but I think your little one is way beyond what EPO can do. There are more seirous issues going on here.
Brenda
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Desiree
March 11 at 17:42
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Okay, well I bought the Evening Primrose oil...the only stuff I could find was "OLAY vitamins" and it's evening primrose nourishing complex for dry skin. Is that the same stuff? Sorry, I have no idea what I'm doing without all of your help lol. And it says take 1 pill twice a day...is that safe for dogs or should I just give him 1 a day? He only gets fed once a day. Also, this is addressed to Janie...Casper looks exactly like Wendy did, as far as the dark skin and where the hair is missing. I was curious what kind of raw diet Wendy had to be put on. Thank you so much for your help!!
-Desiree
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Lynda and the Minkies
March 12 at 06:27
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
No, that's not the right stuff, Desiree.
If your pup looks as bad as Wendy she needs proper vet treatment first to clear her up. THEN use the Evening Primrose oil capsules. That's the only ingredient. Ask at your local Walmart. This will only help maintain her skin after she's all clear.
Wishing you the very best of luck.
XXX.
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Desiree
March 12 at 18:57
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Thanks guys! I'm copying all of the advice you're giving me and I plan to try it all. I have had Casper treated at the vet repeatedly. He's been on antibiotics numerous times to treat infection, but of course that doesn't help the itching and it keeps coming back. Thanks again for all of the advice...it's being put to good use =)
-Desiree
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Theo and Casey
March 12 at 22:37
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Desiree, if your vet has treated him repeatedly, he must be flying blind. My advise is to get him to another vet, a s a p  , one who is knowledgeable in the area of skin problems, especially malasessia.
If this is Casper's problem, the longer it is left, the harder to cure and the more he will suffer. You do not have time to experiment with all these different options. You need to find the reason for his itching, please get Casper into another vet.
hugs, Theo and Casey XOX
if you'd like to talk, email me anytime :-)
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Desiree
March 13 at 13:51
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Okay, well it looks like I have no choice but to take him to a dermatologist. The vet said that it may very well be Malassezia Dermatitis, but the underlying problem of the yeast infection needs to be taken care of first. And since they obviously don't know what's causing it, I'll have to take him to the dermatologist to find out. Once we take care of the underlying problem then we can treat the Malassezia, if that's what he has. I'll keep you all updated and let you know how it goes once we can get him to the dermatologist. Thanks again for all of your help!!
-Desiree
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Lynda and the Minkies
March 13 at 15:23
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I think that's a great idea. Good luck in getting it treated, Desiree.
XXX.
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Elliot's Kay
March 11 at 19:12
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Here is the list of ingredients in your Olay Vitamin:
Ingredients:
Evening Primrose Seed Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Corn Oil, Water, d-Alpha Tocopherol, Soybean Oil, Artificial Colors (carmine, titanium dioxide, caramel), Lycopene, Beta-carotene
All that's in Evening Primrose Oil is the oil, Gelatin, Glycerin and water. Not sure what that other stuff will do to your pup.
Sounds like you have more going on than EPO will help. My Vet said to give 1000mg/day of EPO for the first 2 weeks then 500mg/day afterwards.
Sure hope someone on here can help you.
Kay
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Lynda and the Minkies
March 12 at 06:34
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I've Emailed You
Desiree, I've emailed you and Cathy and Theo in the hope they can give you some advice too.
XXX.
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Kayla and Annie's Mom
March 12 at 08:20
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I'd say it's the malaezzia (spelling) based on my experiences. Have the vet check for it. The dogs ears will be affected as well and both the ears and the dog will have yeasty smell. Take the dog off all wheat and corn foods. Go to lamb and rice based. No wheat or corn gluetons either.
Many Vets don't know about the malaezzia and so don't test for it, but it is one of the common skin problems in Westies.
There is a shampoo called Malaseb you can buy from the Vet that works well in keeping this under contral. It use it on my Annie.
Mary Ann
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Emily and Archie
March 13 at 20:37
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Could I please add a question on to this, if its not too late. Archie has itchy skin thats kind of under control, but obviously I would like to manage it so he doesn't get those terrible itchy outbreaks where he is eating himself. I would like to give him EPO but he just wont take it, I've tried piercing the capsule and putting it on steak and cheese which he loves, but he won't go near it, obviously he can smell it and wont have a bar of it, and there is no way he would eat a capsule. So how do you get your doggies to eat it?
Thanks alot
Emily
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Lynda and the Minkies
March 14 at 08:27
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I used to pierce it and squeeze but now just put the capsule in their food. I never noticed it had a smell....
XXX.
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Elliot's Kay
March 13 at 21:46
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Emily,
Do you know WHY Archie has itchy skin? Fleas? Dry skin? Allergies? What all does he eat? My Elliot is allergic to beef so I feed him either lamb or chicken. He also has problems with mold spore allergies. I give him the EPO as a whole capsule along with his other food. I've heard others say to give a pill you put your hand in as far to the back of their mouth as possible and place the pill then hold their mouth shut while lifting their chin up then massage the throat to get the pill to go down. I can't see how that sticky gelatin EPO pill would go down that way. Maybe others will have an idea.
Kay
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The Oregon Girlies...
March 13 at 22:08
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I give the Girlies Fish and Flax seed oil caps for the same reasons, there are many types of oils that have the essential fatty acids. I just give them to the Gitlies just before I feed them breakfast..It's never been a problem.
None of these oils will cure the problem, all they do is get the skin and coat in the best condition possible to better withstand any problems that might occur. You have to get to the bottom of the problem and fix it first. If the allergies are seasonal the use of an antihistimine might help, and for that you really need to talk to your vet as some are safe and othere not.
Plain and simple..You need to have a diagnosis before you can treat.
xxxBetty and the Girlies...
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Desiree
March 14 at 12:58
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I've also heard of giving them Cod liver oil. Has anyone heard of that one before? Sounds like there's lots of options...I'm just not sure if they all work the same.
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Diana
March 20 at 20:39
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I must think and ask my Dermatologist what the mix of oils they first gave me for my 2. I don't use them now.
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The Oregon Girlies...
March 14 at 14:32
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Essential fatty acid information...
Desiree, I don't think Cod Liver Oil is the best choice.
Here is a link to some information on essential fatty acids. The refer to Dalmations here but the information is very good. Maybe it will answer some of your questions..It was a big help to me when I was choosing for my Girlies...Our Vet suggested the Flax Seed- Fish Body oil combo, and it has helped the Girlies a lot.
xxxBetty and the Girlies...
Essential fatty acids..
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The Oregon Girlies...
March 13 at 22:15
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
I forgot to add, wrap that capsule in a bit of cream cheese, or peanut butter. They seem scarf those right down.
xxxBetty and the Girlies...
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Emily and Archie
March 13 at 23:46
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Thank you both so much for your help. As far as I can ascertain Archies itchiness is caused by seasonal allergies, in that he is far itchier at certain times (like now - its autumn here) than others. I've taken him to the vet several times over it, and they have said they think its seasonal allergies, especially as he sneezes. The first time we went they put him on steroids and anti histimines, and I am never doing that again. I truely thought he was going to die, (I have never had a dog before so I was probably over reacting, but he was very distressed, wouldn't eat, couldn't get out of his bed, hind legs kept collapsing etc). anyway so no more steroids, I've gone to a naturopath, she prescribed a Dr Bachs formulation and sulpur pills - they didn't help. The breeder suggested Nizerol and Relitzen(?), but the vet said they were too strong. So to cut along story short I've stuck to the anti histimines (Phenegan 10mg) the vet gives me as they don't seem to upset Archie. Sorry to go on, but I wouldn't want you thinking that I hadn't tried to sort out the problem and I just really wanted to give him the added advantage of EPO or flaxseed oil, but he just wont take them -silly doggie. (The one from the vet came in a container with a syringe, well I got it in his mouth once, but never again) And the pills he just eats the food around it and leaves the capsule. But I will definately try the cream cheese and peanut butter, he hasn't had them before, and they sound like a new favourite food just waiting to be discovered. Sorry to go on for so long, thanks for all your help it is much appreciated.
Take care Emily and Archie
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Lynda and the Minkies
March 14 at 08:29
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Yes, wrapping anything in something they swallow straight down usually does the trick. Good luck. EPO usually takes around 2-3 weeks before you notice a great difference, though.
XXX.
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Diana
March 14 at 00:23
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Go see a Dermatologist....
I tried a number of things and nothing worked so off I went to the Dermatologist with my 2 Westies. Yes it was expensive at first, but worth it I think. They are now have allergy shots every 3 weeks, and while Kelsi had a few really itchy days this past week, they have been so much better than before. Phenergan didn't work with them. We occasionally use Chlorpheniramine but even this didn't help Kelsi last week, so on their advice I gave her Prednisolne (cortisone)for 2 days (but not a great idea long term) it seems to be settling her itch down and she's not quite so irritable with Hannah. They say it takes 2 years to see any real improvement. And for a long time I couldn't see they were any better, but looking back over Summer (just past)they weren't licking as much, scratching or biting as much. I found too I wasn't always saying "don't lick, don't bite'. They were tested for food allergies but apart from having sensitive stomachs, it wasn't a food problem. Good luck!
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Annie & E Gang
March 14 at 04:04
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Re: Mange or just skin problems
Hope you find the problem and a cure very soon,poor wee one.
Love and kisses xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Desiree
April 10 at 20:33
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Update on Casper!
Well, I just wanted to let everyone know what's going on with Casper. We took him to the dermatologist yesterday and he said he looked pretty bad. He took lots of samples from his skin and said he definately has a bacterial infection. He also has some type of allergy that's causing the itchies (no mange!). He gave us some pills to give him everyday for the infection and told us to change his food and not to give him anything else to eat except for that food. That way if he starts to get better and stops the scratching we know it's food allergies. If not, then we'll have to take him back to get an allergy test to see what environmental allergy he has. Hopefully he'll get better soon! Thank you all again for all of your help =)
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