Need help with GSD

[Guest Anonymous]

My dad has two GSDs Cody a 5-7 (appx. age) and Kaley 1 1/2 years old. Well for a long time now Cody has been having skin problems. Dry, itchy skin. He's been on antibiotics over and over again and they don't help. He's receiving supplements (omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil, etc.) and they don't seem to help. My mom was web surfing the other day and came across some info on mange that GSDs get. But she can't remember the name of it. Does this ring any bells for anyone? I'm looking for all the help I can get. Cody is the sweetest most lovable dog. They found him at our local Humane Society and even though he was at least five (not old to me, but a lot of people don't want to adopt an older dog) they fell in love with him. I'm just looking to find out any info I can so I can help this poor guy. Thanks in advance!

[AllAmericanPUP]

an older dog getting mange is a bit uncommon..

there are 2 types of mange. sarcoptic(sp?) and demodex.

Have they had an allergy test done??? What do they feed him?
He could have an allergy to the food, or even a detergent or softner they use or something like that.

[courtnek]

I too would lean towards allergies. I had a dog that had "fall" allergies and would chew himself to bits. this dog may not be chewing, but the end result could be the same. loss of fur. I would get him allergy tested.

[ObedienceGrrl]

My first guess would be allergies. That could be why he ended up in the humane society to begin with!

A lot of GSDs have very sensitive skin. I don't like having ANY corn, wheat, or soy in the food I feed my boys.

Previously, the only 'good' food that I could get my hands on was Nutro Natural Choice Chicken and Oatmeal. It didn't have any of the above in it. But more recently, I am switching to Eagle Pak Holistic Lamb/Oatmeal/Rice.

I'd frist rule out some food allergies. Look for a duck and potato formula or a venison and green pea. That might be of help to you. If not, contact your vet for a referral to a dermatologist to get some further allergy testing done.

We spent months at a vet with our cat. And all she did was push steroid use and antibiotics. I finially said, "Screw this," and found a dermatologist. We ran the testing and found out what I had thought all along. An allergy to Canine Dander. So now he's on shots and is 99 % better (only on the shots for a few months). He's just a joy to be with now because he feels better!

[Guest Anonymous]

My parents are from a different era than me (obviously) I have a hard time getting them to spend a lot of money on an animal. They have been taking him to the vet but all she does is give them another round of anitbiotics. I did mention to her about trying a different food. The only thing around here she would be able to get is Nutro Natural Choice so she is going to look for that. I'm going to try to get them to get him tested for allergies. But right now the dog problems are on the back burner because my dad has cancer,again, and is currently in the hospital. He didn't start having skin or coat problems until they got him groomed at Petsmart. It started then and has never really gone away. His coat is dull, brittle and dry. His fur is thinning. He just looks kinda pathetic compared to Kaley. They've had him on Linatone Plus but that doesn't seem to be helping much either. Any other suggestions (other than allergy testing which I'll be working on, maybe with my tax return I can pay for it) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the help so far.

[Guest Anonymous]

The vet should maybe do a skin culture before changing anything(food etc...).

BentleysMom wrote:

He didn't start having skin or coat problems until they got him groomed at Petsmart

Here is a nice link with some explanation about different skin problem:

http://www.dog.com/vet/dermatology/05.html

Also is the dog on the same food as before it all started? Sometime dog food company change their recipe without putting any notice on packages. Innova changed their recipe last year. Taurine is now higher.

rumi