8yr Old Lab Male Skin Issues - help pls! BexVN AliKat :-)
Discussion
Mort has always has his issues normally managed at home with some TLC but bit worried about his skin at the moment.
His groin by back legs:
Above seems to be spreading upwards gradually.
Now to the other side:
This is right in groin by his balls and far less visible otherlike the other side.
Also these have appeared on his head from nowhere, almost bleeding before i cleaned them:
Pretty sure he hasnt been fighting and im noticing if i part fur on head the skin looks quite raw/sore.
Currently keeping clean with dettol antiseptic and sudocream as a barrier.
Any ideas before i book him in anyone? He seems very itchy and a bit moany but on his food and walks as normal.
Hate seeing my mate suffer but dont like our local vets!
His groin by back legs:
Above seems to be spreading upwards gradually.
Now to the other side:
This is right in groin by his balls and far less visible otherlike the other side.
Also these have appeared on his head from nowhere, almost bleeding before i cleaned them:
Pretty sure he hasnt been fighting and im noticing if i part fur on head the skin looks quite raw/sore.
Currently keeping clean with dettol antiseptic and sudocream as a barrier.
Any ideas before i book him in anyone? He seems very itchy and a bit moany but on his food and walks as normal.
Hate seeing my mate suffer but dont like our local vets!
Boosted LS1 said:
I would suggest skin parasites but you need a vets opinion. Fortunately there are vets on this site who I'm sure will try to offer advice.
Thank you. I'm researching skin parasites and the following seems the most accurate:The common symptoms of mange, both sarcoptic and demodex, include itching, hair loss around the eyes, head and legs, a red skin rash and crusty skin.
moorx said:
As far as I know, mange can only be confirmed by looking at skin scrapings under a microscope, so I would strongly recommend seeing a vet.
ETA - I don't think I'd recommend using dettol (I wouldn't on my dogs, I think it's too strong).
Also, is there a reason you're giving him fortnightly baths with flea shampoo? Again, I hardly ever bath my dogs (Jet's never been bathed in nearly five years and Sam's had one in the same timeframe). I realise that labs do like getting grubby though
My partner has a very strong sense of smell and our Lab loves to jump in lakes, puddles, ponds anything so we like to keep clean and smelling nice!ETA - I don't think I'd recommend using dettol (I wouldn't on my dogs, I think it's too strong).
Also, is there a reason you're giving him fortnightly baths with flea shampoo? Again, I hardly ever bath my dogs (Jet's never been bathed in nearly five years and Sam's had one in the same timeframe). I realise that labs do like getting grubby though
Edited by moorx on Tuesday 20th December 21:30
I think I'm going to leave the flea shampoo well alone though and use something like Aloe which should be better on his skin
Sorry for lack of response! Xmas NYE getting in way of PH browsing.
Vet agreed on the overwashing with flea shampoo, that has now stopped. Purely warm water when the dog gets back home muddy after jumping in every puddle he can find! Also agreed on the aloe/oatmeal if he really does need shampooing due to smell.
Also change diet to ensure dog food only, no treats off our plates just in case an allergy is assisting the problem although conceded that it has done no harm for 7 of his years on this earth.
Trimmed the side claws too as thats what has probably caught his head through scratching, they were pretty sharp!!
At the same time, thinking of a 25% reduction in food to lean him up a bit so that his legs dont have to work as hard as he enters his 8th year as although not fat, he's a BIG boy and stiffens up after a long walk.
Appreciate the help/advice from all posters and I will update in due course on Mortimers progress.
Vet agreed on the overwashing with flea shampoo, that has now stopped. Purely warm water when the dog gets back home muddy after jumping in every puddle he can find! Also agreed on the aloe/oatmeal if he really does need shampooing due to smell.
Also change diet to ensure dog food only, no treats off our plates just in case an allergy is assisting the problem although conceded that it has done no harm for 7 of his years on this earth.
Trimmed the side claws too as thats what has probably caught his head through scratching, they were pretty sharp!!
At the same time, thinking of a 25% reduction in food to lean him up a bit so that his legs dont have to work as hard as he enters his 8th year as although not fat, he's a BIG boy and stiffens up after a long walk.
Appreciate the help/advice from all posters and I will update in due course on Mortimers progress.
Thought I'd update as he is chilling next to me
His groin area looking much better and regrowing fur.
His sores are now scabs so healing.
He is still bit itchy so occasional piriton tablets. Once he's a bit better I'll shampoo him in aloe one but for now just being watered off for any mud before a dry off.
His groin area looking much better and regrowing fur.
His sores are now scabs so healing.
He is still bit itchy so occasional piriton tablets. Once he's a bit better I'll shampoo him in aloe one but for now just being watered off for any mud before a dry off.
Edited by jonamv8 on Wednesday 11th January 23:01
Edited by jonamv8 on Wednesday 11th January 23:03
bexVN said:
jonamv8 said:
bexVN said:
How occasional are the Piriton? Glad he is improving, hope it continues!
Was on one a day for 3/4 days then every other day, now none. They aren't harmful are they?Thanks!!
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