Trouble with Lab, Medical NDR

bvullo

bvullo

Active member
Was looking for some type of advise about my Lab. She's 5 and this year she's come into some medical issues. First it was yeast in her ears that we went round and round with but have it under control with daily cleaning. When she shakes her head it sound like a bucket of water. Her chin broke out with huge blood/puss filled infections and all the hair came off her face. There is no hair on her chest anymore but between the skin folds it oozes a puss like liquid that smells horrible. Now her paws look like boxing gloves that when you slightly touch them the thin blister like skin opens and again blood/puss oozes out. Her joints on her rear legs are the same. Been to three different vets that can only tell me that it may be an allergy that is hampered by the high humidity in our area. One vet tells me that it just looks/smells bad but shes a happy dog, the other suggested putting her down as it will eventually spread to all joints. I can tell she is no where near happy, hides in the corner and acts lifeless unless you grab a ball or bumper. After 3-4 throws she's had it and will sleep the rest of the day. We have used yogurt, Baytril,Prenisone, zymox, Probiotics and many other pills, and shots from the vets.

Bill V
 
Bill, sorry to hear about your dogs troubles.
Alex had some issues with fungal conditions and I wonder if that is what might be going onb with your dog.

Either that, or a contact exposure with some sort of allergen or irritant.

I'd see a specialist and get some biopsies done on the skin. Sounds miserable and it is no fun to see a pet going through that.

With Alex, his hair would come out in big bunches and he smelled kind of like stale beer on his belly and where a bed roll would go on him if he was a horse with a saddle (his hair was very thick and once it got wer, it could take days to dry out).

We had to give him a shot of steroid to get the itching under control and then gave him oral ketoconazole for a couple of months to finally beat back the yeast.

The last couple of years we hunted, we'd dry him off with a hair dryer at the end of the hunt and that seemed to keep his condition from ever flaring up again.

Best of luck with your dog,

Todd
 
Yes sir her levels were check and we were told they looked good. I think shes been tested for about everything under the sun but who knows. Food has been swapped to several brands, bowls, dishes, kennel box (all plastic removed). Sometimes when she walks it looks like she has balance problems or she may stand to scratch and ablut falls over when she lifts her legs. We have tried medicated shampoos, oatmeal baths you name it. She only hunted once this past season as we were told to keep her out of the water which of course is her favorite thing to do.
 
Bill, to me it sounds like her immune system is attacking its self, have any vets explored that theory.
Its just a thought. Good luck with her.

Doug
 
Doug thanks, thats one I have not heard. I know she has taken dozens of antibotics for infections. I'll run by the vet tomorrow an ask. At this point I'm open to any suggestions that may help
 
I was thinking something along the same lines as Jim D.

Find a University or some other really big type vet system.

Very sorry your dog is going through this.

NR
 
Thanks everyone for your reply. I think I will call some of the vet schools. I can tell you she is in pretty sad shape and we hope for the best. Thanks again for the advice.

Bill V
 
I'm very sorry to hear about her problems. I know it's a trip but, if you have any connections to upstate NY CORNELL has some of the most talented people I have ever met. I inherited a cat with my wife who lived a very long healthy life (some might say too long) due to the amazing people at Cornell. I'm sure there are some good vet programs closer to home but, figured I would pass it along. My thoughts are with both of you. I hope she get on the mend.
 
Bill- I agree that you need to get to a specialist, either a dermatologist or an internal medicine specialist. You may not need to go to a University, though. I have found too many university veterinary schools to have several layers of students, interns, and residents between you (the client) and the specialist your dog needs to see. I know that it is a teaching hospital and that we should not disparage the claim to getting a good education, but it can really be frustrating when you have your dog examined by 6 people who are still learning before you get to the person in charge. With that said, you can go to a private specialty practice/hospital. I did a google search for "veterinarian specialist northern virginia" and got lots of places. You can be more specific, but you get the idea. Good luck, and let us know what the final diagnosis/treatment is. Alex
 
Sorry about your dog. Sounds like a severe allergy with DEEP skin infections, but I don't like any joint involvement. My workup would be blood work (including thyroid), skin scrapes to make sure no demodex mange, and possibly a skin biopsy. Some of those will get a heartworm test and go on ivormec to make sure no scapies or demodex. Then most likely high doses of cephlex for 4-5 weeks. I would look for a board certified dermatologist or contact the closest vet school for a thorough exam and hopefully diagnosis. Keep us informed.

Good luck,
Brian
 
Thanks guys, Max (Maxine) was on cephlex for a while about six months ago. There was slight change but it all came back. The vet said she built up a tolerence to overcome the meds???? My biggest issue is that if shes misreble is putting her through all this a good thing. One vet who I feel is a good friend told me it's like having someone on life support, am I prolonging an outcome for my own reasons or am I doing whats best for my pet.
Alex I noticed your avatar and the lion. Back in the 80's I was stationed in Alexandria La. I had the honor of knowing and becoming friends of two great men, Dr. David McGraw who was the local vet and Mr. Les Witt who ran the Alexandria zoo. With the two I got to work at the zoo and be a part of some of the check ups of the larger animals with Dr. McGraw. Tuffy the Lion was a great cat as was the female Tiger Keesel who would purr in my ear and allow me to play ball with her. Unfortunetly Mr. Witt has passed on as have the cats. Dr. McGraw is now retired......great memories, Thanks for that.
 
Bill- that was in a previous life when I worked for Audubon in New Orleans. It's funny that you mention Alec, they are currently looking for a zoo vet, and I have just about had it with living in the barren polar north, so yes, I did apply, I will let you know if things work out.

Jim- having spent 9 of the best years of my life at LSU, I would PERSONALLY rather cut off one of my legs with a hacksaw than do ANYTHING at Penn state. PROFESSIONALLY they are probably just fine.
 
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