My fiancee's Mothers two dogs have in the last year or so developed a very sore looking red ring around their eyes, and their noses...
They are both female and a labrador/spitz mix.
On the older dog, the redness around the eyes is complete. It forms a slightly raised ring, that is about 2-3mm wide all the way around both eyes. It looks very red, and the skin looks broken pobably from incessant scratching...
The older dogs muzzle has lost most of it's fur on the affected areas, but unlike the eyes, it isn't red, in fact it is a pale sort of milky color. There is no discharge, or flakiness...
The younger dog, has the same symptoms, though they are less severe.
They are both on allergy creams from the vet but the creams don't seem to be working.
The vet has said that it's probably an allergy to grass or plants... I'll post a picture next week.
In the meantime, does anyone have any thoughts?
Could it be diet related, i believe there may have been a diet change around the same time as the allergies started. I think they are on science diet...
Query: Allergies
Re: Query: Allergies
The dog that has lost all the hair on it's nose could have solar dermatitis (commonly called "collie nose", but it affects breeds other than collies). This is an "allergy" to the sun, and is an inherited condition. Has he been tested for discoid lupus? That is also a possibility, as is demodectic mange or a fungal infection. My Mickey has solar dermatitis, and I have never been able to get it to clear up, even though he is outside very rarely.
The red eyes in the other dog does sound like an allergy. Some breeds are prone to having the eyelashes grow inward, but if the vet has ruled out this cause, it is unlikely. Traci and others on the board may have other ideas about the cause of this. This may be a seasonal allergy. If so, wiping the dog's face with a clean cloth after it's been outside may help. If constant irritation and rubbing has caused a skin infection around the area, the vet can prescribe an antibiotic oitment.
The red eyes in the other dog does sound like an allergy. Some breeds are prone to having the eyelashes grow inward, but if the vet has ruled out this cause, it is unlikely. Traci and others on the board may have other ideas about the cause of this. This may be a seasonal allergy. If so, wiping the dog's face with a clean cloth after it's been outside may help. If constant irritation and rubbing has caused a skin infection around the area, the vet can prescribe an antibiotic oitment.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Query: Allergies
it's unlikely to be seasonal as we only have one long hot humid rainy season in these parts... will get vet to check for all the conditions you mentioned...
Re: Query: Allergies
solar dermatitis... i just got off the phone with my fiancee, he said that the vet has actually diagnosed them with solar dermatitis... and is treating them with a topical cream, but what we'd like to know is after 6 months of treatment... shouldn't there be some improvement? what are the treatment options fir this condition and does it normally affect the eyes also?
What you're describing may be what is called uveodermatologic syndrome or vitiligo, similar to nasal solar dermatitis, both can affect nose, eyes, footpads, lips or nails.
If your mom's vet hasn't tested for anything yet, ask him to culture for fungals or bacterials, and also test for pemphigus and/or lupus (there are various types of pemphigus and lupus, direct immunoflourescence or antibody testing may be required)
If uveodermatologic or vitiligo, unfortunately, not much one can do other than topical antibiotics or steroidal approach to reduce inflammation. Ask the vet about posssible sunscreen application, but get full optical exam first.
If your mom's vet hasn't tested for anything yet, ask him to culture for fungals or bacterials, and also test for pemphigus and/or lupus (there are various types of pemphigus and lupus, direct immunoflourescence or antibody testing may be required)
If uveodermatologic or vitiligo, unfortunately, not much one can do other than topical antibiotics or steroidal approach to reduce inflammation. Ask the vet about posssible sunscreen application, but get full optical exam first.
..........Traci