skin/coat odor

[Kristin]

My 4 year old lab has an area on his back that smells very bad. He does not appear to have any (visible) skin rashes or infections at this area. I pointed it out to the vet when we were there for his shots, he didn't think it was a problem. It is just one isolated area, though--on his back between his mid back and hind end. After a bath, the smell seems to return at this spot. Any ideas what this could be? Could it be a sign of a different type of infection in his body?

[davet]

it is probably a mild case of seborrhea oliosum (sp)..it has a distinctive smell and is usually not of significance except for the odor, unless it is widespread...a good seborrhea shampoon will kill the odor foar a while but has to be repeated...often the adding of fat or oil to the diet helps. Doesn't make sense to add an oil to an oil problem but it does help...

[Kristin]

Thanks, davet...any shampoos you recommend? His hair is a bit oily in that area, that could very well be what is causing that rancid odor there. Also, you mentioned adding fat or oil...what type of oil is best (flaxseed, salmon, etc.)?

[davet]

bacon fat, safflower oil etc..one tablespoon /30 pounds of dog...i used to like selsen Blue or sebulex but you had better clear it with your vet,he/she may have a dog specific type and no matter what you use you have to avoid the genitals...

[Kristin]

davet--the vet agress seborrhea may be the problem, and suggested a shampoo targeted towards controlling the problem (he wasn't specific about the shampoo). I noticed many of the shampoos for seborrhea contain "black tar". On the back of one of the shampoo bottles, it claims this has been known to cause cancer in the State of CA?! I don't feel safe using this on my dog!

[DeVon]

davet--the vet agress seborrhea may be the problem, and suggested a shampoo targeted towards controlling the problem (he wasn't specific about the shampoo). I noticed many of the shampoos for seborrhea contain "black tar". On the back of one of the shampoo bottles, it claims this has been known to cause cancer in the State of CA?! I don't feel safe using this on my dog!

There are some good shampoos put out by a company called Vet Solutions. We had dogs at the clinic where I worked who would come in for medicated baths (for seborrhea) and I used the medicated shampoo. It worked really well, the key is to massage it in well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Perhaps your vet would be able to order it, or know a vet that carries it. I use the aloe and oatmeal shampoo on my dogs regularly, very gentle and smells great!

http://www.vetsolutions.com/UMS.htm

[davet]

re the coal tar...anything you use or read at large doses can cause cancer in any animals including elephants...coal tar derivitives have been used for hundreds of years but never in the dose to cause cancers....if your vet reccomends it i would seriously doubt that he/she is doing so to get a cancer patient...i liked the selenium compounds but have used the coal tar one occasionally, but they do have a non lasting odor...go with what your vet suggests...