Max's hair Update 1/26/14
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
It would be best to get a recommendation on shampoo by your vet rather than the groomer (specific to the problem, that is, not necessarily brand-specific).
..........Traci
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
awesome, i will do that
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
Max i going back to vet on Thursday for appt.
He is due for shots(got card from other vet) and he hasn't had blood work done for a year. So I will ask for that as well. I know she didn't want to do it when I brought him in but I must insist on it this time so I dont have to bring him in just for that on a separate visit. He is due so he needs it done.
Once we go over everything of course so she knows how much to take.
I didn't bathe him at all the entire time while on antibiotics. He kept pocketing them and them spit them out and well it took longer to than the amount of time for him to finish them.
He started to refuse to eat the treats that were lactobacilis and the other one a vitamin. He out right refused.
But i make him take them anyway.
I did find a good amino acid one, I'll post later when I have it in front of me.
For the most part he stopped scratching. I still hear him on occasion but he also licks his paws on occasion. I dont know if this is normal now?
It's not everyday just once in a while. Or I just dont hear him at night anymore because I am actually getting sleep at night now. But even when we are up late I dont hear him often. once in a while which is nice!
So I bathed him on saturday to get the grease off of him. I saw his under arms and under back legs were red.
The grease did come off of the back underside, he let me soak him and it melted off. GROSS!
he was raw looking though. So i dried him completely, yes I dried him and then I used bag balm which is the only thing I had.
He's greasy under there but the redness isn't as much. Just a tiny bit now.
His back feet are bad. He is raw and scrapped up. I am calling a canine unit tomorrow to find out where they get there booties from and find out which one they like the best for german sheps. Even if the snow goes away he is still going to drag his feet. Poor baby.
So i was looking up different things and saw somethign on Parakeratosis, I will have to go over that with the vet.
I'd like him to be checked for hypoT as well.
Honestly I really dont know what she should run at this point.
hopefully we will figure it out.
He is due for shots(got card from other vet) and he hasn't had blood work done for a year. So I will ask for that as well. I know she didn't want to do it when I brought him in but I must insist on it this time so I dont have to bring him in just for that on a separate visit. He is due so he needs it done.
Once we go over everything of course so she knows how much to take.
I didn't bathe him at all the entire time while on antibiotics. He kept pocketing them and them spit them out and well it took longer to than the amount of time for him to finish them.
He started to refuse to eat the treats that were lactobacilis and the other one a vitamin. He out right refused.
But i make him take them anyway.
I did find a good amino acid one, I'll post later when I have it in front of me.
For the most part he stopped scratching. I still hear him on occasion but he also licks his paws on occasion. I dont know if this is normal now?
It's not everyday just once in a while. Or I just dont hear him at night anymore because I am actually getting sleep at night now. But even when we are up late I dont hear him often. once in a while which is nice!
So I bathed him on saturday to get the grease off of him. I saw his under arms and under back legs were red.
The grease did come off of the back underside, he let me soak him and it melted off. GROSS!
he was raw looking though. So i dried him completely, yes I dried him and then I used bag balm which is the only thing I had.
He's greasy under there but the redness isn't as much. Just a tiny bit now.
His back feet are bad. He is raw and scrapped up. I am calling a canine unit tomorrow to find out where they get there booties from and find out which one they like the best for german sheps. Even if the snow goes away he is still going to drag his feet. Poor baby.
So i was looking up different things and saw somethign on Parakeratosis, I will have to go over that with the vet.
I'd like him to be checked for hypoT as well.
Honestly I really dont know what she should run at this point.
hopefully we will figure it out.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
The skin problems hint at atopy, like allergies. Do you have dust mites or mold spores anywhere in the home/basement/garage or anywhere outside where he romps around?
Ruling out thyroid problems would be a good idea, as well as mentioning ruling out cushings (doesn't mean he has it, just ask her if it should be ruled out)
I would also get him back on a hypoallergenic diet, NOT raw, since process of elimination sort of dictates a change in diet. I know you had him on kibble before, but you always go back to raw, so choosing a novel protein/hypoallergenic diet might suit him best as you rule out the rest.
When you get bloodwork, also get a CBC included. Allergies might be indicative with high eosinophils, and higher than normal WBC's might indicate fighting infection, etc.
Have her really look at Max's paw pads and between the toe digits - don't assume it's because he's dragging his feet, it could be part of some atopic condition or something else. Otherwise, yes, booties would be a good idea for going outside, and protecting even when indoors if you have carpet, concrete, etc.
Lastly, ask if you can hold off on vaccinations for about a month, at least until you can get a better idea of what's going on.
Ruling out thyroid problems would be a good idea, as well as mentioning ruling out cushings (doesn't mean he has it, just ask her if it should be ruled out)
I would also get him back on a hypoallergenic diet, NOT raw, since process of elimination sort of dictates a change in diet. I know you had him on kibble before, but you always go back to raw, so choosing a novel protein/hypoallergenic diet might suit him best as you rule out the rest.
When you get bloodwork, also get a CBC included. Allergies might be indicative with high eosinophils, and higher than normal WBC's might indicate fighting infection, etc.
Have her really look at Max's paw pads and between the toe digits - don't assume it's because he's dragging his feet, it could be part of some atopic condition or something else. Otherwise, yes, booties would be a good idea for going outside, and protecting even when indoors if you have carpet, concrete, etc.
Lastly, ask if you can hold off on vaccinations for about a month, at least until you can get a better idea of what's going on.
..........Traci
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mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
I dont have time to post everything but I will eventually.
Dr. visit went well. It took an hour and half, Max LOVES her! ok ok ok loves her and her cheese! She thinks he is such a cool dog. There he was rubbing up on her because he wanted her cheese!
Ok so,
EOS are high, 1.31+ 10/l (range; 0.0-0.80)
PLT 186 10/l (range: 200-500) I dont' know what this means and she didn't mention it to me. I just saw this now.
MPV 11.5+ fl (range 3.9-11.1) dont know this either just saw it. she didn't comment on it.
Everything else on cbc was within normal range,
WBC 9.79 10/l (range: 6.0-17.0) normal
THyroid (T4) 2.5 ug/dL (range: 1.1-4) she said good, last time it was 1.4 so it improved.
Chol 272+ mg/fL(range:125-270) she didn't mention this either, i just saw this.
ALT 464+ U/L (range: 10-118) said still very high but it's within the 400 range like he was last time. although he did get a bit higher.
ALP 129 U/L (range: 20-150) normal
CRE 1.2 mg/dL (range: .3-1.4) normal
Everything else was good. She said EOS indicates some type of allergy.
She only gave him the kennel cough vaccine.
Said since he had all shots last year and his age, she wants to give shots every 2-3 years. Except rabies which he will get next year since that was a 3 year shot he got back in 2012.
I asked about lyme vaccine and said I didn't want the vaccine as much as I wanted preventitive for the ticks, I know it's going to be back this year and last year I took 100 off of him.
So I wanted the test to see what the number indicates. So she is running a C6 on him and I should have that back monday or tuesday.
He was lyme positive before so after all these years I 'd like to know where we stand with him. THe C6 will tell me if he has an active infection of just show he was exposed from all those years ago.
She wants me to continue to feed the same food but said I can look into Nature's recipe or instinct it's premade raw and has a better calcium ratio.
I'm not sure of this because i feel a hypo diet might be in order to see if he is allergic to the chicken.
As for the dust mites and mold, I live in the woods. I mean really in the woods. trees, and trees and more trees. There is mold outside for sure, in the house, I have never seen it but it doesnt' mean its not here.
We have lots of dust here no matter how much I dust. I am highly allergic to it so i try to keep up with it.
She said his feet really look like the scrapping is the cause. She really got down there and said by me putting on the bag balm it has really helped so continue that until the snow goes away and see what happens. The dragging of his feet wont stop so booties can help with making sure he doesn't get cut up out side.
so what do you think?
Oh she said the liver seems to be stable but if I wanted to I can have an ultra sound to see. I think thats it for now.
Dr. visit went well. It took an hour and half, Max LOVES her! ok ok ok loves her and her cheese! She thinks he is such a cool dog. There he was rubbing up on her because he wanted her cheese!
Ok so,
EOS are high, 1.31+ 10/l (range; 0.0-0.80)
PLT 186 10/l (range: 200-500) I dont' know what this means and she didn't mention it to me. I just saw this now.
MPV 11.5+ fl (range 3.9-11.1) dont know this either just saw it. she didn't comment on it.
Everything else on cbc was within normal range,
WBC 9.79 10/l (range: 6.0-17.0) normal
THyroid (T4) 2.5 ug/dL (range: 1.1-4) she said good, last time it was 1.4 so it improved.
Chol 272+ mg/fL(range:125-270) she didn't mention this either, i just saw this.
ALT 464+ U/L (range: 10-118) said still very high but it's within the 400 range like he was last time. although he did get a bit higher.
ALP 129 U/L (range: 20-150) normal
CRE 1.2 mg/dL (range: .3-1.4) normal
Everything else was good. She said EOS indicates some type of allergy.
She only gave him the kennel cough vaccine.
Said since he had all shots last year and his age, she wants to give shots every 2-3 years. Except rabies which he will get next year since that was a 3 year shot he got back in 2012.
I asked about lyme vaccine and said I didn't want the vaccine as much as I wanted preventitive for the ticks, I know it's going to be back this year and last year I took 100 off of him.
So I wanted the test to see what the number indicates. So she is running a C6 on him and I should have that back monday or tuesday.
He was lyme positive before so after all these years I 'd like to know where we stand with him. THe C6 will tell me if he has an active infection of just show he was exposed from all those years ago.
She wants me to continue to feed the same food but said I can look into Nature's recipe or instinct it's premade raw and has a better calcium ratio.
I'm not sure of this because i feel a hypo diet might be in order to see if he is allergic to the chicken.
As for the dust mites and mold, I live in the woods. I mean really in the woods. trees, and trees and more trees. There is mold outside for sure, in the house, I have never seen it but it doesnt' mean its not here.
We have lots of dust here no matter how much I dust. I am highly allergic to it so i try to keep up with it.
She said his feet really look like the scrapping is the cause. She really got down there and said by me putting on the bag balm it has really helped so continue that until the snow goes away and see what happens. The dragging of his feet wont stop so booties can help with making sure he doesn't get cut up out side.
so what do you think?
Oh she said the liver seems to be stable but if I wanted to I can have an ultra sound to see. I think thats it for now.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Yes, this definitely looks like allergies, or reaction to allergens.
If you're looking at the liver function, you have to include more liver enzymes, the ALT is rather insignificant alone, it should be combined with others. Stress may play a role at time of blood draw that might elevate the ALT, but since it's been consistent, I would look further at next exam with a liver profile - vet should break this down to liver profile only.
As long as the vet is promoting raw food, you're not going to get much out of determining allergies to the food - and I would NOT suggest changing to the kibble you mentioned, at least not unless or until you've given a hypoallergenic diet a trial. The purpose of a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet is to do a process of elimination, the food contains only one source of protein he's never been exposed to. I still suggest trying one of the Rx foods, you would at least be able to know if he responds or not - this can take up to 4-6 weeks to gauge response.
If you're looking at the liver function, you have to include more liver enzymes, the ALT is rather insignificant alone, it should be combined with others. Stress may play a role at time of blood draw that might elevate the ALT, but since it's been consistent, I would look further at next exam with a liver profile - vet should break this down to liver profile only.
As long as the vet is promoting raw food, you're not going to get much out of determining allergies to the food - and I would NOT suggest changing to the kibble you mentioned, at least not unless or until you've given a hypoallergenic diet a trial. The purpose of a hypoallergenic or novel protein diet is to do a process of elimination, the food contains only one source of protein he's never been exposed to. I still suggest trying one of the Rx foods, you would at least be able to know if he responds or not - this can take up to 4-6 weeks to gauge response.
..........Traci
-
mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
I agree.
They use royal canin hypoalergenic food.
I became a nutritional consultant for SD so i onky that know that food that.
I will be researching royal canin to see if diff or the same.
Right now i'm not swithing to any raw diet indont know about.
I know what i feed and whats in it so if i am going to switch him it will be to hypoalergenic not another raw.
I would like to do an elimination eventually. Soon as sort out the ingredients of the food i will.
He is on chicken only now but has been on lamb and fish kibble and that is when his coat was at its worst.
But that could have been from the pyoderma thet wasnt taken care of.
Thank u for all the help
They use royal canin hypoalergenic food.
I became a nutritional consultant for SD so i onky that know that food that.
I will be researching royal canin to see if diff or the same.
Right now i'm not swithing to any raw diet indont know about.
I know what i feed and whats in it so if i am going to switch him it will be to hypoalergenic not another raw.
I would like to do an elimination eventually. Soon as sort out the ingredients of the food i will.
He is on chicken only now but has been on lamb and fish kibble and that is when his coat was at its worst.
But that could have been from the pyoderma thet wasnt taken care of.
Thank u for all the help
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
-
mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
Could he be allergic to the plastic of hos cage?
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
Sure, dogs can have reactions to several types of plastics. But I'm not sure that would be the extent of his issues, it seems maybe a food or contact allergy of some sort, contact allergy could of course include plastic, but I was thinking more like environmental like flooring, outdoors, substances, etc.
What type of cage, exactly, is it?
What type of cage, exactly, is it?
..........Traci
-
mamabear
- Formerly mamaof4soon
- Posts: 589
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:39 pm
- Location: The Garden State
Re: Max's hair Update 1/26/14
It's a petmate extra large for great danes. It's quite big but we wanted one that he could lay out in... and he does lol.
I am looking at hypoallergenic foods that are sold around here. I keep hearing about Wellness dog food and they have a hypoallergenic one. I am still not sure which one to get but I want to do more research before delving into changing his food. I know the vet says to change it to a name brand raw diet but I still dont get why. I guess because she feels it's better than what I feed and is more ballanced. But she doesn't feel hypoallergenic is appropriate right now. Again not sure why but I feel it is.
I am also thinking of putting him back on the benadryl, since now his coat is much better and the infections are gone. the other vet said benadryl or zyrtec and the other vets I have called said they use the same, but this vet wants the really expensive allergy med. Still looking into that.
I wont be changing anything until i get better answers that I am satisfied with and also giving what I find to the vet and seeing what she says.
They called me yesterday and said his C6 was negative. less than 10.
But then the girl said oh dont forget to get this and get that and also the dr. wants a fecal and to worm him.
I told her he was already wormed and I he doesn't have worms and when I get a chance I will send one in but right now no. This isn't worms, they are just looking for money and I don't like that. I mean I really don't like that.
The pushing of expensive meds and when I say no then going to other silly things that were just done for him just to get some money. no no no!
I'm getting frustrated because I think the vet was good at giving him the meds for the pyoderma but trying to force me to buy the vitamins and the lactobacillus and omega's from them and then be upset that I am looking on my own for cheaper.
I am looking at hypoallergenic foods that are sold around here. I keep hearing about Wellness dog food and they have a hypoallergenic one. I am still not sure which one to get but I want to do more research before delving into changing his food. I know the vet says to change it to a name brand raw diet but I still dont get why. I guess because she feels it's better than what I feed and is more ballanced. But she doesn't feel hypoallergenic is appropriate right now. Again not sure why but I feel it is.
I am also thinking of putting him back on the benadryl, since now his coat is much better and the infections are gone. the other vet said benadryl or zyrtec and the other vets I have called said they use the same, but this vet wants the really expensive allergy med. Still looking into that.
I wont be changing anything until i get better answers that I am satisfied with and also giving what I find to the vet and seeing what she says.
They called me yesterday and said his C6 was negative. less than 10.
But then the girl said oh dont forget to get this and get that and also the dr. wants a fecal and to worm him.
I told her he was already wormed and I he doesn't have worms and when I get a chance I will send one in but right now no. This isn't worms, they are just looking for money and I don't like that. I mean I really don't like that.
The pushing of expensive meds and when I say no then going to other silly things that were just done for him just to get some money. no no no!
I'm getting frustrated because I think the vet was good at giving him the meds for the pyoderma but trying to force me to buy the vitamins and the lactobacillus and omega's from them and then be upset that I am looking on my own for cheaper.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!