Sunny is going to the vet! *Update!*

[Michael Gurley]

Seems like lots of our doodle friends are going to the vet recently!

 

Sunny is licking at her front left paw, and she is very very itchy. She has scratched out a dime-sized area of fur on her left ear (her beautiful long blonde ear!) which I have been treating with a hot spot spray that was originally for my dachshund.

 

I just saw her licking her paw and leg, so I checked her and saw a streak of blood and some tiny black dots on her skin. My first impression is that they are mites of some sort, since I've had a snake that had mites and they were about that size and color. The snake mites were easily treated, so I'm hoping if these are mites that it will be just as simple to get rid of them!

 

My other dog, the dachshund Reba, is going to the vet too to get her rabies booster. I figured I'd get them both done at the same time!

 

Ugh... I wish I didn't have to wait 3 hours to take her! I'm going nuts worrying about my poor itchy baby.

 

 

 

****Ok, we just got back from the vet. The vet said that Sunny has a generalized skin infection, and has no idea what caused it. She originally wanted me to just do a topical ointment, but as she shaved the area to make it easier to apply ointment, she changed her mind to oral antibiotics because the sores are EVERYWHERE. They are only on that front foot, but there are so many of them that it would be best to do oral antibiotics. The spots on her ear are probably from the same sort of thing.

 

Sunny got a cone of shame because she wouldn't stop licking her leg.

 

 

 

And here are some of the spots on her poor leg:

 

 

She's not very happy.

 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I hope it is not allergies!  Be sure to check back in.

 

 

[Michael Gurley]

I certainly will. It is almost time to start getting ready to go. Reba (the dachshund) is more of a hassle to get into the car than Sunny is.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Anxious to hear what the vet thinks about Sunny. Hoping for the best.

[Michael Gurley]

Has anyone seen something similar to this? The vet had no idea about a possible cause.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Did he do a scraping?

[Michael Gurley]

No, she didn't think there was cause to do a scraping. She does want to see Sunny again in two weeks though.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The scrapings are usually done to rule out mites, since they can't be seen with the naked eye.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Did the vet culture Sunny's lesions? It would be interesting to know if it's the ubiquitous staph or something else.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

We are going through some MAJOR scratching and licking also-both dogs! Myla's back oaws (on top) have red fur all over the top from her licking and biting. What to do?

Hope Sunny feels better-keep us posted if she figures it out!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sorry to hear about Sunny's itches!! Glad that the doc gave you something to give her some relief. Any idea what caused this in the first place?

[Michael Gurley]

They have no idea! Just hoping it goes away with antibiotics and I don't have to worry about it again.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For those who have mentioned their dogs licking their feet, scratching, etc., there are a few things you can do that may help.

Wash your dog's bedding every week, and wipe your dog down every time she comes in from outside. Keep their paws clean and dry. Keep the humidity in the house low. Wash your dog's bowls with soap and water every day. Try using an OTC anti-itch spray on their feet. Brush them frequently, and bathe them often. Do not use a hot dryer setting, let them air-dry or use a cool dryer only. Don't use any kind of gels, sprays, or other hair products that aren't rinsed out, just shampoo or rinse-out conditioners. An oatmeal or special allergy formula shampoo is best.  And a 500 mg. evening primrose oil capsule (they're softgels) once a day may help a lot. You can get them wherever human vitamins & supplements are sold, or order them on-line. They're all natural plant oil, perfectly harmless, and good for you too. Don't use them if your dog has a history of seizures. They are contraindicated for dogs with seizure disorders.