Ellie Mae has a nasty rash

She's a 10 year old Teacup Yorkie. I bought her when she was still a little doggie fetus.

I've spent over $500 in Vet bills trying to get rid of it to no avail. Either the Vet is incompetent or else there is no cure. They sent a sample of to a lab, that cost me $130 and they found nothing unusual. Vet said she thought it was an allergy. She's been on 6 different meds and the only one that made a difference was Predisone. It almost cleared it up bu not quite. i thought she should have stayed on it till it was completely cleared up but the Vet thought otherwise. Next med caused the rash to explode. Had to make an emergency trip to the Vet. They then gave me a prescription for some sulfur med that I had to get filled at Walmart. It helped some but didn't clear it up completely.

At this point I'm done with her current Vet and ready to her to another but thought I'd ask and see if anyone has been down this path before and can offer some advise.

TIA

 

That's one weird thread title you got there..

Post a pic of rash?

 

Just gave her a bath so it's not flaky at the moment but it's usually like a very bad case of dandruff. This is one of the worst spots. It has been far worst and I have no doubt it will be again if I don't do something. Her whole back feels like coarse sandpaper.

 

Pred clearing it up screams that it's either autoimmune or a contact dermatitis. Is there something she gets into like idk mulch or rubs on a plant?

 

Could it be poison oak or poison ivy that she keeps getting into?

 

Did the lab do a fungal test like a KOH?

 

Don't know what the lab checked for. The Vet called me and told me they found nothing. I never saw the report. When she goes in the back yard to do her business she never goes more than 5 feet from the porch. Nothing but grass there. I also have another Yorkie who doesn't have this problem so it's not contagious, I think. The other Yorkie is a full size, not a Teacup.

 

Im no doctor, but I've had quite a few pups. Cant tell much from the pictures, but it looks like a hot spot. I asked about the KOH or fungal check because you mention a dandruff like flaking. Skin fungus can come from them licking and the area staying moist and humid with all that hair. Dandruff is common with fungus. It could also be a whole list of other things, so good luck.

I'd suggest a cone at least to keep her from licking at it, which would keep it moist. Maybe try some baby powder to help keep it dry.

 

Thanks. A friend of mine suggested Cortisone cream. I just put a dab on the sore in the pic. I'll see if it helps any. Normally I wouldn't use people meds on my dogs but after the Vet gave Pedisone and the med from Walmart I figure it must be OK to a point. The sore in the pic isn't accessible to her because it's on her back so no fear of her licking. I also have some Hydrocortisone. Anybody know what the difference is?

 

Oh, forgot to add, if the sulfur helped that also lends a bit toward a moisture or fungal issue. Sulfur creams, powders and bars are good at drying the skin, killing any mites or fungus.

Maybe also look for a fungal shampoo for the pup, just start in a small area, in case it has an adverse reaction.

 

More than likely they just did a skin scraping for mange and it came up negative.

Hard to tell from the pictures, but it does look like just a hot spot, could be a food allergies or environmental. It does not look like ringworm but you would need a woods lamp to check for certain.

 

Thanks. I'll do that.

 

Cortisone can help, just be sparing with it and avoid long term use. I don't know what an acceptable level is for dogs though, or if a OTC cream for people is ok for dogs. Long term use of higher strength cream can cause the issue to become worse, have relapses where the inflammation is worse than before especially when stopping usage. It can also thin the skin.

I was prescribed a higher dose cortisone once for a skin issue, it was intended for a week long use. The doctor said use it as needed, made no mention of how long. I used it for a few months before noticing that things were getting worse when I applied it. My skin was left thinner and more sensitive in the area. Seemed to take years to feel normal again, so yeah be careful.

 

We use polysporin at the animal shelter. It works.

 

Thanks. I'll try that next.

 

And don’t forget, extra treats for the patient.

 

My old German Shepherd had something similar and I was recommend to try this stuff called Sulfodine if I remember correctly and it cleared his issue right up. You can find it at Wally world or pet store. It worked for me.

 

Yea, I have some of that and it does help. Problem is it doesn't clear it up.

Speaking of treats, Caesar Softies are amazing. They go coo coo for coco puff when I pick up the bag.

 

Just curious is she getting a bald patch on the back or is it just the pic? If it is balding what's causing that.
I'd recommend to try a different vet also.

 

Went through this for over two years with one of our Goldens. Tried everything, changing diet, prednisone, epiquel, cortisone, apple cider vinegar, triple antibiotic cream, baths three times a week with medicated shampoo, you name it we tried it. Nothing ever really put a dent in it. Finally ended up doing an ultrasound which showed a couple of masses. The rash was really just a symptom of his immune system. Hate to be a downer about it, but I am the type that would rather know and mysteries just don’t sit well with me.