Where to now😕
jur45
australia
Hello all,
I hesitated posting but I am at a lost to know how to remedy my boys skin issues currently. As you've mentioned Steve, I cannot obtain Nuvet here in Australia which is unfortunate for me.
I'll start with Moose. I took him to the vet when his skin issue wasn't as bad to rule out mange/mites. The vet did a skin scraping there were only signs of bacteria. She recommended washing with a bacterial wash and cytopoint for itching. I declined the cytopoint and felt confident I could remedy the situation. I have tried numerous topical things but I struggle to stick with one treatment as I'm looking for quick relief. I know this is my fault too.
I started with benodine and aloe vera which was soothing. Moose enjoyed this plant gel. I sprayed colloidal silver topically as its antibacterial etc. I've applied bag balm which he doesn't like. Organic Olive oil, manuka honey. ACV dilution in water topically but nothing eradicates it.
I am doing the malaseb shampoo locally after our swim which has made the area on top not so aggressive but still remains large. His side rib area which his nails aggravate, has got very angry and increased with size. He is still very happy walking, running on the beach and only scratches when bored. Our water in the bay has been heavily polluted which may have started all this but I'm unsure. I do always rinse them afterwards. I will upload a pic.
Now Memphis has always had these scabby sores on his ankles and face but it has flared significantly lately. It is bleeding constantly and fails to heal. I know his grass allergy doesn't help either. His eyes have been pussy. I'm trying to make sure i rinse the sea salt off properly now too in that area. He thrives on the beach as always.
I did run out of their probiotic which is about a week and is probably hindering recovery too.
My concern is what the vet will want to pump into them for quick results. I have no problem with initial antibiotics but its most likely a short term fix and immune compromising. I don't want to be coerced into feeling like a bad owner by not taking the medication they will advise. I was suggested a great dermatologist by a bully owner too. I know I am a long way in getting their immune system stronger. Yes they have a great dog life but they don't look it currently. I can just wait out if its seasonal but I already feel bad should i present them to the vet like this or worse and a "why didnt you come in earlier" so to speak.
They are still only on raw lamb diet, mixed vegetable n supplements with occasional sardines, very limited due to their allergies. I'm hesitant to cut out all supplements and do elimination again as I'd hate for the feet issues to arise and hinder their activity.
Any additional advice would be appreciated as I just want to try to do the best I can do🙏
Comments
I know all about immune system issues. All we could do in the end with Murphy is make her comfortable. She was so run down from vets pumping her full of shit, her last few days were unbearable and we vowed to never let this happen again. not on our watch. We do however question everything the vet tells us to we need to do. Sometimes it's okay for a short term fix. However, long term meds that suppress immune systems are a big No in my book. There is just a limit to how much you should allow.
Moose looks like he could benefit from a good medicated bath. Or a good dermal bath. I personally would do that every other day until I saw results. It will dry out his skin. So a good slathering of some topical cream will help while you do this. I may not have the answers, I just wanted to put in my 2 cents. If you have access to a dermatologist and can see them. I would try that path as well.
Thanks Boomer!
I know its good to get as much advice from all. I'm seeung some results with the ACV dilution I wash with ATM. I'll get there, I'll just watch how they are in general well being, happiness exercise etc.
I'm currently trying to fix my son whom I received allergy results. Omg the dogs are easier in comparison boomer. Its a shocker report which I have to put on the top list of challengers😉
I'll keep you updated on how we progress🥰
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
Thankyou all😊
Yes Steve, allergy test done on both boys. It gave me a guide where to start so it was helpful.
Upon posting I can say Memphis doesn't look as irritated but it just flares up again like in the photo.
I'm washing with benodine solution. I put bag balm but hr hates it on his face! I think once I get the probiotic back in his diet, it may subside. And if i can keep his head out of the grass🙄 with it being ankles and face area, it may just be the grass and its spring. If its the mould trigger, I'll have a hard time eradicating this in our old home🥴 This needs a lot of time and I an struggling as it is.
I do not know if I'll ever know 100% what creates these sores or if I can amp up his immune system better so as to fight off these sores. I'm trying.
Moose is looking slightly better since that photo too. I can wash his area better with malaseb as its not on his head eye area. He is more content ATM too.
I will update as I progress🤞🙂
OK so I headed to the vet with Memphis as its not improving. She did a swab test which detected lots of bacteria. She said he will need antibiotics for a least four weeks if not longer! Was going to give me some and said if it doesn't work then to do pathology to source the right antibiotic for the bacteria lol I said do the pathology test first so we have the right antibiotic from the start. That makes more sense and better for the dog to not go on the wrong one in the first place! I hesitate as I know it will impede his immune system but I cannot battle this infection which I know comes down to his immune system. She suggested for him not to go into beach salt water. I understand if its polluted but otherwise salt water has always been good wound healing. She said not on broken skin🤔 Well I always go in with open wounds and never a problem, bottom line is your immune system. As you said Steve, a robust immune system would fight all these niggly skin issues and any bacteria present around us that we all come into contact with daily.
I'm awaiting the result and she will then dispense this med for me.....reluctantly I'll have too😣
Hi Sarah,
I can relate to how you feel about antibiotics. I think getting the lab results first and proceeding with the proper antibiotics is a solid path.
I had to up Billie's nuvet supplement to boost her immune system. I called Nuvet to see what they recommend as far as dosage and they recommended 2-3 tabs a day to boost her immune system, so I've been giving her 2½ tablets per day for the last couple months and I've seen huge improvements. Ill probably start tapering down to 1½ tabs and see how she does with a lower dose.
I hope Memphis gets better soon!
Gee I wish I could get this Tina😕
I'm sure it would downsize all the extras I have to put in their diet and I know its not right/enough.
I'm just searching alternative antibiotics remedies whilst I have a few days to try and detour this pathway. I just read how antibiotics can permanently damage good gut flora and we don't need this in our bullies. I totally understand how they are necessary in certain situations but this long course is what I'm apprehensive about and it may still resurface🤔 I will do my best, sussing out neem oil presently and will ask the vet if I have a week up my sleave to try to combat the infection on my own whilst keeping his head out of the beach water and not compromising his health either 🤞
As I said he's doing everything normal, eating etc and not rubbing his head on surfaces etc.
I have to keep moose away from licking his head too🙄
I'll keep you updated😊
Sounds like a good plan! Yeah 4 weeks of antibiotics is quite extensive! Maybe once the vet has his lab results back, the treatment plan will be shorter 🤞
In the past when Billie had to be treated antibiotics, I gave her yogurt or a probiotic tablet daily- a week after her antibiotics to balance out her system.
Yes Tina that's right🙂
Hello all🙂
I received Memphis' results and he has a staph infection😏 I thought this is the case after researching on the net. The vet highly recommends antibiotics 'cephalexon' for at least four weeks plus a yeast probiotic whilst on meds. Too my disappointment, I'll have too as my home treatments aren't working fast enough. I feel this will help initially but I may still need the skin specialist pathway to help diagnose the underlying issue🤔
Now Moose has not been back to the vet as i can only manage one at a time in such a small consulting room. I still may need to this week.
I wish I had better news for you.
1 months of antibiotics is a long time! Once the infection clears up, it will be much easier to manage and maintain future skin issues. Memphis still looks adorable cuddled up to his brother ❤
Thx Tina😊
After two days home, sulking, bleeding sores.....we finally went out today!
His sores did look better, he didn't limp badly either. They look so much better out n about on the beach!
I'm taking Moose in tomorrow.
I will update on our course to recovery 🥰
Well Moose n Memphis will both commence 4week course of antibiotics and probiotic specific, as of today. I declined cytopoint, apoquel to the vets dismay. I said I've done my research ie. Your forum etc. and she couldn't understand as its safe in her eyes. Breeders know nothing🙄
I know I still have hard work ahead in determining the trigger etc. but I will do my best.
I just hope four weeks is all they need🤞
Did Moose have staph infection too? The scratching/broken skin most likely caused the secondary infection. I hope they heal up fast!
She didn't do another pathology from his initial visit which showed bacteria but unsure what strain. The antibiotics should fix him too🤞x
Memphis isn't doing any better on antibiotics🤔
I've msg the vet with photo, to see if I should come in earlier. Its two weeks now and he just bleeds from these sores, face and ankles. I think he has other underlying issues but the infection is secondary. I feel allergy is not the culprit but I'm just guessing here. I have not experience just a gut feeling.
Moose is experiencing typical allergy symptoms but Memphis is different.
I'll keep you posted how we solve this issue. 🙉
Poor Memphis, I'm surprised the antibiotics aren't helping. What did the vet say?
The vet never got back to my email.
Yesterday it was all dry, today 50/50 its so strange how it flares up Tina🤔 I'll just keep monitoring and I'm using CS oxygen spray too. I'll mention my concern on 21st 👍
Update from vet.
Another four week course for both my boys🙄 Vet still trying to go down apoquel route for itching but I'm sticking with NO. Did do bloods for Memphis whilst there.
I get the feeling my vet wants to treat the symptoms with medications and not look for diagnosis of anything really. Doesn't recommend skin biopsy etc. Just treat with highly recommended apoquel/cytopoint as it does the job and is wonderful, why search for diseases when we can fix it successfully🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ I asked if they can run the blood for extra things whilst they had it but she didnt suggest anything else just normal blood search. I am still not confident after this second round, even if infections look good, that we are clear of future recurring outbreaks. I may be surprised and could be wrong.
Have a lovely Christmas everyone😃
"It's not just a Dog, it's a Bull Terrier!"
www.bulliesofnc.com
That's the thing Steve, they are hardcore pharma n profit happy or brainwashed trained that don't research any holistic pathway/remedies/adverse meds....just like our mainstream medical industry.
Its very hard to find an holistic/natural vet here.
I'm doing my best Steve.
Thanks for the links👍
Update....
Upon 5 intermittent episodes of breathing issues with Memphis, I stopped his AB treatment including Moose, as I researched it to be an adverse reaction to cephalexin. I went back to the vet and she checked his breathing and said there's nothing to be concerned about and to continue AB. His blood work is fine, some elevated white blood cell count but can be due to infection she said. I am not happy to continue AB as I feel it is a bandaid approach and I feel it will resurface even after two months of AB plus i dont like the breathing side effects.I have been researching how AB can oppress the immune system and make matters worse after. I can see after stopping AB that all his feet are very infected and his face is trying to flare-up again. The colloidal silver keeps his face under control but spraying between his toes is a trickier area to keep dry and he constantly licks them. My vet felt my natural remedies are not her expertise and recommended an appropriate holistic/natural remedy vet not too far away. I am happily going on Monday to pursue a healthier solution for Memphis's recovery and Moose will follow if I am happy with her🤞they offer Chinese, herbal remedies, accupunture etc. I'm excited to hopefully get someone who understands my dogs health without harsh medications. I will keep you posted🙂
Hi Sarah,
Thats a scary side effect! I'm glad to hear that the vet referred you to a holistic Dr.
Keep us posted! Cute pics of the boys, they look like twins with their identical pose! ❤
Thanks Tina Happy new year🥳
Yes twins they are!
Moose will be three on 22nd!
Be in touch again🙂
Well everyone, finally an inspirational vet visit in which Memphis was very comfortable, first time ever!
We will tweak his diet with more raw vegetables, Chinese herbs and will see how his skin resolves🤞
Here's a pic with acupuncture treatment today🥰
Happy New year to u too! Memphis looks calm and relaxed in the pic ❤ That's great to hear the visit went well!! What raw veggies are u incorporating into his diet?
HNY too!!!
They gave me a mix I haven't started but I'll chop silverbeet, turnip, green pear.....cooling veggies as hes got hot liver. Too much heat in his body🤔
We'll see how we go🥰
Thought I'd add these pics🥰
Cute pics of the boys! Keep us updated on their wholistic progress!
I eliminated chicken and beef in Billie's diet for a couple months now. She's on a single protein, grain free (venison) dry food and I mix in veggies (I rotate broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and purple sweet potatoes) I also add salmon or tuna to the mix a couple times a week. Her skin is night and day since I changed her diet. I still incorporate salmon oil and Nuvet daily with her meal. For healthy snacks she gets blueberries, carrots, cucumbers or apples. Billie loves ALL her snacks, especially my snacks, lol