Itchy Dogs

Some dogs actually seem to enjoy scratching.

You see them rubbing against shrubs and trees, and under the coffee table, and rolling around on their backs in the yard.

But sometimes scratching gets ugly.

They'll scratch all night long, and cry while they're doing it. Eventually; sometimes within hours, they'll raise large, wet, red whelps under their ears or on their rumps. Their tail may become hairless for all their digging.

The majority of these cases are allergic conditions where a flea may have bitten the dog, causing an itchy reaction in the skin.

But many such dogs are also allergic to house dust, pollens, and molds. Rainy weather triggers some cases, however; dry weather and wintertime low-humidity triggers yet others. Some dogs are even allergic to their own food!

When I look at your dog for itchy skin, it will be an exam to see whether the condition appears to be mange. Mange scrapes are a very reasonably priced diagnostic test. The results are available within minutes. They don't automatically scrape every dog for mange, unless there's a question that it could be mange.

If the skin appears to be infected with Ringworm fungus, then I might recommend that some hairs be pulled out and cultured for the fungus. This test takes a little longer, but can provide valuable information.

In the majority of cases, I can tell by a careful examination, and through a line of careful questions, that a condition is allergic or not, and then will discuss the treatment or diagnostic options available. Usually, the most practical treatment for allergies, with the highest success rate, is the use of cortisone, by injection.

In some cases, there is also infection in the skin as evidenced by pus exuding from wounds. In those cases, an antibiotic is also sent home for you to give to your companion.

The majority of "itchy-dog-skin" cases can be seen and treated for well under fifty dollars. Later, once the diagnosis is established, subsequent visits may sometimes involve a re-examination charge plus the cost of the treatment.

At Johnson Veterinary Services, we welcome discussions about your bill, and if you ask me, I'll help you estimate the costs that may be involved, up front, so there will be no unpleasant surprises, and you'll usually have money left in your pocket. I never exceed estimate without consent.

CLOSING COMMENTS:

Allergies are usually *chronic* and are difficult to totally "cure". In other words, the allergic symptom of itching usually returns when control of the allergic cause is relaxed. (For example, if the fleas are allowed to remain on the pet, or in the environment.)

In some instances, the best desired result could be the longest possible control of symptoms for the comfort of the pet; with the least amount of pharmacological influence.

Frequently administered cortisone may have adverse effects, in some cases of extreme abuse. I can clarify and avoid these circumstances.