Hello, I'm struggling with this pc, but want to ask if anyone can shed any light on this problem. I have two standard poodles brother and sister from same litter, 18 months old. They both seem healthy, but the female, who suffered a broken leg at the breeders, scratches constantly. I have taken her to the vet on numerous occasion, and was advised these were hot spots, and given courses of anti-biotics and long acting anti-inflammatory injections, which only stopped the scratching for a few days. I have seen two vets who have said it is not Sebaceous Adenitis, but have had no skin tests to prove this. Bella gets big sores that burst and stay open for a while before eventually scabbing over, although no hair loss to mention. I originally used Revolution as flea control, but after 3 months changed to Frontline. Jack, the male, then also developed an itch, which the vet said could be sarcoptic mite and recommended I use Revolution again. I have done so for 3 months, and Jack's problem has cleared completely, but Bella is still scratching all day and all night, and she (whisper this) stinks. I use Derma Veena non-allergenic shampoo, and feed BARF diet. I am at a loss as to what to do next, and would appreciate any help you may be able to give. I am in Western Australia, and just hope this message makes it through. I apologise for my long-windedness, but wanted to give as much information as I could. Thankyou for reading this far, I hope to hear from you, Regards, Carol Simpson.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2002

Answers

Carol....... I am sooooo sory to hear about all the problems your little girl is having. I'm no expert....this is just my "imput". First thing i would do is have her tested for Sebaceous Adenitis...even though there is no cure for the disease...at least you'd know what's going on. Secondly....it could just be really bad allergies. Allergy testing is costly...to determine what the dogs are allergic to, but again, peace of mind knowing what the problem is....and what course of treatment to take. I switched my dogs to the BARF diet and they have done amazingly well! My brown male who had soem trouble with itchy skin and some ear infections has had no trouble since he's been on the diet. AND we just had a litter of 9 fat healthy babies 2 weeks ago....mom being fed BARF throughout her entire pregnancy. She doesn't even look like she had puppies,,,,weight is wonderful. I wish I could offer more suggestions on your girl's itchy problem....I hope the little I said might offer some insight.

Good Luck,

Lisa

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

I have a skin problem myself, and an unorthodox suggestion was made by my new acupuncturist, trained in Canada -- olive oil. After seeing the reply of using mineral oil, for four years, I thought of the use of olive oil for the Poodles might work. It has nutrients, which mineral oil does not. On the other hand, it might aggravate the situation A good quality of olive oil might be worth a try. I know I would do so.

Last week while getting a hair cut, I learned that my hair stylist tells clients with certain hair problems to use virgin olive oil on their scalp...wrapping their head in a towel overnight.

My doxie developed severe skin problems with advancing age, including flaking skin. I did not like using cortisone on a regular basis, and it did not help enough for long term use, in my opinion. I placed her in a warm water soak every other day (sometimes daily) using Avon Skin So Soft...a name like that, which is also excellent to prevent fleas. It didn't cure her, but it definitely improved her condition, in direct proportion to the times she was soaked. I also put a diluted solution in a spray bottle, using it for in between times. I put her in a tub, sitting next to her, for 20 minutes. I also moved the water around a bit to loosen the flakes and get into crevices. I blotted her dry.....she was short haired.

--Mary

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002