Allergen..? Skin infection..? Help..

[MNpresa]

I will post a photo in a bit when I have some time away from the desk. But my 12 wk old pup has devolped a medium sized cluster of bumps on her forehead. First noticed about 2 weeks ago, and this cluster was only one or two bumps. It now has devleoped into this small cluster of scabbed bumps. In my opinion they appear to be getting better, but the wife is concerned as her hair in this area is started to come out just a bit. I assumed it was due to the scabbing? She is also very itchy, I thought it could possibly be worms. For the last week I've been examining her stool - firm and nothing visible. It may be good to mention that there is a small red rash/irritation spot under one of her legs. I feed earthborn holisitc great plains feast - which is grain-free and chicken-free. After talking with a senior member I thought it'd be best to create a thread for any possible advice. I plan on brining her into the vet to have it looked at this weekend - anybody with a similar expirience? Would you reccomend changing the food? Thanks in advance!

 

[MNpresa]

Also wanted to mention, she is eating way more than reccomended. And still seems hungry! She's getting about 3 cups a day now.. This is why I jumped on the whole worms idea, but she seems to be gaining weight properly and has great energy.

 

[angelbears]

I don't think this is caused by worms. I would suspect something in the mite family or allergies. Hope for mites, much easier to treat. Your vet can do a skin scraping to determine mites. Be warned that the scrapings aren't that reliable. False negatives are very common.

 

[MNpresa]

Alright, hopefully you're right. So you wouldn't go changing the food yet? Also are there any treatments that I could try from home first? Or would you reccomend getting the scraping done first?

 

[angelbears]

I don't keep up with kibble. However, you already have your pup on grain-free and chicken free. You have already eliminated the two common problems with kibble. Seeing as you have a young pup I would explore demodex mange(mites). It is very common with young puppies, caused by stress and/or an immature immune system. All dogs have the mite it only becomes a problem when the immune system can't deal with them.

Do a search here on the forum or google. Should be lots of info.

 

[coreyc]

If it was me I would go get a scraping done to rule out demodex also bring a stool sample they get check it as well

 

[Jadotha]

I agree with Coreyc!

 

[MNpresa]

Here's the best picture I could get of the top of her head. Thanks for all of the feedback - definitely going to take her in to get it scraped.


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[angelbears]

Here is a link on demodex:

http://www.beaglesunlimited.com/health/demodectic-mange-and-inexpensive-treatment

 

[coreyc]

Here's the best picture I could get of the top of her head. Thanks for all of the feedback - definitely going to take her in to get it scraped. View attachment 32926


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Pic is small but definitely take her in let us know how it turns out good luck

 

[MNpresa]

Will do - Thanks all!

 

[Smokeycat]

The pic reinforces my opinion that she is reacting to something instead of it being worms.

 

[MNpresa]

@smokey- Not thinking this is demodectic mange? I think it's best to just rule it out with the scrape sample like coreyc mentioned. If it was an enviormental allergic reaction, how on earth do you narrow it down to figure out what's causing it?

 

[Smokeycat]

@smokey- Not thinking this is demodectic mange? I think it's best to just rule it out with the scrape sample like coreyc mentioned. If it was an enviormental allergic reaction, how on earth do you narrow it down to figure out what's causing it?

To be honest I've never had to deal with either situation so I'm no help there. If it is demodectic mange it's still a skin reaction, just to mites instead of an environmental allergen. I agree that the first step would be a skin scraping.
The closest I've come to an allergy in my dogs is that Jiggers suffers from seasonal heavy eye discharge. I believe it's the equivalent of hay fever since it occurs the same time my allergies flare up.
The more I think about it the more I think it's more likely to mange or an allergy to something she eats,unless she rubs the top of head on something, than it is likely to be a contact allergy but the vet is going to be your best bet.

 

[MNpresa]

So we went into this vet this past weekend. The vet performed the scrape on the possible demodectic mange. She returned saying she only noticed 1 dead half of a mite, and that the rest of Reina's coat looked great. She perscribed some topical ointment for the spot (confused as she said it didn't appear to be mange, AND pills for treatment of a staph infection. She stated because the spots where a little inflamed she wanted to be sure there was no risk for a staph infecetion. Throughout the entire appointment I felt rushed, and that she was trying to force unneccessary meds/treatments on me. Good news is there is apparently no mange.. Though I thnk I should continue shopping around for a new vet.

 

[musicdeb]

I hate it when a vet prescribes meds without confirming the diagnosis via a test. Vets are too quick to prescribe antibiotics like docs for humans. Add some plain yogurt or probiotic to the the pups's food to help with digestive upset from the antibiotic.

Good to hear that it is not mange. I agree with ya, if a vet rushes me, I would find a new vet.

 

[MNpresa]

Exactly! Do you think it's even worth starting the antibiotic yet? I've been using the ointment on the spot on her head.. Was thinking I'd wait a week and see if there was any progress.. She said she sent me home with the antibiotics just INCASE this was the start of a staph infection.. but she had no information to lead her to the conclusion.. (other than wanting me to leave with a hefty bill lol)

 

[musicdeb]

If it were Titan, I would wait on the antibiotic. I'd research canine staph infection to know the symptoms.

 

[Lukasdad]

I have went through mega frustration with my pup all started with the bumps then scabs on underside to excessive scratching
Got him tested for mites came up negative was prescribed fuciderm cream which did clear up the scabs but what was causing it? Wanted to give my boy the best start in life yet changed so many foods thinking it was his food would wash him after each walk thinkin that it was a grass allergy changed frontline to advocate which kills more parasites etc etc moral is I believed it would be too costly to get vet to do the tests but spent a fortune on different kibbles etc so would advise to get a pollen test etc done if it is that piriton helps
My boy seems better now sussed out chicken gave him the runs and being in long grass made him claw.. A result of changin foods raw kibble etc has effected his growth so got him back on tripe after only kibble for 2 months so will see how he gets on and summers def by hear so untill next spring hopefully the clawing will stop... Oh and he had the bumps reappearing but realised he was playing a little too rough with his playmates and all it was was just bite marks lol there is lots of info and opinions on the net try and not go too mad worrying hopefully u'll suss what it is and she will hopefully grow out of it

 

[musicdeb]

How's the pup doing?