itchiness

[mallet]

Hi All.
Bailey is 11 months old and we love him dearly. Since we got him at 5 months, he's had this constant itch/flinching problem. When you pat him (down his sides) he flinches like he's irritated. He could be just standing there and all of a sudden he turns to his side like something bit him. He's been to the vet numerous times and the vet has admitted that he has no idea what's wrong. He says it's probably not allergies because they usually don't develop them until over 1 year old (although I've read books to the contrary). He's had skin grafts taken, he's had a dose "revolution", and other pills. He's on a low dose of steriods but that doesn't seem to help much anymore and I hate to use it much longer. I feed him IAMs lamb and rice. Does anyone have any idea what's wrong???? Oh, and there's no marks on his skin - no redness or anything. Except for the flinching, you'd never know (except when it's really bad, he sheds like crazy).

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks. Lynn

 

[Sabrina Jay]

One of my boxers was like this, until I figured out what it was he was allergic to.
I had purchased a black rubber type bowl from the feed store, for using outside for a water bowl.

Its probably something he is coming in contact with on a regular basis. It also could be that he has an allergy to the food you are feeding.



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Sabrina Jay JeSaJay's Boxers

 

[mysticalblues]

A few months back, we took Brody to the vet just for a check up. The vet said he had a yeast infection of his skin. She said she could smell it on his face (we never noticed it). He was constantly scratching his face, but we just thought he had seasonal allergies. The vet gave us a special shampoo and conditioner to use for 4 weeks, and we noticed a difference in his scratching with a week. Maybe you could mention this to your vet.

Pam

 

[Jan]

I have heard of many dogs with allergies, that were less than a year old. Maybe try a different food. I like Nutro's Natural for Large Breed Dogs. There is a puppy version that would be appropriate for Bailey. I hope you figure out what the problem.

Good luck,

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Jan
Markus, dark brindle
neutered male, 6 yrs old

 

[mallet]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I can only try different things to determine a possible alergy. I also may try switching food - anyone have any comments on "Medical"? Some brands many of you are use to aren't available in my neck of the woods (New Brunswick, Canada) but I called the vet and there is one specifically for dogs with possible food alergies. Might try it. Meantime, Bailey is in his outdoor kennel this afternoon with a big knuckle bone. He didn't even see me leave.

Thanks, Lynn
& Bailey - 11 months, neutered, floppy ears, fawn with the absolutely cutest black face

 

[Mac and Tigra's mom]

I have been there to. Mac has allergies pretty bad to. He also flinches, I know what your talking about, it's like if you touch him in a certain place his skin rolls up and he squirms around? If your vet thinks it's allergy related, ask him about a blood test called the Elisa allergy test. It's kinda pricy about 150.00 but it can detect up to 50 inhalent allergies, like pollen, grass, dust mites ect. My boy is allergic to dust mites and we are giving him injections to desensitize him. you may want to ask him about it, the only problem is that they can't of take any cortisone products prior to the test.


good luck.

I hope they figure out what's worng with him. It also could be food allergies.