Question about fur/skin

[exk23]

We've noticed by Ruby's buttock area a discoloration of circular ring shape. The color of the ring seems darker than the rest of the area if looking from far but, when I examined it closely through the fur, the skin seems to be the same color as the rest of his other area. The fur inside the ring seems to be the same as of those outside of the ring. He's not scratching the area, the hair is not falling out when I touch it, he doesn't seems to be in pain when I touch it, he's acting his normal self. Can anyone give me any info on what that might be. He will be going to the vet tomorrow morning for that but I'm just worry that it might be something bad. Any input/info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[matilda8255]

Sounds like ring worm to me. If it is don't worry it's not really a big deal. I had it and they just gave me some topical stuff. It could be localized mange or something else but you will find out tommorow. Don't worry it dosen't sound too bad and even if it is mange localized is alot better than everywhere.Good luck tommorow and let us know how it goes.

Stephanie

 

[Gibson]

Ringworm?

i thought that dogs couldn't contract ringworm. Our 12 week old puppy has 2 round rings on her shoulder that started to bleed and weep. Our vet has suggested that she has a parasite in her innards and is treating her for this. The patches look so much like ringworm that I mentioned this to him and he replied that dogs can't contract ringworm.I also bathe her skin with apowder that I have to dissolve in boiled water. The patches are drying out but still look sore. Any advice is welcome. Paula

 

[matilda8255]

Please find a new vet yours has NO idea what they are talking about. Of course a dog can get ringworm. That is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard from a vet!!!! Here is a little info I found you online but if you do some research you will find lots of stuff.


A Fungus Among Us

It seems that a few dogs are showing up with "Ringworm." To set the record straight, please know that the name ring worm is an old fashioned misnomer based on the appearance of the ring like skin lesions. Ring worm is actually "a fungus among us."

This fungus is everywhere. Microsporum canis is in the ground and in the air. Little spores will land on susceptible skin and grow in a red circle ring like rash.

Cats can get dog ringworm and they get scaling of the skin and show local lesions that look like "cigarette ash" deposits. Infection in cats is often not noticed.

Kittens and puppies are most often affected as their immune system is not yet developed enough to resist the fungus.

Young dogs will show a few to many patches of hair loss and scaliness and redness at the out side edge (the ring). Some cats and dogs will develop infection of the nail beds. Often a thick crust will cover the lesion.

Dermazol or Selsan Blue Shampoo and itraconizole will reduce the lesions and may cure the disease. Serious cases require itraconizole therapy or diflucan therapy.

Some feel that the new ringworm vaccine may help: however, it is not widely used by the profession. The best thing to do if you suspect you or your pet has a skin disease is to see your veterinarian for some tests. A skin culture and a skin scraping generally tell the story.

Most pets and people develop an immunity to fungal diseases and don't have to worry. Have fun at the dog park and go on!


Good luck with the new vet! Go soon so you can get the treatment started.

Stephanie

 

[abbeyrd4u]

My daugher's Aussie at one time had ringworm. I have also never heard that dogs couldn't get ringworm.
Abbey's Mom

 

[exk23]

Well, we took Ruby to the vet today and the vet said he doesn't know what it is because Ruby's not scratching or biting at it. He said it may be a seasonal allergy, or something with thyroid so he took some blood to do some testing. He said he only saw one case similar to it where it was a seasonal allergy and everything turned out ok for that dog. He told us to keep an eye on it and that he doesn't think it's necessary to do skin scraping at this time. I will find out the result tomorrow.

E

 

[Gibson]

Reply to Mathilda

Our vet has already done a skin scrape and has also taken a few follicles of hair and is using a test tube to try and see if anything will grow in the tube.(Sorry I don't know the right way to explain this in english). Tonight Sileas's skin is red and sore looking and I'm frightened that she may have scratched it when we weren't looking.I've washed all her blankets etc and do them everyday. Our vet is also my son's brother in law which makes things difficult to change vets. We've spent over $ 200 on treatment already and I don't see any progress.She's also off her food but she still has plenty of energy.Typical boxer,carries on regardless and never complains.Aren't they just super dogs?I'll try and find an equivelent to the medication you reccomended and thanks for your advice.I've printed your reaction and will let our vet read it tomorrow.Hope his english is better than his ringworm knowledge.Paula :(

 

[matilda8255]

exk23 - I think this is what your vet is talking about. If you search seasonal flank alopecia you will find lots of info...

Boxers are prone to hair loss on the flanks and it is often a seasonal thing. So it goes under the name "seasonal flank alopecia". I am not sure why it occurs but it is most common in spayed female boxers and Airedale terriers. Skin biopsies are helpful in confirming this condition and it is easy to confuse with several other problems including demodectic mange, inhalant allergies, endocrine disorders such as hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) and hypothyroidism.

Your vets may be uncomfortable diagnosing this since I don't think it is common enough to be seen often in general veterinary practices. If there is any question about it referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be helpful. Recently there has been some interest in treating this with melatonin injections (seems to require injections) but I am not sure how successful this has been.

Mike Richards, DVM

I hope everything turns out ok with the tests. Keep me posted.

Paula

Tonight Sileas's skin is red and sore looking and I'm frightened that she may have scratched it when we weren't looking

Do you have any access to aloe or Vitamin A(liquid)??If you can find some put something over your hand and rub some in the affected area. It should help with the dryness and may make it a little less irritated. Your poor sweetie! I hope the vet can fix her up tommorow. Selsan Blue Shampoo is a person shampoo. We can find it at any drug store or supermarket. I believe it is for dandruff so something like that might work in the meantime IF it is ringworm. Omega 3 and omega 6 which are obtained from fish and flax seed are also wonderful supplements for the skin you can give you furbaby.

Everybody I found this when I was searching around BW for info for you. Give it a read...

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34556&highlight=supplements+for+skin

Good luck guys!!!!!
Stephanie

 

[Gibson]

Ringworm!

Hi Stephanie,
Well,we finally have a result from the skincultuur /hair follicle that was taken from Sileas last week.She has ringworm,and when I said "you told me that dogs don't get ringworm,and I'd already found that they do", he apologised ,and said that Sileas definately has a ringworm infection. She's already being treated with Trisporal ( orally) and I mix up Mycophyt powder with water and wash her infected area and also around the area. Tomorrow we've to pick up Program pills,which she has to take in a double dose and we've to carry on with the Trisporal. We always used Program pills to avoid fleas in our dogs,with great results I might add,but seemingly these pills have a very good effect on the fungus too.To kill it off ,I mean.I'm so glad that you were able to support me in my diagnosis as I definately felt stronger when I knew that it did occur in dogs. I was up at 2 am ,searching the sites you advised.I couldn't sleep knowing that my pup wasn't well. She's our 4th boxer,and we've never had skin troubles before. Our vet thinks that she may have contracted it from the mother of the litter,but I want to be sure before I rant and rave at the breeder. A couple of days after we brought her home,we found that she had an ear infection and after phoning the breeder ,she admitted that the mother also had an ear infection?????? We don't know the adresses of any of the other buyers ,so we can't compare experiences. Thank you so much for your help and I'll keep in touch with you, to let you know how she's getting on.Thanks again.Paula

 

[matilda8255]

Paula -- Woo Woo!!! I am so glad they have finally figured out the problem. Of course WE always knew it was ringworm. Your beautiful Sileas should be back to normal anytime.appicon I have to say I am very impressed with your vets reaction (I know he is family). Not every vet would confess to not knowing what they are talking about. It gives me alot more faith in the vet that they listened to you and responded in a positive way. It sounds like her prescribed medications are exactly what they should be.

Unfortunately things like mites, ringworm & ear infections can be easily passed around so it is conceivable that the whole litter is infected. If your breeder is worth anything she will contact the other owners and let them know.

The good news about Sileas has really brightened my day! I am so happy she will be fine and I'm sure mommy is spoiling her right now!!!! Glad I could help. Please keep me posted and let me know when I can see some photos!!!
Stephanie