Staph infection??

[rockymiller]

My 6 yr old boxer has a history of allergies, yeast infected ears, and occasional staph infections (probably from him itching from allergies). I noticed that his ears have been getting itchy and dirty so I am cleaning them more frequently with ear cleaner that helps with yeast (forget the name). Now he has bumps on his back that are real dry. When I brush him hair comes out and alot dry skin. Some of the skin looks dark colored. I think I remembered last time he had a staph infection his skin on his check was dark in color and he had hair loss from him itching it.

Anyone think this sounds like a staph infection?

Also please don't respond by saying take your dog to the vet. I am in search of a new vet currently. We are not happy with our current vet. In the meantime I am researching to see what he might have.

Thanks

 

[Cami]

I'd suggest that once you find a new vet you have a thyroid test done (complete panel NOT a "basic" T4 test). And YES you will have to request the FULL panel as the majority of vets will not automatically test for all 5 thyroid "levels" (T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and TgAA).
With your Boxers age and issues that you described it seems like an underlying condition that keeps causing the symptoms of allergies, hair loss and chronic infection (staph & yeast).
Correct the underlying problem and you can avoid most if not all of the symptoms you describe *if* it is all related to hypothyroidism.
ALL of the symptoms you list are classic symptoms of an under functioning thyroid.
These symptoms can be treated and seemingly OK for a bit only to return again over and over.

 

[Mader]

Well until you find a new Vet and good luck.

You can give soothing baths, mild oatmeal, or baby shampoo, epsom salt dips help too.
a 2x's a day low dose of benadryl either liquid or capsule

We have had this problem and the only thing that really helped was,

a treatment of prednisone taper for about a week along with antibiotics

we then finally found Purina Pro Plan Sensitive skin and stomach to work and since then, our dog has had NO effects

 

[rockymiller]

I'd suggest that once you find a new vet you have a thyroid test done (complete panel NOT a "basic" T4 test). And YES you will have to request the FULL panel as the majority of vets will not automatically test for all 5 thyroid "levels" (T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and TgAA).
With your Boxers age and issues that you described it seems like an underlying condition that keeps causing the symptoms of allergies, hair loss and chronic infection (staph & yeast).
Correct the underlying problem and you can avoid most if not all of the symptoms you describe *if* it is all related to hypothyroidism.
ALL of the symptoms you list are classic symptoms of an under functioning thyroid.
These symptoms can be treated and seemingly OK for a bit only to return again over and over.

I will get a full panel thyroid test. How much does that ususally run?

Also if he has a thryoid problem (hopefully not), how much does medication usually run?

 

[Cami]

I am in Ohio and have used two different facilities for thyroid testing (complete panel). Michigan State University and Hemopet/Hemolife in California. Welcome to Hemolife
Each ran right around $100. I included the Hemopet website link so that if you wanted you can go through it and print out needed instructions for your vets office when collecting sample (if you opt to use them). They also list pricing on their site and you pay them directly.
Your vet may very well utilize a different facility based on your location but there are not that many labs in the US that perform this testing.
I prefer Hemopet since you can receive continued counseling from Dr. Dodds there. Easily accessible either by phone or e-mail.
Your test results also include an interpretation of those results from the doc and are breed specific and e-mailed to you.
My vets office had never used them before but were quite open to allowing me to use them. I did pay additional for blood collection, office visit, and shipping the blood sample.