Please help, I think my vet might be wrong, what’s wrong with my Golden Retriever? Please read.?
Vet says its allergies. She scratches herself and then it turns into a staph infection on her skin. Sometimes it seems that she gets little skin infections without even over-scratching. She doesnt have fleas.
Last night we took her to the vet because the entire left side of her face from under her ear down to her chin was wet, and through her fur I could see that the skin was just raw. Bright pink/red and draining. The doc said something about a “hot spot” and that its still allergies, and gave her antibiotics. It was so bad that they had to shave the fur and now she just sits with her head tilted because it hurts for even her ear to touch it. She also had some eye drainage, wont play or eat a lot.
Theres another dog in the house (my sister’s dog), and they play-fight very rough. Its a yellow lab puppy (almost the size of my golden) thats out of control, and they bite and scratch. The vet said no, but is it possible that she got this from playing so rough?
She never did any testing… she just looks at it and says “yeah thats what it looks like”. Im not saying that shes definitely wrong, but I just want some reassurance before I get her in for a 2nd opinion.
Tagged with: Golden • Help • might • Please • Read • Retriever • Think • Whats • Wrong
Filed under: Flea Allergies In Dogs
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im not sure. maybe you should take her to a better vet/ search the local vet clinics. you might have to travel a little ways but it would be worth it to get your dog the proper medical attention. this sounds nothing like allergies to me…
-alexis <3
I think your vet is probably right, but if you doubt the vet, take the dog to another vet for a second opinion. Nobody here can see or examine your dog, so we’ll all just be guessing.
I really doubt your dog got something like that from playing with the other dog. Playing too rough would result in injuries that are obviously from bites.
Your vet is right.. sounds more like allergies or hot spots.. maybe an underlying skin infection that your vet is not able to properly diagnose.. perhaps you ought to take your dog to a veternary dermatologist.
It sounds like your vet is right. The type of problem you are describing is seen very commonly with dogs with allergies. I have an American Staffordshire Terrier who has the same problems and gets skin infections and hot spot very frequently. You can do Allergy testing to find out what is causing your dogs allergies and they can develop a serum that is given SQ ( under the skin) that most of the time helps keep allergies under control.
take her to a different vet in a different town
Her symptoms seem like some kind of allergic reaction to me too. It’s doubtful that what you’re seeing would be caused by rough play. I would expect to see bite marks/scratches if that were the case. But with the hot spots and overall irritated skin, I would definitely lean towards allergies too. It may be helpful to have them do an allergy test. Is this something that she’s always had or something that came on suddenly? It could be something in the environment or even something she’s eating. I’m surprised he hasn’t suggested some kind of ointment. There are lots of natural alternatives, do a little research and then check back with your vet. Good luck to you and I hope she feels better soon!
It might be the wounds from playing. I think it is time to put your sisters dog in a different room for 2 weeks without any contact with your dog and see what happens. Good Luck!
I think your vet is right.
if it’s allergies then the vet should have given you something like benadryl or a steriod injection to calm you dog’s immune system down. Antibiotics are for infections only (which the vet is trying to prevent on the hot spot). Ask the vet for medication to make the dog comfortable and to reduce the allergic reaction or call and get a dosage for a over the counter anti-histamine like benadryl or Chlorltrimtrone. It’s spring time so it may be seasonal but it could also be indoor allergies, food allergies, or you name it. My dogs have food allergies and get hotspots and pimples which can get infected if they scratch or break it open. Good Luck. Also, you could try another vet if this one isn’t helping.
I’d say its very unlikely this is the result of playing too rough.
What diagnostic work did they do? Or did he just look and say “Yep its a staph infection — here are some antibiotics”
A ‘hot spot’ is a lay-term for a staph infection.
**edit to add: You can get a staph infection secondary to allergies, so antibiotics might make sense depending on severity.
your vet may be right because, allergies are especially common in terriers and retrievers. An allergic response in a dog or cat develops when the immune system “overreacts” to a particular foreign material, which is called an allergen. Common allergens are pollens, molds, food proteins, and flea saliva. Allergens often enter the body through breathing or eating, or via flea bites. Allergens can also enter directly through the skin.When an allergen enters the bloodstream, the body produces specific antibodies that “target” the foreign material. This causes specialized white blood cells to release many substances that result in an allergic response. When pets breathe in these allergens, instead of a stuffy nose or runny eyes, they get a condition called atopy, which results in skin irritation and itching.Typically, the skin irritation and itching begins as a seasonal problem in the spring or summer, but many pets eventually become allergic year round. Inhaled allergens usually cause problems around the face, feet, and “arm pits,” although other areas of the body can be affected. Food allergies usually cause skin irritation around the head and neck. This could possibly be your problem knowing that your dog has been itching around his upper neck and ears.Allergies can cause your pet to lick and scratch incessantly, leading to skin rashes and serious infections. You can help your veterinarian identify the cause of the problem by keeping track of when the problem started and how (if) it changes over time. Once your veterinarian establishes the cause of the allergy, he or she can determine the best treatment strategy. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are often used to combat itching and inflammation. Your pet may need a restricted or special diet to avoid exposure to food allergens. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a series of shots meant to gradually desensitize your pet to the offending allergen(s).
wow im wondering how you could have left it that long before actually going to the vet i hope in the future you will be more in tuned with your animals behaviour and body.
You should have gotten his blood work done so you could find out what he’s allergic to. could be his food could be the pollin in the air or the time of season. could be many things around the house. etc.. this will continue this will not stop with antibiotics that will only clear up the effection we hope. as its gone on for so long now.
please take better care of your pets.. and do NOT let them play fight as your dogs trying to heal or you’ll have a bigger vet bill on your hands in the end.
Its very important to be a responsible pet owner they count on you to check things out and see things. even when your petting her or hugging her couldn’t you have seen that. my goodness!