Our Golded Retriever named Skye

Question

skye tail   my beloved dog skye is about 12 and has these lumps and bumps showing up on her body and one especially concerning on her tail, she also has a black under belly.  she scratches alot and we know she does not have fleas. picture is attached and any help is much appreciated.  please e-mail me with what you think it may be or any advice.

Answer
This does look like a skin infection.  IF her skin is as bad as you describe, she is probably an allergic dog.  GOldens top the list is breeds that are allergic.  YOu are seeing many of the common secondary signs to allergies in dogs. Dogs can be allergic to many, many things other than fleas.  HAve your vet see if it is allergy and treat the secondary signs.

GOldens are also very prone to hypothyroidism.  THe low thyroid hormone level can also cause these signs, although they don't usually have much itching with this condition.