nose and eye problem - dog

Question
3yr old terrier mix has developed skin condition on end of nose and on eye lids - skin color has changed from black to pink and nose seems to blister and peel - looks very sore.  First noticed about 60 days after moving to desert southwest, now several months later

local vet thinks it may be discoid lupis and recommends expensive tests or suggested drug treatment and see what results are

I really think this may just be a sun reaction and would like to try treating that way before proceeding with those options

I am having trouble finding sun screen for dogs (with no zinc chromate) AND  I haven't had much luck keeping the dog from licking it off or out of the sun for long periods.

Your thoughts and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Answer
Usually sun screen for babies is free of zinc, non-toxic and okay to use on dogs.  Sunscreen is only necessary when outside and should be re-applied every hour regardless of instructions.

But beware your dog very well could have an auto-immune disease or even some type of skin cancer from the sun exposure, therefore, I would HIGHLY recommend having the areas biopsied.

You can apply Vitamin E to the crusty areas at night and consider adding Transfer Factor into your dog's diet to help his immune system.  www.4tf-pets.com/testimonials.htm TF Canine Complete is an excellent all-in-one nutritional supplement that can help correct many disease processes.