Itchy Schnauzer

Question
I have a seven year old standard schnauzer who has developed chronically itchy skin. I don't see any signs of comedomes, nor does an ultraviolet inspection reveal any sign of fungus. My vet simply recommended spraying cortisone solution on the patches, but I don't see any relief. I did notice that the patches started developing after a cyst broke open at the end of his tail, and I THOUGHT I noticed some improvement when I administered a short course (2 weeks) of Keflex for an unrelated condition. Most of the patches seem to develop on his underside (belly and chest) as well as areas around his tail on the rump. Any help would be appreciated, as the poor fellow seems to be quite miserable a lot of the time. Thanks in advance.   Michael Keliher

Answer
If the keflex helped, then there is an overlying bacterial infection on the primary skin disease. If there are sarcoptic mites on the skin, that may cause the itching.  That would require treatment with an insecticidal dip or an injection.  If there are allergies, then systemic steroids may be beter than the topical spray.  If there is a fungus, then the vet may want to do a culture.  If all else fails, have your vet biopsy an active area of redness or scab to see what type of disease there is in the skin.