odorus sores on Shi-tzu

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 6 year old Shi-tzu who has sores on his neck, back and head and is getting them on his feet, I assume from scratching.  The sores have a very strong odor, and his groomer thinks that these may be from some sort of internal infection.  I think that they are caused from dry itchy skin, which he has always had.  I have just started treating them by cleaning them with betadine soap and putting neosporin on them. Is there something I can give him internally that would speed the healing process, should what I am doing start to improve the problem within a few days, or should I go ahead and take him to the vet?
Answer -
Hi Candy!  I have a little Shih Tzu too!  He is three and, like your baby, has always had those annoying itches and skin problems.  It has to be a breed trait, as I see Shih Tzu babies with these problems alllll the time!
It sounds as though your 'Tzu should be seen by your veterinarian.  Sores are known to be a symptom of an allergy, whether it's a flea allergy or an allergy to food or treats, or even new laundry detergent.  Sores can also be caused by external parasites like Demadex Mites, Sarcopic Mites, or Scabies.  I am unsure of where you are from...I am in PA, and with the horribly rainy and muggy, hot summer we experienced, Scabies is going around like wild fire. Because these sores your dog has, have a very strong odor, I would be concerned of infection.  
Your best bet at this point would be to have your veterinarian take a look at him.  Your veterinarian may want to scrape some skin cells to inspect under a microscope to determine whether or not there are any parasites present.  Your veterinarian will also put your baby on antibiotics to either relieve the infection, or to prevent an infection from occuring.  Steroids are also very helpful, in the event that they reduce swelling, itching and irritation.  
Cleaning these sores out with betadine and applying neosporin are definitely the best things to do for this little guy.  If you wanted to see how he does, you should see some sort of improvement within 2-3 days.  The betadine and neosporin should be applied 2 times per day.  Be sure to use the "old fashioned" original formula of neosporin, as the newer versions contain some ingredients that may be harmful if licked off.
I hope this helps, and if you have time, please keep me posted.
From one "smooshy faced" lover to the next,
Hilary

I took Chochie to the vet.  He has a skin disorder that I cannot remember how to spell or say, but he also has red mange.  The vet did exactly what you said he would do.  The antibiotics, the steroids, and also some dip for the mange.  The dip was extremely expensive.  I paid $25.00 for a 10.2ml bottle of it!  I could have passed out!  I sure hope it works for that price.  He also told me that you cannot buy a dip for mange over the counter.  Is that true?  He told me that the mange is not contageous to humans or other animals.  I always thought it was.
We are in Texas, and it sounds like much the same climate that you are in.  Hot, humid, and rainy all of the time.  Makes for a big fight with fleas and ticks in the summer time!

Thank you so much for your advice.  

Answer
Hi Candy!  I thought it may have been mange.  I should have specified.  There are two types of mange...Sarcopic and Demadex...these are the mites that cause mange.  Demadex mange are not contagious to people, where as Sarcopic mange is.  Both types of mange are contagious to other dogs.  The only skin disorder that I can think of that is hard to say and spell is Eosinophelic Granuloma Complex.  I have never seen this in dogs, though, only cats, so this is probably not the skin disorder your Chochie has.
The dip will work and there are over the counter dips...but not only do they not work, they also can be highly toxic to pets.  You should see a good effect from the dip Chochie had and the antibiotics and steroids will help his skin.  Chochie should be feeling back to his normal self within two weeks.
Good luck and let me know how it goes!  Chochie is such a cute name...I have a Charlie.  My Charlie is having some problems with his skin too.  His allergies are so horrible this time of year, I just shaved him short this morning.  All his beautiful hair gone...but he IS feeling alot of relief!  I use Gentamicin Spray for him.  It works very well, as it is an antibiotic/steroid spray that goes right on the irritated skin.  I also you Chlorahexiderm Shampoo.  This is an antiseptic shampoo that also relieves those itches.  Maybe these would help Chochie too?
Hilary