horrible rash

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my 4 1/2 year old female cocker spaniel has a horrible rash/condition pretty much all over her body.  We live in NJ - she has been going to the vet for over a year trying to clear this up - we go to a group and have seen a few different vets within the group so I have gotten several opinions.  Not bacterial (but a little bacteria), not yeast (but a little yeast) - under the microscope.  We've used ketoconazole (spelling?#, simplecef, cephalaxin, prednisone, ketolux shampoo and another special shampoo to remove scabs from the skin.  She had allergy tests and came up positive for several grasses and pollens - she has now started allergy shots #roughly a month now#.  I feed her nutro dry dog food for sensitive skin/stomachs and occasional wet food that is another high quality venison product - vet wanted to avoid chicken and beef.  I bathe the dog once a week with one special shampoo or the other #the ketolux or the other one to remove the crusty scabs) - she seems to get some relief from itching for a day or two but this just won't end.  I feel terrible for the dog and it doesn't seem to be getting better.  Any suggestions???

ANSWER: Has your girl had her thyroid tested?  Simple blood test, no big deal for her.  This is the very first thing a vet Dermatologist would do.

Have you tried an antihistimine trial?  
If so, which one and for how long?


It's a clue that bathing gives relief but initially it should be twice a week and I'd finish off with a final rinse of half water & half plain white vinegar.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I will have to ask the vet about the thyroid test - I really don't know at this point, there have been so many things done. They definitely took blood but I think it was only for the allergy tests.  What would that be looking for?  She has also been on temerol (probably spelled wrong) for months - (I forgot that) - for the itching.  I will be bathing her later on today, I will do the white vinegar rinse.  I will call the vet on Monday to ask about the thyroid test.  Thank you so much for the ideas.  I feel so badly for the dog and I really want to help her get back to her old self.  Also - she did get a nasty ear infection when it all started.  Something gooey and smelly was coming out of her ear.  That kind of came and went for a few months (on meds/earwashes) and seemingly has gone away.  I clean out that ear twice a week with a medicated ear wash.  Thank you again for listening to all of this, any advice/suggestions are truly appreciated :)

Answer
Doris, I did ask about antihistimines.  The rinse is half water/half white vinegar.  

If you haven't tried this, go to the drugstore and get some Zyrtec.  10 mg. tablets (not gelcaps).

NOT Zyrtec-D (decongestant in that).  Plain Zyrtec.  One tablet daily.  When this works (about 40% of the time) it's like a miracle.

Give it a week (dogs don't react as quickly as we do).

And most definitely ask about her thyroid test.  If she hasn't had one, insist on it.
And request it be sent to Michigan State for analysis.