Cocker w/ crusty nose

Question
QUESTION: about 1 mo. ago, my 7 year old cocker spaniel started with a small pale green spot in his nostril.  Since that time the right of his nose is dry and almost scaly.  He doesn't like when I touch it and he sneezes frequently and when he gets up in the a.m. he rubs his nose on the carpet or against the couch.  I took him to the vet who put him on antibiotics & it started to clear it up after three or four days.  He then put him on another round of antibiotics to make sure it was gone.  By the time he finished the second round he had it back.  I tried soaking it with a warm cloth and putting olive oil on it which helps, but it still isn't normal.  A few months ago I put him on a new food - Vitality by Dogswell.  He loves it and his poop is the best it's ever been.  He does have food allergies  high for pork and borderline for beef, lamb, wheat & soy.  I did have him on Wellness Atlantic Whitefish prior but this does not fulfill him.  Could the food cause this or maybe a fungal infection that would not respond to antibiotics and would Innova EVO be a better choice?   Thank you.

ANSWER: Paula, are you in the U.S.?  I ask because food recommendations can differ depending on what's available to you.

Would you consider home cooking?

I know Bag Balm (available in the U.S.) often helps with dry, scaly nose issues.

And did your vet take a swab and identify what this was?  (Really important)

And, most importantly, have you had his thyroid checked?  He's 7 - and thyroid issues can cause a host of problems in cockers and it's very common.  I'd definitely do this and make sure it's sent to either Michigan State or Antech.  The regular lab won't do.

I do think Innova Evo is a better choice than Wellness on a lot of levels and wouldn't hesitate to try it.
Delores

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

QUESTION: I am in the U.S. and would consider home cooking.  I just need to know that he is getting everything he needs nutritionally.  No swab taken--I will pursue that and will also have his thyroid checked.  Thank you very much.

Answer
Getting a 2nd opinion from a Vet Dermatologist would be a good idea.

The vet should have taken some skin cells (no big deal - a piece of scotch tape - and analyzed it.  Skin cells are collected by either tape or a scrape and since his nose is very tender, a tape collection is obviously best.

It's always stunning to me when vets treat a skin condition and don't know exactly what they're treating.

Some Bag Balm may soothe it.  I know my Publix carries it and a lot of drugstores too.  It's in a green, square tin box.

And before you get his thyroid tested, call and ask where it's sent.
A good vet will send it to Antech or Michigan State.  It's just a blood draw so no big deal for your pup.  And at his age a total Wellness check twice a year is a good idea anyway and your vet should have done a full blood workup.

If you'd like to discuss nutriton/food intolerances in more depth, feel free to write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com.
Delores