american cocker spaniel scratching

Question
QUESTION: I have an american cocker spaniel that was dropped off. I have taken him to the vet and had him cared for. He is scratching a lot. Our local vet put him on predisonne every other day. This doesn't seem to help. I bath him weekly. He eats Science Diet--Natures Best dry dogfood. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Well, the first thing I'd do is change vets.  Any vet who'd use a steroid without trying a whole lot of other things first is a bit dangerous.  I hear it time and time again and am still always shocked.
If it's not working then wean him off it.

Second, I'd change his food and cut way back on dry food.
I suggest Innova EVO or even AvoDerm (available at PetSmart). What you are feeding is inferior food.  I can suggest others.

I think I can help with the scratching but I need some more information first.
1.  What flea control is he on?  Heartworm protection?
2.  Is he scratching all over or in specific areas?  Is it constant?
3.  Describe his skin (red? normal pink? any crusty patches?)
4.  His coat?  Dry or oily?  do you see any flakiness? (like dandruff)
5.  How old is he?
6.  What was the dosage of prednisone?

The answers will help me advise you on topical approaches.  The first goal is to get this little guy comfortable.  And bless your heart for taking him in.
Delores


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

QUESTION: 1. The flea control is frontline. The heartworm is Sentinel
2. Scratching is mainly on his stomach and it is pretty constant.
3.  Skin is reddish, especially on his tummy near his privates. Some crusty patches. Has some red bumps near his privates also.
4. Dry, and some flakiness
5. Not sure of age....vet guessed 1 year old. Weighes around 20 lbs.
6. Prednisolone 5 mg. Twice a day for 4 days, then once a day for 4 days and then every other day. Been on this since Sept. 10, 2008.

What other food do you suggest?

How often do I need to bathe him and what type of shampoo do I need to use?  I have been using Microtek Shampoo that was for scratching and flakiness. Purchased it at a local Pet Store. That is what they recommended.  

Answer
I'd wean him off the steroid asap.  Do every 3rd day - then 4th and stop.

I'd change his food (switch slowly).  If you go to Naturapet.com
you'll find a store near you that sells Innova EVO.  They'll also sell other premium brands.  Start adding canned (less carbs, less processed,higher protein).

(Innova EVO - Canidae - Fromm - Merrick - Solid Gold - Evangers -
Lick Your Chops - Newmans' Organics - Wellness are all good canned foods)

As I said, PetSmart now carries AvoDerm - excellent food.

The very thing I'd try is an oatmeal soak.  Buy Aveeno (most supermarkets/drugstores have it).  It's in a box with packets of pure colloidal oatmeal powder.  Target makes a generic which is okay - just read the label - 100% pure colloidal oatmeal.

Fill the tub with enough water - mix in 1 packet - use tepid water- to cover his tummy and soak him for 10 to 15 minutes.  Take a kitchen timer with you - it feels like a long time :) Put his leash on him, that makes them more compliant.

Towel dry - do not rinse off.

And when you go to buy the oatmeal soak - also buy some Nizoral shampoo.  But I'd first like you to give him the soak and tell me how much relief that offers.

Nizoral is a favorite with vet dermatologists because it kills yeast, bacteria and fungus.  The oatmeal soak with soothe, hydrate and help him stop scratching.  The more he scratches, the more it itches, etc.

Is his coat kind of "flaky" all over or just where it's irritated?
Was he like this when you got him or did this start after?

And Patricia, start noticing everything he's lying on.

This process can get quite chatty :) so feel free to write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com.
Delores