Cocker with skin issues

Question
QUESTION: Several months ago my cocker starting loosing his hair in between his shoulders, now it has spread across the shoulder area and up towards his head.  Have taken him to the vet where we did a full blood work up including thyroid all came back normal.  Have done skin scrapings, 3 weeks of Keflex treated for tape worm and all. Now along both ears on the edge their are alot of scabs and his hair just comes out in hand fulls if you try to pick the scabs off.  Not sure what to do any ideas?  Another vet mentioned possible Vitamin A defiency have done some research online and it sounds like it might be it.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks you.

ANSWER: What are you feeding him, Renee?

And yes, I'd most definitely give Vitamin A a try.

You must get the right product though.

Here's what to buy (at a health food store)

10,000 IU TABLET (not gelcap) of Vit A with no soy/wheat/yeast/gluten/sugar/milk products.

Nature's Plus and Source Naturals make one.  And, I believe, Twin Lab makes one.  

Cockers have actually had this "syndrome" named after them.  It's called Vitamin A Responsive Dermatosis in the Cocker Spaniel.

The 10,000 IU tablet should be given 1x daily for 8 weeks.
You may well see improvement in 2 or 3 weeks.  If it is this - you then start cutting the Vitamin A back to find the maintenance dose he needs after the 8 week trial.
Best of luck,
Delores

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

QUESTION: Hey Delores,  Thank you very much and I will try the vitamin a.  I am feeding him Science Diet itchy skin in the morning and 1 Cesars wet and 1 bag moist n meaty in the evening.  Just started the Science Diet about 1week 1/2 ago. I was to the point of trying anything.  Another quick question I also have a Shit-Zu that eats his own poop WHY?  Thanks again for your quick response.

ANSWER: You're feeding extremely inadequate food. They're both garbage.

I strongly suggest Canidae canned (kibble isn't good for cockers with skin issues -way too high in carbs.

I'd also suggest (if it hasn't been done) to have a vet check him for mange mites.  If he's on Heartguard or Revolution this isn't likely
though since they both kill mites. It wouldn't hurt to switch him from whatever you're using for fleas to Revolution (it protects against heartworm too so you don't need Heartguard). Dermatologists who suspect mites often just use one dose of Revolution or Heartguard.
Check with your vet.

As far as your Schitzu eating poop - again, inadequate diet. Pick up poop instantly :)

If you go to Canidae.com they have a dealer locator and whoever carries Canidae will also carry other premium, high quality brands.
(Newman's Organics - Innova - Merrick - AvoDerm (at Petsmart) -
Fromm - Solid Gold - Eagle Pack Holistic)

Do get both your dogs on a quality canned food.  It costs not much more and will keep them far healthier.
Delores

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

QUESTION: Hey Delores,  Sorry for all the questons but I want to get this right.  He is on Heartguard and Advantage for flea and tick.  Here's my one delema I live in the Bahamas my food source is a bit limited so what wet and dry would you recommend and I can see if I can get it brought in for me.  Yes we did a mite test as well and it came back negative also.  Just to ask I do have them on pet vites so should I do the Vitamin A along with the pet vites the ones I use have 1,000 units of Vitamin A in it already.  Thanks again very helpful information.

Answer
I don't mind at all...questions are very welcome. :)

Now, if he's on Heartguard it's "near" impossible he'd have mites.

I would take him off Advantix though - have seen too many reactions.
Can you get Revolution there?  Are ticks a huge problem?  Are you in Nassau?  I know it well and have friends there.

I'm in Florida and all the food I listed is readily available here
so maybe it wouldn't cost that much to ship some in?
Have you called around to any pet supply places there?
Some health food stores also carry pet food - check and see.  Maybe a vet would order it for you?

As for the Pet Vites - I'd cut them out during the Vit A trial.

And Renee - feel free to write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com.
I have a lot of time for good owners :) and see far too many who aren't.
Delores
p.s.  There's always the option of homemade food.  It's what I do.
The recipes are easy but you must get the supplements right.
I will look into Pet Vites and see if they're any good too.