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Great Dane sores

20 9:01:39

Question
We have a 1.5 year old Mantle Great Dane. Since he was about 4 months old he has had terrible sores on his muzzle and chin. They start out as red bumps then become ulcerated and bleed. They have a very distinct alkaline smell to them. He itches at them constantly as well as shakes his ears (itching) and chews on his feet. Recently these same red bumps have appeared at the base of his tail just inferior to his anus. They are found no where else on the body. He also has anal gland blockage monthly which I've been told is abnormal for a Dane. The bumps clear up almost instantly with a combination of cephalexin and pregnisone (corticosteroids) but he obviously can't be on regime the rest of his life. I suspect allergies but how can I be sure what the culprit is in order to minimize his exposure?

Thanks

Brandon

Answer
The sores arpund his mouth are probably 'teen-age spots'.  All danes have themand can be cleared up using Clearasil or similar skin care product.

They have probably allowed an infection to get in and that is what you will have to fight.  A strong antibiotic for 10-14 days should knock it on the head.

The blocked anal glands could be due to lack of fibre in the diet not producing hard stools to empty them as he goes to the loo.

Ken