Skin Problem

Question
Good morning, I am a proud owner of a Cairn Terrier  named "Sparky", son of a champion "Ivan The Terrible Terrier".  Sparky is now 9 years-old and has been wonderful years.  Although, in the last few months he developed a strong odor coming from his ears, he later developed a tremendous amount of (equivalent to human dandruff), which can be seeing when he is brushed.  The vet recommended multiple treatments (Earwas removal, Ear powders, 1& Hydrocortisone Cream, etc) for ear and skin problem, I have used special fur shampoos, and soaps without positive results.  He sleeps in our bedroom, but in the last few days the smell emitted from his body and to a lesser degree his ear has been intolerable, last night I made his bed in our leaving room.  He eats a well balanced meals, he is not over weight, his fur was cut down to the lower layer.  I Would be appreciative if you can give me any recommendation to help Sparky.


thank you for your kind assistance, George

Answer

Bronwyn George -

Even at this late date in his life it sounds like he has developed some kind of allergic reaction. This causes not only the kind of skin problems you describe, but also permits seceondary infections - usually yeast - to develop in the ears, and in extreme cases, even the skin on the body.  

You are smelling the yeast infection and it is just aweful. Some dogs get thickened or blackened patches at their tail head (called elephant skin), some get a sweaty or greasy feeling to their coat, and some even get little pustules on their skin.

I am not sure what you are feeding him, but I would strongly recommend making sure his diet - kibble, treats, everything, contain no corn, wheat or soy.  Thos are the most commin things, though some dogs also develop a sensitivity to certain protein sources. In that case, I use a fish based kibble.

Food is always the first guess since it is ***so*** common in cairns.

Here is a treatment regimen that the rescue I work with has come up with. We receive dogs in this condition all the time - from owners at a loss for help, from shelters or from puppymills. I would say that a whole 30-40% of the dogs have this upon intake.  With treatment and a change of food 99% get better.

http://cairnrescue.com/docs/SkinCareRegime.htm

The one thing your vet can do to provide some immediate relief is a cortisone shot or you can give some benedryl.  They last about a month, and are not something you want to have to do on an ongoing basis, but it will give immediate relief.

I think these suggestions should get you started. I adore my vet and he is amazing, but he is the first one to admit that they only get one class on nutrition in vet school and are bombarded by companies like Hills Science Diet, etc who have a vested interest in getting a vet to recommend their foods.

Let me know if I can clarify anything. I'm attaching a photo of the intake photo of my current foster - all her scabs have healed in 2 weeks !

-Beth