A Newfoundland With Skin Infections That Keep Coming Back
by A reader
|
|
|
Skin infections that keep returning almost always have an underlying cause, and the most common is allergy, either to things in the environment or to food. Other causes include an underactive thyroid, which is common in Newfoundlands, and hormone problems. Treating only the infection and the itch leaves the cause untouched, so the cycle repeats.
Long-term repeated steroid shots and constant antibiotics carry real risks, including antibiotic-resistant staph infections and side effects from the steroids. Ask your vet about a skin culture to choose the right antibiotic, a thyroid blood test, a strict food elimination trial, and modern allergy medicines that are safer for long-term use than steroids.
Regular medicated baths, kept on the skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing, can help a lot for the belly and armpits. If it keeps coming back, ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist.
See staph skin infections in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Skin.
