Diagnosis of a Chronic Dog Skin Problem

by Sanford
(Poughkeepsie, NY 12603)

Reader Question: How to Diagnose a Chronic Dog Skin Problem

I love my dog! Rebel is a great 15-year-old English Cocker with chronic skin problems all over his body.

Nobody seems to have a solution or treatment. See pictures enclosed...Please HELP!!!???

Thank you,

Sanford Cohen

Suggestion From Our Veterinarian on How to Diagnose a Chronic Dog Skin Problem

Hi Sanford,

It’s hard for me to determine what might be going on with Rebel’s skin based on the pictures you sent.

Has your veterinarian removed one or more of the masses and sent them to a pathologist?

Oftentimes the only way to reach a definitive diagnosis in cases like these is for a pathologist to examine a tissue sample.

As long as Rebel is a fairly laid back dog, I suspect the procedure could be done under light sedation and a local anesthetic. Another option would be to make an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist for a second opinion.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM