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Scaly, Scabby Patches Spreading Over an Older Maltese

by karen

Reader Question
My 12 year old Maltese has a really bad skin problem, I have been to the Vets 3 times. It started on his back -its a scabbie scaly spot. It has spread all over his body. with patches of scabbie scaly spots including his tail and ears.He had a steroid injection firstly, then a steroid and antibiotic cream, he is on antibiotic tablets and for the last week a steroid tablet. Also washing him in a medicated shampoo. But it doesn't seem to be clearing up. What do you suggested.


Answer from Our Team

We're sorry he's been so uncomfortable. When scaly, scabby patches keep spreading despite antibiotics and steroids, it's time to look again at the diagnosis. Possible causes include a resistant bacterial infection, yeast, mites, ringworm, hormone diseases such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease, and less often immune-related or cancerous skin diseases in older dogs.

Ask your vet about these tests: cytology to check for bacteria and yeast, skin scrapings for mites, a ringworm test, a bacterial culture and sensitivity test to see if the infection is resistant, and blood tests for hormone disease. If those don't explain it, a skin biopsy is often the most useful next step. Steroids can make some skin infections worse, so ask your vet whether they should be stopped while the cause is found.

A referral to a veterinary dermatologist can also help for a problem that isn't responding.

See skin infections in dogs and pyoderma (staph infection).

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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