Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Our 4 year old boxer has been suffering from skin problems for the longest time. At first the vet thought it was Demodex mange, then food allergies, and at this point they have no idea what it is. His skin did get a little better with the venison mix that we get from the vet, but lately it has gotten bad again. We tried bathing him with the special shampoos and leave-in conditioners and nothing...we don't know what to do anymore. He is a happy dog overall but scratches himself ALL THE TIME and seems so miserable when he gets those bumps all over his body! Sometimes I wish I could put him out of his misery.

Has anybody experience this with their dogs? Thanks!

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

http://www.livs.org/

http://www.livs.org/LIVSDermatologyDepartmentStaff.htm#panich

Dr. Panich is top in the field of Dermatology.

Often dogs that have Demodex which can be chronic/lifetime and trigged by stresses etc. are treated with Ivermectin and an antibiotic. This is definitely treatable and if you want to get the right diagnosis, contact the above.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Boxers are prone to skin allergies and other topical issues. If you want to get some good first hand info to bring to your vet, you can try contacting the Boxer org/contact on the AKC.org website.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

If you want to know what is wrong with the dog bring him to a specialist that treats skin diseases...Dr. Panich is the best, no one else comes close. Websites and breed rescue are not vets.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

I have 2 boxers, a 2 1/2 year old male and 1 year old female, our male had skin issues for a long time. It took us a while to figure out but it wound up being his food. We changed his food about 5 times and finally got it under control. He is now on Canidae All Stages. Our vet kept telling us it was food but I was skeptical too. We tried all the shampoos and conditioners and nothing seemed to work. I would suggest trying a new food. Wellness also cleared him up, unfortunelty it gave the puppy the runs and it was too hard to feed them two different foods.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

I am familiar with both as I am involved in animal rescue. The reason I suggested Dr. Panich is because she will nail it on the head. Top in her field. I have rescued over 1,000 dogs and would say approximately 25% had serious skin conditions. Rescued a dog recently with severe demodex mange, she is treated with Ivermectin and an anitibiotic, starts with high dosage and each day it decreases to the point it is only the anitibiotic and then that gradually is eliminated. Ivermectin can be injectable or oral. Should the condition resurface, a dose of ivermectin once per week would clear it up..can be injected into food. Today received a call from a man who stated he thinks the kitten he rescued has ringworm, he spent so many $$$ at pet supply store and kitten still has hair loss, has yet to go to a vet. That is what I am referring to. I must honestly say that some of the concerns that owners have posted are serious and I am at a loss as to why they have not taken their pet to a vet. What would they do if the same thing happened to them, they would go to a doctor. Just strange.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

I wanted to address the food change also..yes when there is a change it can cause runs etc. The vet will recommend you slowly change. 3/4 old, 1/4 new and each time less old and more new.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Bama is a 3 year old Boxer and he's never had any skin problems, so I can't really offer any advice other than going to www.boxerworld.com and doing a search (or posting if you don't find an answer). Other Boxer owners, including Boxer breeders, sometimes know more than vets do. With so many breeds, I imagine it's hard for vets to know everything about every breed. I'm not saying not to go to a vet, but you can always get a second opinion from Boxer owners

And I second trying Canidae. That's what Bama eats.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Most vets will nail it down to the right diagnosis. The reason I recommeded Dr. Panich is because the Boxer owner states this is an ongoing situation and the vet does not know what is wrong. Dr. Panich would know with her eyes closed. I am involved in rescue and have seen it all, I know one visit to Panich and the dog is on the road to recovery, no guessing games, that is all I meant. As for the other matter, yes what is wrong with owners that do not understand that just like them when sick you must see a doctor. How can someone post my pet is sick for days or my pet is letargic etc. etc. and not do anything and expect advice on a post forum.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Thanks everyone...we will try the Canidea...its definitely the food though bc when we sometimes would give him table scraps, he would break out...poor thing...how can I not give him a piece of bacon once in a while.

ETA: If you read my original post, we HAVE been going to the vet with our dog and we have tried various treatments with him...so I don't understand why some posters are saying that they don't understand why we're not taking him to the vet

Message edited 12/16/2007 11:35:37 PM.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

I stated that because the original post said the vet that saw the dog did not know what was wrong. I normally would not list the name of a doctor, however, in this case I did so because I am involved in animal rescue, almost 1,000 dogs off the street in the past 10 years with many, many having skin conditions. I know for fact that Dr. Panich would know on the spot. I have taken dogs off the street that looked like monstsers, years of suffering untreated. Today they are all healthy. Truth of the matter is that most regular vets do not know how to treat chonic skin conditions and both the patient and owner sometimes go from one treatment to another. I will remember not to give out the right information on future posts.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

My post was not in response to your post. I was actually agreeing with what you said.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs

I also forgot to mention the vet gave us a rub called Chlorhexiderm that we put on his neck which takes away the redness. We use it when he looks like he's starting to scratch, it seems to help.

Re: Skin problems in Boxers or in any other dogs