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Last updated: 16 Apr 2000

Alsatian - continuous skin itch and weight loss, tranquilised.

We come to you for a second opinion regarding our Alsatian. She is losing weight and scratches herself continuously. A vet had checked her skin and found nothing was wrong. After treatment, her hairs regrow for a month or so. Now, the skin is in bad condition. We tried lamb-based good quality dog food. She is only one year old."

"Would it be kinder to put her to sleep?"
Is there a cure? It is hard to say what is the cause of this intense skin itch. There are so many causes of skin inflammation. Ticks were not one of the causes. The first vet must have checked for skin mites and had found none.

"Would the treatment aggravate her pain?"

What will the treatment be?
What will the total costs be if there is no guarantee of a cure? How would the daughter feel if the dog was put to sleep now?

Costs would not be small considering the amount of work involved in the treatment of any extensive skin disease.
Shaving off the infected hair would be advised. What would the neighbours think of the pet owner? Having a skin-diseased dog would not be good for the image.

Would it not be better to euthanased it?
The thought of this irreversible injection of barbiturate brought tears to the wife. The husband has to make a decision.

"It may be as much as $500 for several check-ups and treatment," estimated Dr Foo. "We could evaluate after 3 months." That would give the young dog a reprieve.

It would not be an easy path ahead. The cause of this allergic reaction must be known. It could be the food, the environment like dog shampoos, the sunlight, mites, and other varied causes.

The Alsatian was tranquilised for complete shaving (see first image above). This revealed several areas of redness including the neck. The ear canals were filled with a greenish discharge and were irrigated. Drugs were given.

It was bought in a pet shop and its coat was said to be in good condition. The skin problems started at the age of 4 months and now it is 12 months old. Follow ups will be necessary as this will not be a one-time treatment. Some busy owners do not follow up and it is a short reprieve. What is the probablility of a complete cure? There is no answer.

One year old female Alsatian: lLeft side - generalised itch

Some dogs do recover when they are older as their immune system is "stronger". Some dogs don't recover and need regular drugs. Vets need to explain to all owners that treatment will not be cheap, as there are so many subsequent reviews and a strict adherence to anti-allergic conditions must be implemented to eliminate many factors causing allergies in the dog.

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