My dog, a 3.5 year old neutered male Australian Shepherd/French Brittany/God knows what else (his mom was an aussie, his dad was a stray) has some skin problems latley. On his underside around his naughty bits are small circular patches of skin (dime sized) that are brownish and peeling slightly. It is not raised at the edges (ringworm causes raised edges) It doesn't look severe, and doesnt seem to be bothering him at all but it concerns me. Obviously my first thought was ringworm, but there is no hair loss, itching etc. The spots also do not flouresce under a UV blacklight, which is the standard first test a vet would do to determine if its ringworm. I know not all forms of ringworm flouresce but I've also kind of ruled it out as hes had these for around a month and my other dog does not have them nor have I contracted anything (he sleeps curled in a ball beside me). Hes also been around an infant (infants are highly suseptable to ringworm) with no ill effects. I've scoured the net trying to find information to no avail. So I was wondering if anyone had any ideas? The reason I havent taken him to a vet yet is that in his frequent trips to the dog park we play fetch in the creek and I thought maybe they are abrasions of sorts from scraping over rocks on the creekbed while swimming. If I don't find an explanation soon he will be visting the vet next week. Sorry I couldnt get any pictures of the skin issues, but here are some obligatory doggy pics: Cain standing on the hill surveying his command. (Slightly photochoped due to over-exposure) Just getting into the water Cain eagerly awaiting his treat to be thrown so he can get back in the water. Also if anyone has any ideas on possible breeds that are in there I'd like to hear them, all we know for sure is that his mom was an aussie. One vet said beagle when he was a pup, but hes like seriously problem-solving smart and looks nothing like a beagle anymore so I've ruled that out. And between his apperance, build and the fact that he points led to the french brittany determination. Its kind of funny sometimes when he cant decide wether to point at something or try to herd it.
There's these per products who are made by this woman named Bobby Panter. We just got a dog from the pound the other day who had very bad dandruff and dry skin. I got her the 'Bad Hair Day Dog' one and it worked well. My mom's dog has hot spots and I got her the 'Itchy dog' one. Where I live they are like 10 bucks each, but everywhere on the web they seem to be about 20, btu they are so worth it. My dog who was fed crappy food in the shelter now has a gorgeous coat after one bath with this stuff. Good luck and gorgeous dog!!!
awesome, like I said in the PM, it seems to be clearing up a bit *crosses fingers* but if its not gone in a few days ill have to place an order.
You can try Apple Cider Vinegar in his food. He may not like it but it's worth a shot. Apple Cider Vinegar works amazingly well for skin problems, as well as a variety of others.
If the lesions are only in one specific area I would suspect they are only a mild dermatitis and may be caused by the water exposure to his sensitive area. It is good to hear they are clearing up too, but if they persist, I would take him in to the vet and have them do a skin culture to rule out any fungus or bacterial infection. Also, if you have access to a microscope, a slight skin scaping can be examined on a slide under the scope to rule out any parasites too. I just have to say that he is one cool looking dog and I believe he may have some "Saluki" in him by the looks of his nose and tail. If you try a google image search on saluki you can see if you agree... I hope he continues to improve with each and every day!
