Desperately seeking help for 4 year old shihtzu with severe...

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Question by tikicat
Submitted on 1/2/2004
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Desperately seeking help for 4 year old shihtzu with severe skin allergies...Has gone through allergy testing, diagnosed with thyroid condition and now has lost all hair and has open lacerations all over his body. Allergies began after shots were administered at 3 years old. We have used Nzymes products also but little improvement. After thyroid condition was diagnosed and pills administered we saw remarkable improvement, sores healed & hair grew back. We were reluctant to update shots again this year, however, veterinarian insisted they were necessary. Now we have a complete disaster again...he has had a complete relapse, has no hair & open sores and horrible odor. We are worried he won't make it. Complete loss of appetite. We have already spent thousands of dollars with no apparent cure. Is there anything we can do? PLEASE HELP!

Answer by Shihtzumom
Submitted on 8/7/2004
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Hi, I have 5 tzu'sand they all have what the vets and groomers call "hot spots". I've tried numerous kinds of shampoos, lotions and topical sprays. Although these things have provided some relief, it is an on-going struggle. My vet seems to think it is caused by allergies. I thought it a bit odd that all 5 would have the same allergy. I've not had the allergy tests done, it's quite expensive. I've tried many different food formulas too. The problem seems unaffected by any changes I've made to their diet. I have mine bathed and groomed bi-weekly, they have all their shots and I use frontline for fleas & ticks. I also have my lawn treated for fleas. None of the vets or groomers have ever seen a flea on any of them. It's very puzzling. I had a pomeranian who lost all his hair like you said your tzu has. His skin blackened and became dry & flaky. It was pretty gross. The vets gave me thyroid meds for him, but he reacted badly to the drugs. He finally died at the age of 10 after a couple of years of suffering with the skin condition. If you every hook up with someone who has done an adequate amount of research to truly figure out the exact nature of the problem, please let me know. Sometimes I think that no matter how much you pay the vets, they don't put much effort into discovering the root of the problem and treating it. They seem more proned to made a broad classification and let it go at that. I'm very interested in finding the proper relief for my dogs too. Feel free to email me at patb19652000@yahoo.com. Good luck !!

Answer by Tonya
Submitted on 1/12/2005
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By all means, ask your veterinarian to prescribe a medication by the name of "Atopica". I have a laborador and we were knocking our heads against the wall in sheer frustration. My lab (Sugar Mae) had allergies that were so bad she was going bald, had oozing sores, etc. not to even mention the ears (smelly, full of yeast and pus). I had been to several vets but finally had her see a specialist (a doggie dermatologist). He prescribed the Atopica and life has been heavenly ever since. I must say that the medication is a little pricey, but after all that you've spent already this would surely be worth a try for your pet! Good luck!! If you need further info on the meds, please e-mail me at tonyaaikman@Hotmail.com

Answer by lewoods
Submitted on 2/11/2005
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I have two shih tzus and I have one with terrible skin allergies. I am currently in the process of schooling for veterinary medicine and have been working in a hospital for four years now. We see a lot of small breeds with skin problems, especially shih tzu's. I have recently been giving my dog a new product called Atopica which has had a tremendous effect on her. At one point, she had no hair and many sores and itched herself constantly. Along with a benadryl (at 1mg per pound ex: 12 lb dog would get 12 mg of benadryl up to three times daily) this product has really helped. The disadvantage is that it is very pricey!I use a medicated shampoo which can be given to you by your vet based on the precise type of skin that your dog has. Also a food made of rice and chicken or something similar may help as well. Hope I could help you out!Any questions you can e-mail me @ lewoods@ncat.edu

Answer by Leah
Submitted on 3/12/2006
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I was told by a shih tzu breeder that there is a special dog food just for shih tzu's Its called Royal dog something. Its pricey just as other top foods. I'm going to get a puppy. I'm going to start my dog out on this(puppy formula), they also make a adult version. Other things to think about may by overbathing. While browsing the website I found a receipe for a dog shampoo. I found it under Cindy's poodles. Its called My favorite Shampoo. 1- 16 oz dawn detergent. 2- 1/2 cup bleach. 3- 1-cup betadine sol 10%. Mix and let stand in a open container for 24 hours before use. (a chemical reaction takes place). After 24 hours the shampoo can be stored normally. When using leave on the coat for 5-10 min. Can be used on 6 week old pups and used wkly if needed.

Answer by debbie
Submitted on 9/15/2006
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Skin problems in Shihtzus can be life threatening. If your dog reacts to his shots this way only give him the rabis as required by law. If he is not in contact with other dogs ie:boarding or shows, he won't need the other shots. If he does contact other dogs he may need shots every 3 years. Contact a holeistic veternian for information on shot alternatives. Some things my breeder/ boss has tried for her shih tzus with severe allergy problems has tried include a homemade diet of cooked rice and ground turkey with a capsule of flaxseed oil. Frequent baths with a very mild shampoo. Keeping the open sores covered with Desitin. And oral medication from your vet to cut down on the mites and staph that can proliferate in unhealthy skin. We use lixatinic and antibiotics as needed. We have also found that some lamb and rice foods can agravate this condition, while others work fine. Often the manufacturer will change ingredients without changing the label. Currently Chicken Soup dog food works well.

Answer by Chris
Submitted on 4/26/2007
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Try changing the diet. My Shih-Tzu is 16 years old and started getting a foul odor and hair loss about 3 years ago. I heard the same thing from vets that you have, thyroid, alergies, etc. He's so old we descided to just let him live out the rest of his days in as much comfort as possible. The vets didn't know if he would survive all of the drugs and proceedures they wanted to do. We started cooking his food, chicken in rice, beans, etc. He was on his death bed when we took him to the vet. They wanted to pump him full of everything. (Drugs) Now, without any drugs, his hair is growing back and the smell is not nearly as bad and getting better, slowly. The Shih-Tzu breed has alergies to things like sodium (salt), some nuts, etc. There was salt in the dog food we fed him, a popular name brand in stores. Plus, he wasn't getting the nutrients he needed, he was 10 lbs. when we took him to the vet 3 months ago. We changed the diet. Now, he's 15 lbs. and has more energy and he's happy! (He also doesn't smell like road kill.) Do some research on the alergies that are specific to the breed and make sure you are not unknowingly feeding it to them. Best wishes, I hope this helps your friend.

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Answer by Kathleen
Submitted on 2/20/2004
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I have a product that might help. Email me at kwdedon@comcast.net

Answer by fgirl
Submitted on 3/2/2004
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You might want to try a new vet. My old dog was put on glucosamin/chondritin long before it was ever heard of and before it was approved for use in humans. He is a regular vet, but he also uses homeopathic medicine in addition to traditional approaches. There could be a new medicine or approach to your dog's condition and/or here might be a vet out there who has had experience with a similar case.

Answer by tyla
Submitted on 6/9/2004
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I had a dog that had this problem, and it was completely resolved by removing soy from his diet. We put him on rice and lamb, and rice and chicken foods. All the vets couldn't figure out what was going on. We tried various solutions, and this resolved the issue.

Answer by Emily
Submitted on 6/17/2004
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Hi Tikicat! I have 2 Shihtzus and they both had the same problem. My vet reccomended Lamb and Rice Formula AND!! Lamb and rice treats. It doesnt do any good to switch the food and not the treat. I buy the big bag of Pro Plan Lamb and Rice Formula and they love it and it keeps their skin clear and it helps keep their ear infections away. Any question email me EmilySmithS@aol.com

Answer by laurapuy
Submitted on 10/15/2004
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Dear desperately seeking help for 4 year old shihtzu please read the book Longer Life for the dog you love or go to there web site. all the old ways of thinking is out . the dog food on the market today is all bad. Its the food not fit for humans. Food that didn't pass inspection. Why give it to your dog. Change his food in three days you will see the change believe it.

Answer by Jessie
Submitted on 11/27/2004
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Have you ever thought of the possibility of skin mites?

Answer by Beswick
Submitted on 12/28/2004
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I hope this isnt too late, It sounds like a yeast infection to me Tell your vet NO MORE Shot, it sounds like the shot is suppressing his or her immune system, try nizoel shampoo and if your vet is willing get some nizoal tablets,(Ketoconazole 200 mg 1/4 tablet twice a day until it is under controll

Answer by chacha33317
Submitted on 2/5/2005
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I don't have an answer I am actually worried my dog is headed on the same road. needing help asap! vet has no suggestions? just high bills-- that i can't afford. is the lamb and rice thing true? please help e mail margie33317@hotmail.com

Answer by SHAZZY1960@AOL.COM
Submitted on 3/20/2005
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TRY THYROXINE OR ELTROXIN TABS. THESE WILL DO THE TRICK. ALSO THE SALMON AND RICE VARIETY OF PRO PLAN IS CERTAINLY THE BEST FOOD ON THE MARKET. BETWEEN MY MUM AND MYSELF WE HAVE A TOTAL OF THIRTEEN SHIHTZU DOGS RANGING FROM 10 WEEKS TO SEVEN YEARS AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS TALKED ABOUT ON THIS SITE. WE PUT IT DOWN TO THE GOOD FEEDING.

Answer by Kathleen
Submitted on 3/22/2005
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A friend of mine has had great success with this problem by giving her dog a raw egg each morning. She just puts it in a bowl, beats it and lets the dog lap it up. She also has the dog on Lamb and rice diet. I hope you have some positive luck.

Answer by Judi
Submitted on 4/24/2005
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I would recommend a "new" vet. My dog had allergies for 3 years and went through every test and medication under the sun. Finally, I switched to a food that has worked for her - I just sprinkle some cheese on it. It consists of fish and potatoes - she can have NO meat. She can have vegetables and a little bit a bread - scrambled egg etc. She has stopped scratching and her infection of two years is completely gone. Worth a try. Eukanuba Veterinary Diets Nutritional Skin & Coat Formula Response FP It should take about two weeks to start seeing results.

Answer by tish
Submitted on 5/19/2005
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It may sound too easy, but have you tried benadryl?

Answer by lovethosebabies
Submitted on 12/30/2005
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I have an Aussie who has demodectic mange. We spent hundreds of dollars on vet treatments and now treat him at home with VERY small doses of cattle mange medicine. He could not take the regular treatments because of allergies to the medicine. We give him 1/2 cc of Ivomec and he weighs about 70 pounds, so with a fur baby, the dosage would be EXTREMELY SMALL. Just a thought. Check with a vet before trying.

Answer by Judy
Submitted on 1/16/2006
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I have two shih tzus and use a product called skin eze. You can find it by simply searching the web. It was developed by a vet who also practices homeopathic solutions. It's incredible.

Answer by roger
Submitted on 1/29/2006
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i have found that a dog food made by the blackwood pet food company may be your answer.THE food is catfish and potato,look at their website

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Answer by ron
Submitted on 2/12/2006
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Try switching to Solid Gold dogfood and Seameal.

Answer by Patty
Submitted on 4/20/2006
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I did lots of research on the web and found that if your dog has had all it's puppy shots and the first booster shots at one year old, then they have immunity for life. My last dog only had these and lived a very healthy life to the age of 15 years. Check this out and show results to your vet or get a new vet!!