Self mutilation? HELP!!

[ClareMarsh]

[quote="bullyhc"]
I don't mean to sound rude, so please don't take it that way, I'm just really frustrated by her lack of improvement. We've tried so many thing so many times, each new vet starts us over again, so far she's been through 4.

I've just looked at her photos, poor thing, it does look painful

I think you really need to give one protein source and nothing else (I think you said you've gone with roo?) for a good few weeks, if not months to really start to see a difference. I would also perhaps e-mail Tom Lonsdale, he's in Australia, he's a raw feeding vet and he does answer his e-mails, maybe not quickly but he does answer them. I know he has helped a friend in the UK who's dog had colitis and also supported her vet in helping her. If it were my dog I'd drop him a line, you have nothing to lose http://www.rawmeatybones.com/

[Urbanimal]

Hi, I own a holistic pet food store and deal with similar issues on a regular basis. Hopefully I can help your pup as well!

Anxiety
As you feel this may be anxiety based I would recommend you follow your instincts. For this I highly recommend a product promoted by Victoria Stilwell, the Thundershirt. This can be used alone or in combination with a calming product, I like Pet Naturals-Calming Treats for Dogs.

Digestive
The first thing I see is you are using A LOT of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria which can be a life saver, however they also kill good bacteria which can do number on the digestive tract. I saw some recommendations for yogurt which can be great to boost the digestive system of a dog slightly off normal, for your situation I recommend something a bit more concentrated. I highly recommend the following enzyme supplements:
Prozyme *Free trial available
Organic Pet Superfoods *Organic and also has amazing immunity boosting effects

Diet
Based only on what you described, I am fairly certain you are not feeding a balanced diet. Please, please, please do your research if you plan to do a homemade diet to ensure your dog is getting ALL of the nutrients required. Because you already appear to have embraced the raw diet this should be very easy for you.
HK Preference *A base mix ONLY, add meat of your choice to complete the diet.
Primal *A high quality frozen raw using many organic ingredients
Stella & Chewies *A great product that has a freeze dried option.

Allergies and Skin/Coat
Considering you have had tests run for allergies and they all come back negative this may not be an issue. However, there are many options to help with overall skin health so I will list a few of my favorites!
Topical
Vetericyn - Kills nearly all bacteria and viruses on contact and as safe as water. This solution actually triggers the bodies natural immune response.
Zymox - An enzymatic solution that safely bacterial, viral, and yeast infections.
Supplemental
Pet Kelp - An antioxidant supplement to help boost immune function and provide many essential minerals.
Cranimals - Another antioxidant supplement designed to provide relief from allergies.
Coconut Oil - An organic coconut supplement that can be used both internally and topically. You may be able to get this packaged for humans at a better price.

I know this is a lot to take in but I hope some of my suggestions are helpful!

Daniel My Store

[bullyhc]

BUT you would also HAVE to make sure your dog isn't under any stress right now either

That's just it, I don't know what's stressing her out. The more time I spend with her, the worse she seems to get. So I try to leave her alone, and she's crying and whining at the back door. And still scratching. Catch 22 maybe?

[gwd]

BUT you would also HAVE to make sure your dog isn't under any stress right now either

That's just it, I don't know what's stressing her out. The more time I spend with her, the worse she seems to get. So I try to leave her alone, and she's crying and whining at the back door. And still scratching. Catch 22 maybe?

i saw the pictures........poor baby. i feel for her, AND you. it's got to be frustrating for you to be willing to do whatever she needs, and yet, not having any idea what that solution is.

i saw on the facebook page that someone had posted that they'd pulled some strings to get her in to the bondi vet......were they helpful? good news?

[bullyhc]

Yes, very exciting, she is on a short list to be seen by their head vet. How long that short list is, I don't know.... hopefully very very short
I just hope I don't get the same response.

[Dibbythedog]

This must be a nightmare for you all .
I had a problem with my cat chewing her self but it was nowhere near as bad. She had it for years before we found out she was allergic to Frontline spot on drops.

i found a link about yeast infections . It says sometimes dogs get yeast infectiosn becuase they have a low immune system and also if they have a yeast infection the sugars in the carbohydrates and living in a humid area can exacerbate it .

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/he ... crazy.aspx

I really hope the allergy specialist can help you.

Alison

[lillipets]

I know you said there were skin scrapings done, but were there actual biopsies taken? This would have required sedation or outright anesthesia.

I'm a vet tech and this really sounds like a physical problem. Not that there isn't a behavior component to it, but dogs don't scratch out of anxiety. They may lick and they might chew, but general overall itchiness is not an anxiety problem.

I know your vet said an allergy specialist would be a waste of time and money, but I would advise that as the next step. Are there any Vet Schools in your area? They are good at solving the tough cases.

[bullyhc]

She had a biopsy done not long ago, they took it off one her ears and above her eye. They also did blood tests. Don't know if that's normal, or it helps, but that's what they did. From memory, she had one done when she first started to really get into it as well, but the vets said everything was normal, except for a high white cell count, but they didn't seem at all bothered by that.
We also have her booked in for a specialist, but that's ages away, so I was kinda looking for some help in the meantime. Unfortunately, there's not much choice in my area in regards to professionals, as we are 4 hours drive (no traffic) from Sydney where the specialists are. Although we don't mind driving (luckily she loves the car) if it means we can help her.
So things are looking promising for her to get in to see Dr Chris from Bondi Vet (reality TV show/vet extraordinaire), a friend of ours has a cousin who works there, and her files have been transferred through to their practice. I had no idea we had friends with such great connections... Facebook is a wonderful thing sometimes!!

[gwd]

I had no idea we had friends with such great connections... Facebook is a wonderful thing sometimes!!

yes, yes it is. i sure hope they can figure out what to do to make her more comfortable......fingers crossed.

[bullyhc]

2 days with the assistance of pheremones (and a LOT of positive reinforcement)... wow! What a difference! She's still scratching, but not nearly as aggressively or as frequently. Hopefully we're on a good thing here! Just as a side note, she's been off Atopica for nearly a week, as we ran out and are still waiting for more to arrive. Still on prednisone and antibiotics, and the raw diet seems to be going well also, although her back end smells atrocious lol Perhaps I should have gone with something other than kangaroo...
Will keep you all posted, and I might be jumping the gun a little bit, but I'm just so bloody excited that something is helping!!

[Dibbythedog]

Brillaint. So pleased to hear this . i've been think of you and your dog wondering how it was going . Fingers crossed it will be a permanent change.
The smell from her back end , could that be her anal glands need emptying ?

Alison

[jacksdad]

glad to hear you are having some good days.

[bullyhc]

although her back end smells atrocious lol

The smell from her back end , could that be her anal glands need emptying ?

Ummm, ahem... Not exactly what I meant lol
Thank you for all the love, we are overjoyed that she is finally showing signs of progress. Even though it's still early days, I am confident we are on the right path this time, and hopefully her good days will far outweigh her bad ones