my dog is always scracting i think it might have a fungal infection do i have to go to the vet?

Question

my puppy is 8 and a half week she is a bichon frise

SHE WAS LAST BATHED ON CHRISTMAS EVE she has no bold patches she is a pur white bichon frise and i checked last nite for dirt or flease and didnt see any please help me its worring me i am bathing her with baby shampo as recomended by vet and she is getting bakers hard feed for puupys write back A.S.A.P

Answer 1

You should take him to the vet to get them checked. Its really simple to do.

I have natural dog care books and it lists natural remedies one can make up to solve problems. A holistic vet could recommend something for you to put on your dogs skin or in his diet, without having to use chemical products. But this should of course only be done after the Holistic vet determines the exact problem.

It could be contact dermatitis but it could also be parasitic.
Diet can play a huge role in skin health - what are you feeding her? Bad diet can equal dry and itchy skin.
Have you ruled out ringworm? This is a fungal infection? Have you ruled out other issues?

You need to call the vet and see if there is a root cause. It may take time and a few visits.

PS: Of your conversation may to expect ... your puppy have allergic skin. Causes of this affliction can include a dry house, diet, or thyroid problems, bad shampoo setc.

But whatever the cause, a simple solution is rinsing your dog with a bit of chamomile tea. Just boil up the kettle, make the tea, allow it to cool down (Very important!) and pour it over your dog. This will sooth your pup’s dry skin without leaving any oily residue that other dry skin treatments can leave. If your dog has severe dry skin, rub some olive oil into the affected area and then towel him off with a paper towel.
sourse: http://askedweb.com/askedweb/Homemade_Dog_Skin_Care_Recipe/
Also, skin problem may be...bad shampoo, please look:
http://askedweb.com/askedweb/Dog_Shampoo/ - it is small article, but very information
Your puppy need a Dog natural shampoo blend for dogs and natural diet.
Jason Homan

Answer 2

scratching in a pup can be a result of fleas, mange or even food allergies. If you are feeding a cheap dog food with corn as an ingrediant this may be your problem.
Take the pup to the vet and have it checked out, if they determine food allergies, go with a natural puppy food like canidae, innova, wellness, solid gold, or california natural, these are a few of really good foods.
Do not go with science diet like the vet normally recommends as it is junk food also, they promote this not because it is good for your dog, but because they get a 40 percent profit on what they sell. remember vets are PET DOCTORS not NUTRITIOISTS>........

Answer 3

Does the pup have fleas? On a white Bichon, they should be very visible if they are there. Fleas also leave 'dirt' in the coat, so check for that first. Also, how does the skin look? Any spots, redness, bumps? My recommendation with such a young one is to take them to the vet ASAP. No matter what is causing it, such scratching will lead to infection and needs prompt care.

Answer 4

She may have allergies or sensitive skin. Ask your vet about Clovite. It is a natural vitamin and mineral supplement. A breeder friend gave us some for our dog and it worked great. We made sure she ate it with a meal everyday. Before long the scratching quit and she was happy once again.

Answer 5

Any new puppy should have a vet check ASAP, complete with fecal, blood work, well check up and second set of shots if needed.

Please take your baby in to the vet for a check up.

Answer 6

when was the last time she had a bath? if it's irritating the puppy ... don't wait too long, better get a vet check her out ... before it spreads and may be more difficult to control.

Answer 7

If you starts to notice red patches and bald patches, bring him to the vet asap!

Answer 8

maybe you shld observe your dog for a couple of days. but if it's really bad yes, you shld go to a vet.

Answer 9

If it is serious you may need to go for a consultation

Answer 10

In addition to allergies, there are other diseases which can cause your dog to scratch, lick, or pull on his hair. A short description of these conditions such as mange, cancer, behavioral problems, and infections, along with their diagnosis and treatment, are included in the table below. Many of the more uncommon conditions are listed as well. This large number of conditions helps you understand why a quick diagnosis may be difficult to make and various diagnostic tests may need to be performed. The most common conditions causing licking and scratching are color-coded gray in the table (some may be more common in certain geographical areas).





Condition

Description


Symptoms


Diagnosis


Treatment


Acanthosis nigricans
Inherited form seen in Dachshunds; secondary form caused by friction, hormonal abnormalities, or hypersensitivities
Darkening of the skin; in secondary form see scratching and hair loss
History, physical exam; in secondary form, testing to determine underlying cause
Primary: No treatment; Secondary: Treat underlying disease; in some cases, steroids and Vitamin E supplementation


Acral lick dermatitis (neurodermatitis)


Self-licking in dogs results in self-trauma; possible causes include anxiety, boredom, stress (e.g., new member in household); licking can develop into an obsessive behavior


Red, hairless, well-circumscribed, sometimes raised lesion usually on the leg; if chronic, will drain


Exclude other causes; history important


Relieve underlying cause e.g., anxiety; restrict licking, e.g., Elizabethan collar

behavior modifying medication may be necessary



Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis


An allergic reaction following exposure to antibiotics applied to the skin; metals such as nickel; materials such as rubber, wool, and plastic; and chemicals such as dyes and carpet deodorizers; or inflammation caused by irritating substances such as poison ivy. Generally requires multiple exposures.


Red skin and small bumps or blisters on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and directly exposed to the offending substance; itching; hair loss in chronic conditions


Patch test, exclusion trials


Restrict exposure to the allergen or contact irritant in the dog's environment; steroids, antihistamines



Atopy (allergic inhalant dermatitis)


Allergic reaction to something airborne, such as pollen, house dust mites, and mold


Licking of feet, inflamed ears, itching, redness, and hair loss; sometimes development of infection or hot spots


Intradermal or serologic (blood) testing for allergies


Reduce exposure to allergen (what the dog is allergic to); steroids, fatty acid supplements, biotin, antihistamines, shampoos, or immunotherapy



Bacterial infection (pyoderma)

See Folliculitis, Staph hypersensitivity


Often occurs as a result of another condition such as a parasite, allergic, or hormonal condition





Bee, wasp, hornet stings
Skin reactions can vary dramatically in severity
Immediately after the bite, see swelling, redness, pain, possibly itching; subsequently may develop extensive ulcers with draining; may develop hives or anaphylaxis
History, physical exam
Antihistamines, steroids; wet dressings, if ulcerated; protect the area from self-inflicted trauma

Calcinosis cutis
Mineralization of the skin usually due to an excess of corticosteroids; also rarely occurs in kidney failure, or in granulomas and tumorsHard nodules and papules usually on the back, groin, or axilla ulcerate, drain, and develop crustssevere itching; may become infected; often see other signs of Cushing's disease
Skin scrapings, biopsy, history, and other clinical signs, adrenal gland function tests
If due to glandular tumors, selegiline, o,p-DDD (Mitotane), or surgical removal of tumor; if due to high steroid doses, withdraw use of steroids slowly


Cheyletiella (rabbit fur mite) mange


Infection with the Cheyletiella mite


Itching, scalinesssome hair loss, if severe


Skin scraping and microscopic examination - the mite is often very difficult to find


Pyrethrin, Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)



Chiggers (harvest mites)


Seasonal disease caused by larvae of the chigger


Itching, bumps usually on feet, abdomen, folds at base of ears


Visualization of mite larvae or microscopic examination of skin scraping


Pyrethrin, Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)



Demodectic mange(red mange, puppy mange)


Infection with the Demodex mite - occurs when the immune system is deficient


Hair loss, scaliness redness, pustules ulcers, sometimes itching, darkening of the skin


Skin scraping and microscopic examination


NO Steroids

Amitraz (Mitaban) dips


Drug or injection reaction
Rare skin reaction to a drug which is inhaled, given orally, or applied topically more common with penicillins, sulfonamides, and cephalosporins; usually occurs within 2 weeks of giving the drug
Can vary widely and may include itching, hair loss, redness, swelling, papules crusts ulcers and draining wounds
History of being treated with a drug, symptoms, biopsy
Discontinue offending drug; treat symptomatically


Ear mites


Infection with Otodectes


Intense itching of ears, redness, dark crumbly discharge in ears


Direct visual or microscopic examination of ear discharge


Clean ears and apply medication containing pyrethrin (Ear Miticide)


Epitheliotropic lymphoma (mycosis fungoides)
Rare cancer T lymphocytes seen in older dogs
Can take multiple forms: redness with itching and scale ulcers and loss of pigment; one or more nodules; oral ulcers
Needle or other biopsy
Poor response to treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgical removal, retinoids, fatty acids


Flea allergy dermatitis (flea bite hypersensitivity)


Severe reaction by the animal to the saliva of the flea


Intense itching, redness, hair loss, papules crustsscales sometimes development of infection or hot spots


Presence of fleas; reaction to intradermal testing


Flea control in the environment and on the dog; steroids and antihistamines for the itching


Folliculitis
Infection of the hair follicles often with staph bacteria; symptoms usually appear on skin with less hair, such as the abdomen (belly)
Pustules form in follicles and break open to form 'bull's-eye,' 'annular,' and 'target lesions,' which have crusty centers and red or darkening on the periphery, and 'epidermal collarettes,' which appear as rings of scaly skin; itching may occur; short-coated breeds may develop small tufts of hair which are lost; breeds with long coats may have seborrhea
Skin scraping; culture; biopsy
Antibiotics for at least 4 weeks - continue antibiotics 10 days beyond the apparent cure; if recurs, look for underlying problem such as allergy or hormonal imbalance


Food Allergies


Allergic reaction to something in the diet


Licking of feet, inflamed ears, itching, redness, and hair loss; sometimes development of infection or hot spots


Food elimination trials


Change in diet



Hookworms


Infection with the larvae (immature forms) of hookworms


Red bumps, usually on feet, rough foot pads, abnormal nail growth, itching


Physical exam, history of poor sanitation


Treat for intestinal infection; move dog to different environment



Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)


Result from allergies, flea bites, mange, anal gland disease, poor grooming, ear infections, plant awns or burrs, arthritis


Hair loss; red, moist, oozing skin; constant licking or scratching


Physical exam and history


Treat underlying condition; clean area; apply Domeboro solution; topicaland /or oral antibiotics and steroids



Lice


Infection with several species of lice


Variable; itching, hair loss, crusts rough hair coat


Finding lice or nits on skin or hair


Pyrethrin, ivermectin (off-label use*), Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)



Lymphoma


Common cancer in dogs; can involve the skin


Itching, ulcers nodules, redness


Biopsy


Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation; lymphoma of the skin does not usually respond to treatment as well as other lymphomas



Malassezia


Usually follows some other underlying disease


Itching, redness, hair loss, greasy scales if chronic, develop hyperpigmentation


Skin scraping/smear and microscopic examination, culture


Treat underlying disease; oral ketoconazole; miconazole shampoos



Pelodera dermatitis


Accidental infection with larvae from a non-parasitic worm that lives in straw and other organic material


Affects areas of skin touching ground; intense itching, redness, hair loss, papules crusts scales

Skin scraping and microscopic examination


Remove bedding; mild antibacterial shampoo; steroids if necessary to control itching


Pemphigus foliaceus
The most common form of pemphigus in the dog; an autoimmune disease; some breeds are at increased risk
Often affects feet and head; starts with pustules and progresses to severe crusting depigmentation of the nose is common; itching may occur; if footpads and nails affected often see lameness; symptoms wax and wane; severely affected animals may have fever and loss of appetite
History, physical exam, skin scraping and biopsy
Corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive therapy, gold injections

Pyoderma-superficial
See Folliculitis, Staph hypersensitivity







Ringworm


Infection with several types of fungus


Hair loss, scaliness crusty pustules vesicles some itching; can develop a draining nodule called a 'kerion'


Culture


Miconazole, lime sulfur dips; oral griseofulvin or itraconazole



Sarcoptic mange


Infection with the Sarcoptes mite


Intense itching and self-trauma, hair loss, papules crusts scales

Skin scraping and microscopic examination - the mite is often very difficult to find


Amitraz (Mitaban) dips (off-label use*); ivermectin (off-label use*)


Schnauzer comedo syndrome
Uncommon; only seen in Miniature Schnauzers
Comedones (black heads) on back, mild itching; may see secondary infection thinning of hair; small crusts may develop
Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy
Long-term antiseborrheic shampoos; sometimes antibiotics and retinoids

Sebaceous adenitis
Sebaceous glands are destroyed, cause unknown; certain breeds more susceptible
Short-haired breeds: circular areas of hair loss with fine scale long-haired breeds: more widespread hair loss and scale, hair mats easily; may see itching in all breeds
Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy
Antiseborrheic shampoos, fatty acid supplements; in more severe cases, steroids, retinoids

Seborrhea
Can be primary (inherited) or secondary (resulting from other disease processes such as allergies, hypothyroidism)
Scales; depending upon the type, may have a dry or oily coat; odor; some scratching; may see hair loss
Blood tests, skin scraping, etc., to find underlying cause
Treat underlying cause if present; antiseborrheic shampoos; fatty acid supplements

Skin cancer
See Lymphoma




Skin fold pyoderma (intertrigo)
Inflammation of skin that contacts other skin, e.g., lips, facial folds (on Bulldogs, for instance), vulva, tail, toes, and bodies of obese dogs
Red, oozing area; crusts often becomes infected and may develop odor
Clinical signs; skin scraping and tape impression smears
Clip and cleanse area; keep area clean; medicated shampoos; topical antibiotics; treat underlying condition, e.g., increased tears from eye disease, obesity, allergy

Staph hypersensitivity
Rare disease in dogs caused by an allergic reaction to the bacteria Staphylococcus; often occurs in the presence of other skin diseases
Red skin, pustules vesicles severe itching, and sometimes crusts
Culture, biopsy, intradermal allergy test
Treat any underlying disease; antibiotics

Superficial necrolytic dermatitis of Miniature Schnauzers
Skin reaction to shampoos (usually insecticidal or medicated)
Papules ulcers with drainage; develop 2-3 days after exposure to the shampoo; may also see fever and depression
Breed, history of exposure, clinical signs
Treat symptomatically

Tail dock neuroma
Nerve regrowth after tail docking causes symptoms
Nodule at site of docking, itching with self-mutilation, hair loss, and hyperpigmentationHistory and symptoms
Surgical removal

Tick bites
Ticks cause a local inflammation in the skin, even when the entire tick is removed
Nodule and redness at site of the bite; may itch and develop crusts may last several months
History
Remove the tick; use a tick preventive; allow nodule to resolve on its own

Urticaria (hives)
Reaction, often allergic, to insect bite, drug, vaccine, sunlight, etc.
Multiple swellings, with hair standing up over swellings; may itch
History, physical exam
Often resolves on its own; in the case of allergic reactions, antihistamines, epinephrine, or corticosteroids depending upon severity

* off-label use: medication used to treat a condition for which it was not developed (or licensed). A large number of medications fall under this category. Research has almost always been performed to determine the effectiveness and safety of the product, but the manufacturer has not undertaken the lengthy process required for licensure.

References and Further Reading

Birchard, SJ; Sherding RG (eds.) Saunders Manual of Small Animal Practice. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1994.

Greene, CE (ed.) Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1998.

Griffin, C; Kwochka, K; Macdonald, J. Current Veterinary Dermatology. Mosby Publications. Linn, MO; 1993.

McKeever, PJ; Harvey, RG. Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat. Iowa State University Press. Ames, Iowa; 1998.

Paterson, S. Skin Diseases of the Cat. Blackwell Science Ltd. London, England; 2000.

Paterson, S. Skin Diseases of the Dog. Blackwell Science Ltd. London, England; 1998.

Scott, D; Miller, W; Griffin, C. Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, PA; 1995
"Sarcoptic Mange - You Can Get It"



"Mange" is a non-descript term used to imply a condition caused by mites on or near the skin surface. This week we will discuss "Sarcoptic Mange" which is caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei variety canis in the dog (the "itch mite") and Notoedres cati which is quite similar and the cause of head mange in the cat. Dogs, hogs, cattle, horses, sheep, man, etc. all have their own individual varieties of Sarcoptes mites which affect them; hence the names Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis, etc.



"Sarcoptic Mange" the Disease
As will be described below in the life cycle of Sarcoptes scabiei, these mites like to tunnel in the upper layers of the skin. When they do so they cause the host to become sensitized and an intense inflammatory reaction occurs. This results in an aggravating itch for the infested host. The constant scratching results in hair loss and damage to the skin by self-mutilation. Although the lesions start on the thinly haired areas such as the ears, muzzle and around the eyes, if let go the condition can spread over the entire body. Serum ( the clear component of blood) seeps out of the tunnels to the surface of the skin and causes thick scabs to form. Secondary bacterial infection usually occurs causing pus to accompany the scabs. "Not a pretty picture".



Diagnosis
Diagnosis is accomplished by deep skin scraping in 12 or more affected sites. The skin must be scraped in numerous sites at the very edges of the advancing lesions. This is because the mites are usually at the head of the tunnels beneath the skin. Occasionally, Sarcoptes mites can be very difficult to retrieve and the animal is treated based on the characteristic lesions and the response to therapy.



The life cycle of Sarcoptes scabei mites
As can be seen in the image below, Sarcoptes mites spend their entire life on or in the skin. The male and female copulate on the skin surface and the male soon dies off. The female then burrows into the upper layer of skin (stratum corneum) and begins forming a honey-comb of tunnels. As she tunnels along eggs are laid that fill the tunnels. Adult mites feed on the serum (clear component of blood) that oozes into the tunnels from the surrounding irritated tissue. When the female mite completes her egg laying mission she dies at the end of the tunnel. The eggs soon hatch to form larvae and then molt to become nymphs. The larvae and nymphs also feed on serum and skin debris. When the nymph makes a final molt to become an adult they return to the skin surface where they mate and start the life-cycle over anew. Transmission from animal to animal is thought to be through direct contact. Dog and cats in close contact with an infected host are succeptible. Animals can also become infected from fomites e.g. infested pens and blankets, combs, brushes, collars and any upholstered surfaces. Young and poorly nourished animals are the most succeptible to infection.







How is Sarcoptic Mange treated?
The Pet
Sarcoptic mange is fairly easy to kill with dips (Amitraz), pour-on miticides (alcohol based Ivomec), or oral products (Milbemycin - Interceptor). The condition also may need to be treated with an antibiotic for the secondary bacterial infection and corticosteroids to decrease the intense itch and inflammation.



The Environment
Adult Sarcoptic mange mites can live for 21 days in the environment without feeding. For that reason all brushes, combs, collars, bedding, carpeting and upholstered surfaces must be sprayed with an insecticide. Household flea treatment products effectively kill the adult mites. One or two thorough applications generally destroys adults in the environment.



Can people get Sarcoptic Mange?
Yes! Ever hear of the "Seven Year Itch"? That's another term for Sarcoptic Mange in humans. Like pets, humans have a particular variety of mites that can cause advanced " Sarcoptic mange". This is totally separate variety from the ones that cause "mange" in dogs and cats; however, if the variety of mange mite that affects dogs and cats gets on a human it can cause a nasty red welt just like a mosquito bite. Several of these bites can be rather troublesome. Since these varieties are not well adapted to humans, they do not produce the extensive tunnels and cause the advanced lesions and scabs over the skin surface. They just burrow in a short distance and die. This causes inflammation and the resulting welt.
Eczema


skin disorders in dogs. One of the most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The symptoms of eczema may vary from dog to dog. Common for eczema in dogs is a red itchy scalp. Another eczema symptom is a dry skin with scaly skin rashes. In other dogs small bumps occur that become moist and oozing.
It appears that the cause of eczema is an abnormal response of the dogs immune system. Eczema is not contagious. Dogs with eczema are prone to develop yeast infections.

Causes of eczema in dogseczema:
Industrial chemicals, detergents, fumes, paints, bleach, acidic foods, alcohol-containing skin care products and grooming fragrances



Allergens that increase eczema:
animal or vegetable proteins from commercial dog foods (food allergy), pollens

Stress, boredom, and loneliness cause itching and eczema

Extreme changes of the temperature:
Bringing your dog into an air-conditioned room after he was outside all day is stressful. Dogs cannot rapidly compensate this change. Better is clipping the dog down
[/list]Eczema treatment:Boost the dogs immune system
Soak or compress the eczema area with potassium permanganate.
Add Neem leaf tea, and evening primrose oil to the dog food until the eczema disappears.
Apply Neem oil to the dogs skin after bathing to decrease the itching skin rashes.
Bathing the dog with shampoo only if realy necessary. In most cases, the eczema will disappear very soon.

Common Diseases of the Bichon Frise



List compiled by Karen of Versailles Kennels Europes ONLY Fully testing Breeder



Corneal dystrophy: an abnormality of the cornea usually characterized by shallow pits in the surface.

Ciliary dyskinesia: congenital trait in several breeds where all ciliated cells (those with hairs or moving appendages) are deformed and rigid. Also called immotile cilia syndrome and Kartagener's syndrome. Causes chronic pneumonia and sterility. Common in bichon frise and Doberman pinschers.

Cataract: as in humans, a change in structure of the lens of the eye leading to cloudiness and usually to blindness.

Entropion: an abnormal rolling in of the eyelid.

Epilepsy: a disease characterized by convulsions (seizures) and/or disturbances of consciousness.

Factor IX deficiency or hemophilia B: same as hemophilia A, but more rare and involves a different clotting factor. Affects about 20 dog breeds.

Hemophilia B: a blood clotting disorder due to lack of coagulation factor IX.

Patella luxation: a condition where the knee caps slide in and out of place.

White dog shaker syndrome: a disorder mainly of white dogs having muscular tremors over entire body, incoordination and rapid eye movements. Episodes occur with stress or excitement.


Personally I think it will be a food allergy, may I suggest that you look at our site and register for more information as we specialise in these breeds and it would take up too much space here to add more info for you.

www.eurobichons.com