my dog, Max, has weepy open sores on his back. The vet couln't figure it out. Any ideas?

Question

I had him on a weight loss food from Purins & he would goes days without eating. He.d get mad & just woulkdn't eat anything rather than that. I wondered if the sores were diet related.

Answer 1

First of all, you should consult another vet. If he wasn't sure, he should have referred you to veterinary allergist (yes, they exist) or suggested you get a second opinion.

Secondly, I have personally had terrible food allergy problems with Purina foods with my dogs in the past. I suggest you try another, better quality food. It might solve the problem of the sores if it is a food allergy and the fact that your dog doesn't seem to like his food. There are lots of choices out there and many opinions on what is a good food. I feed Eukanuba with good success. I would avoid supermarket foods like Purina.

One other thought - weight problems and poor coat/skin conditions are often symptoms of low thyroid in dogs. My golden had this problem. Ask your vet to do a T4 blood test on your dog. It's a very common problem and might explain what's going on.

Answer 2

No, even with 70% dark, a single bar will do nothing in a dog that large. Do CALL your vet, though and ask the same question: you'll feel better about it. And remember, grain alcolhol is toxic to humans but we can sure drink a lot of beer without dying. Chocolate is only mildly toxic to dogs.

Answer 3

Did you cover ALL the bases with the vet? The change in diet, the lack of appetite, the refusal to eat, etc?

Based on HUMAN symptoms, it could very well be a lack of nutrition, but not particularily malnutrition (symptoms are different).

Also, could be anything from diabetis, to a type of scabies, to flea/tick infestation, to the dog scratching too much.

You can always try "googling" for an answer, but be prepared to wade through tonnes of chaff for the few grains of useful knowledge.

In any case, try switching him back to his old food, and start taking him out for regular long walks! Dogs need exercise too! (If your vet hasn't suggested this, change vets!)

Answer 4

These sound like hot spots...depends on what kind of dog you have. I have a golden (just loss my female golden in November) and both my goldens have had hot spot issues like that. They are red circles that get crusty edges and the entire red circle is moist.

I would also try to go to a new vet for a second opinion. Hot spots that severe will need antibiotics and a spray.

Answer 5

It could be hot spots caused by a food allergy, especially if they look almost like a burn. I would try switching your dog to an allergy formula dog food (I would call your vet and ask them what they recommend).

Answer 6

The dog may need to have regular activities.

Answer 7

Take him to another vet...poor baby.

Answer 8

Have you checked into dental hygiene?

Answer 9

you need a new vet!!!!!!!