Dermatology Diary Part 1: Meet Simba and Asia

The Second Week Report

The Dogs: the addition of the antihistamine/corticosteroid does wonders, and after a couple of days of getting it twice daily both dogs are much less itchy. The dogs are not thrilled with the addition of more pills to the routine - for a few days they were up to 10 pills a day each. Still, they faithfully come to the kitchen when I get out the pills. What good dogs! They are not thrilled about the weekly baths, especially Asia who hates being wet. Asia has developed on new thing, though --- a small red bump on the skin on her chest.

Food Trial: Simba has started carrying around his food dish, something he has never done before. Either he loves the new food or we need to start feeding them a bit more! I have decided I would be willing to do a homemade diet, but am having little luck finding any venison.

The Third Week Report

The Dogs: they are now getting the antihistamine combination only once a day, and are noticeably more itchy than when on twice a day. Still better than before.

I do notice that Simba's skin has a tendency to turn very pink all over at times. It is quite noticeable now, partly because of his hair loss and partly because his skin looks pretty good most of the time to the change seems dramatic. It seems to happen after he has been outdoors. One night we bathe him to see if it helps, but there is no apparent response. Asia's red bump is getting bigger.

The Food Trial: the kids slip up and leave half a cheese sandwich and a bit of peanut butter on a plate within Asia's reach (Simba is confined at snack time because he is completely food-driven and is an expert at stealing snacks). She gobbles everything up, after a couple of days there is no apparent ill-effects from her stolen treats. Still haven't located any significant quantities of venison, so persist with the pricey prescription diet. I think the dogs' grocery bill exceeds ours!

I have been using the topical spray a little bit on Asia, as she sometimes licks under her tail almost obsessively. However, she just tries to lick off the spray. Not a great solution for her.

Second Recheck Visit With The Specialist

The Dogs: they are still looking much better than before and get a thorough check again. Dr. G. noticed that Asia's feet look a lot better (they were quite red between the toes when we started) and I comment that I haven't seen her licking or chewing her feet at all lately; the same is true for Simba. Overall, the appearance of their skin is much improved, although some of the itchiness has returned.

A red bump on Asia's chest has become quite large. Dr. G. and I agree that it looks like a histiocytoma (a benign skin tumor, usually seen in young dogs, that often spontaneously regresses without treatment) and elect to just watch it. Dr. G. is happy to have a vet for a client!

Learn more about canine histiocytoma.

Modification to Treatment Plan:

• continue antihistamine combination at the lowest dose possible to keep itchiness under control, ideally just once every other day.
• continue antibiotics
• continue baths
• try using topical spray just before walks etc to distract Asia from licking for a bit
• Dr. G. will check into Bison as a protein source for hypoallergenic diet

Coming up: Report for weeks 4 and 5

Meet Simba and Asia - Derm Diary | Photo Gallery

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