My dog is still sick what do I do?

My dog is a 1 1/2 yr. old Dogo Argentino/Black Lab. My dog has Massive hair loss problems (he is bald in several places) and a terrible rash on his chest, stomach, and occasionally his groin. This rash to me looks like the Eczema I get on my legs or even ringworm at times. He has been tested for 3 types of mange, eczema, ring worms, heart worms, mites, and a culture for bacteria, all have come back negative. I have taken him to a couple vets and neither can tell me what is wrong. He has had these symptoms for approx. 3 months now. Both Vets have given me Omega allergy fatty acid supplements and antibiotics, neither have worked. I also changed his food to lamb and rice (some brand the vet gave me) and this also hasn't changed anything. I have not bathed him in several weeks, also I have not let him swim in the river, lakes, or ponds. He has been on probiotics and they seemed to clear up the rash but once the dose is finished the rash comes back. My dog doesn't seem to be aggravated by his condition and is still a happy puppy. However, I live in Montana and I wonder how happy he will be when winter hits and he has no hair. I wonder if maybe these symptoms could be caused by anxiety? My dog has bad anxiety problems when I am not around. He comes with me everywhere so this isn't a common thing. But it's so bad that I can't even take a shower without him in the bathroom laying on the floor, or he whines, cries, barks, howls, and paces until I return to his sight.My dog is still sick what do I do?
As you have had him checked for all that stuff and it is negative, I would wonder about food allergies. Does his food have corn, wheat and or by products in it? If so gradually switch to a food that does not contain those products. Merrick is a good, not too costly brand.My dog is still sick what do I do?
ive known a couple dogs that have had what sounds like the same problem. one of them was allergic to fleas the other one jsut had alot of dead fur that caused a bacteria. you said that he tested negative for bacteria but didnt say if he had fleas at all. hope you can figure out whats wrong.
Kimba's answer is right on.



Here's a link to help you find a veterinary dermatologist in your area if you wish to go that route (I highly recommend it; I know you've spent a ton of money already but a dermatologist will be able to really get to the root of the problem):

http://www.acvd.org

On the left side of the home page is 'Find a Dermatologist'. It doesn't look like there are any in Montana but maybe you can find someone in a neighboring state? I know it might be quite a drive...

Best wishes to you and your poor pup!
I would suggest you bring him to a vet who specializes in allergens. It may take some testing, and a bit of work to see what's wrong with him. It is probably not caused by anxiety, but is medical in nature, and is most likely an allergy - possibly to grass, or something in his food. Check the food you are feeding to see if it has any wheat in it, or any meat other than ';lamb.'; Try one of these foods instead: http://www.k9cuisine.com/c-13-hypo-aller but also make sure you get him to an allergist.
Since you've had him checked for everything physical I think it is the anxiety. Ask your vet to prescribe valium and see if that helps. Epileptic dogs are given it to ward off seizures caused by anxiety such as fireworks and thunderstorms. It's worth a try.

I'd get him a sweater for the winter if he doesn't grow some hair back by then. Also protect him from the sun with sunscreen.
It sounds as though it could be behaviour related considering the vets have ruled out the primary medical conditions.

it is important to know how old he is



IF it is behaviour related due to seperation anxiety ask your vet about a medication called clomicalm which is used to treat anxiety without sedating him, otherwise there is the option to sedate him when you go out but before I would recommend using sedation to control a behavioural issue i would recommend try to control the behavioral issue first. Talk to an animal behaviouralist and see if they have any advice for you.

Alternatively, if behaviour does not seem to be the cause for the hair loss i would recommend seeing a veterinary dermatologist specialist, your vet should be able to refer you to one in your city.

I ask about his age because your vets seem to be concentrating on his skin, which is obviously the problem, but skin conditions like these can be secondary to health problems such as cushings (hyperadroncoticism, hyperthyroidism, alopecia, as well as atopic/allergic dermatitis and pyoderma (sin infection). I suggest a routine blood test to ensure that there is no obvious underlying medical conditions followed by a T4 test for hyperthyroidism and an ACTH stimulation test for cushings.

Otherwise changing his diet to Hill's science diet for sensitive skin may help, wash him with a shampoo called Malaseb and talk to your vet about cortisone medication (once you have ruled out cushings!) and anti-histamines and a anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and local anaesthetic cortisone cream to apply to the affected areas. Unfortunately with skin it is a matter of trial and error and as long as you have the time and commitment to try and fail several different treatments eventually you will find the cause and be able to treat. A skin specialist will know alot more then a normal veterinarian will about what is going on with his skin. I am warning you though, that is it a LONG and COSTLY process and many people opt to just control it the best they can as long as it is not bothering the dog too much.

HOPE THIS HELPS!

Good luck and keep us posted!



*UPDATE sorry just read his age which highly reduces the chances of it being cushings or hyperthyroidism but speak to your vet about this anyways and see what they think!