A health question and some spam
I was messing around with the camera today and got some cute shots of the puts. In one of the shots, an issue that Lucy has been having for the last week or so became apparent. The hair on her ears is crusty and falling off. :-(
Here's a shot of it. Notice on her left ear on the ridge there's a dark area with no hair? She has that on both ears and it's starting to concern me. I'm going to call the vet tomorrow but I thought I'd solicit input anyway.
Here are a few other pics:
Here's a shot of it. Notice on her left ear on the ridge there's a dark area with no hair? She has that on both ears and it's starting to concern me. I'm going to call the vet tomorrow but I thought I'd solicit input anyway.
Here are a few other pics:
Comments
And as always, your pups are beautiful. They both seem to be enjoying their chews! Lucy seems to enjoy guarding it rather than chewing it, though!
Keep us updated on what the vet tells you.
The kids are looking good!
Is it just on her ears or other parts of her body as well? Is she getting enough supplements for her coat? [ ex; omega fish oil ] Just some possible thoughts for you. It could also be the food she's on, I know it's not exactly the food you want her to be on but it's been dealing with her other issues, maybe it's a possible side effect? ~
Lucy doesn't get any supplements at the moment. It's in the long term plans, but she needs to be off steroids and stable first. If we start the supplements and then take her off steroids and she has problems we won't know which of the various things she is on caused the problem.
In any case, I don't think supplements are the issue since the rest of her coat is actually looking as good as it ever has right now. Good thought though!
No idea about the ear thing.. my mom's dog has had something similar all her life, and after effect of mites I believe, but it looks a little different than that. Could it be an effect of the long term steroid use??
Also, speaking of mange in the other thread, Demodex mange causes hair loss and darkening of the skin and isn't passed from dog to dog like sarcoptic mange, nor does the dog usually itch at it.
Its probably not it at all, just from my recent reading, it might be worth looking into:
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_demodectic_mange.html
I suppose I shouldn't jump the gun. I'll just have to wait to see what the vet says tomorrow.
ETA: Great pics btw, Joey looks so grown up now and Lucy looks sweet as ever.
@Rina: I tried to get a shot of the inside of her ear, but none of them came out. My camera either didn't focus properly or I got a shot of her ear fuzz. I assume you want to look for mites?
Yeast infections are especially itchy, crusty, and smelly. Often a dog starts with a rash or with simple itching but the skin thickens to an “elephant” skin appearance. The itch is extreme and the odor can be especially troublesome. Parts of the body or the entire body can be affected. Mostly dogs are affected but cats can get yeast infections as well.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_yeast_infection_of_the_skin.html
Her vet and internal medicine specialist are going to be coordinating on what tests should be run to screen for other side effects. Let's hope that bald ears are the extent of it.
Wishing the best for Lucy... I am so glad you have specialists working together.
Snf
& no matter what Dave, she's still a pretty, foxy looking girl!
At least you know what it is.
She won't be a beautiful dog just for you, Dave. She's a beautiful dog no matter what.
Everyone is right Dave, Lucy is beautiful no matter what. She has such amazing eyes.