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View Full Version : What's wrong with my miniature rat terrier?


bails20
Mar 11, 2012, 02:06 PM
My dog, Mini, is 6 now and she's been struggling with an itchy problem for some time now. She itches her paws, her legs, her stomach, her ears.. Everything! She bites at her paws until they bleed. Our vet says nothing is wrong with her but something is wrong with her! This morning when we all got up her back right leg is blood shot red and goes all the way up to her stomach red. We give her baths in oatmeal rub for dogs because shampoos for dogs make it worse. The vet swears nothing is wrong with her. Someone we know has a rat terrior with the same problem and we don't know what the issue is. Does anyone know what we can give her or what it is? Our next step is putting her down and we definitely do not want to do that. Please help!

LadySam
Mar 11, 2012, 05:24 PM
First things first, if your vet repeatedly says that nothing is wrong and she is scratching herself blood red, then it is time to find another vet.
I know vet care can get pricey, but you can keep giving this one money to tell you nothing is wrong or you can get another set of eyes and hands in on the problem.
That being said, it really can be a number of things, fleas, allergies, mange.
It could be a contact allergy to cleaners, something in the yard, etc.
Or a food allergy.
Some dogs are VERY allergic to fleasand just acouple of the little buggers can cause big problems.
I really would like to hear that you go for a second opinion rather than put her down for something that may be easily treated.
Have you been using anything to try and alleviate her itching? Benadryl can safely be given to dogs and may give her some relief. But this is just treating the symptom, you need an answer so that you can treat the cause.
Please keep us posted,

LadySam
Mar 11, 2012, 05:37 PM
Sorry, forgot the dosage for benadryl

1 mg per pound of body weight

Comes in 25 mg tabs or caps, I suggest buying the tabs it's easier to adjust the dose.

25 # dog = 1 tablet
12# dog = 1/2 tablet
It's actually pretty simple
Good Luck

celticfc
Mar 12, 2012, 04:43 PM
Take her to a different vet this one isn't very good.some dogs are allergic to fleas does she have fleas? If so try and treat her asap.

joypulv
Mar 12, 2012, 05:31 PM
My Jack Russell is having more itching, and also more ear infections, but she is 11 or 12 (not sure of her age). I have never bathed my dogs much, no more than once every 2 months, and the last time I bathed my JRT I put oatmeal in it (soaked in very hot water first) and some drops of olive oil. It seemed to help what I was seeing as red skin all over her back under her fur (no fur loss though). I treat her ears constantly. Keeping the house too warm and dry isn't good as dogs get older and can't grow new skin cells as quickly. So they need humidity and fresh air too. An egg yolk or a tablespoon of oil on their food each day helps.
None of this explains or helps the beet red leg to tummy though. I would be concerned.

Lucky098
Mar 12, 2012, 06:33 PM
To the OP.. It could be allergies or it could be mange.

You need to go to a different vet if the one you are going to is routinely saying there is nothing wrong with your dog. There is obviously something wrong with your dog. See another vet!

The mange will cause dogs to itch and make them bleed. It will be on their stomaches, feet and around the face. They are uncomfortable and miserable.

You need to see another vet. Before you think your only option is to put her down, give another vet a chance to possibly cure your pooch.