Hello,
There are numerous things that can cause skin issues. For all of my clients I make sure they are on a good diet, good exercise plan and preventatives for fleas and ticks.
After that skin scrapes, trichograms, and even skin biopsies might be needed. Also a full blood work and thorough physical exam. It is a long list of diagnostics to identify the root cause.
For many people this can be costly so we take a step by step approach. We also try things like Apoquel and cytopoint if we suspect atopy
If I can’t find the answer within a reasonable time frame I refer to a dermatologist.
I hope this helps.
Please understand that photos of bad skin often all look alike regardless of the cause.
Hi Grace – do you know *what* tests were done? Did they do a skin scrape? It’s odd that it’s such a specific patch…does it recur in the same place?
Honestly, after so many visits to your generalist with no answers, I’d be looking for a veterinary dermatologist – they can be found at vet schools, usually, but may be found at local Pet ERs. If you’re in Maryland, I know the vet school in Salisbury should have someone specializing in it. I know UPenn’s vet school also has someone. Search for veterinary dermatology near you.
Thanks for the response. We took him to the vet again and they did a skin scrape (has been done in the past along with basic blood work, i think a CBC and CMP) and the only thing that was determined was it was some sort of bacterial infection, yeast, fungi and parasites have been ruled out but they did not know specific type of infection and just sent us home with some antibiotics as usual. The soonest we are able to get him to see a dermatologist is beginning of July, and with how frequently it has been happening I’m sure it is going to happen again by then. It’s always on the same spot too, we do not have fleas and have not been giving him and medications/treatments that could cause it, we also have been experimenting with limited ingredient foods to try to rule out food allergies but so far no luck.
That’s so frustrating! I hope the derm is able to give you better answers.