Whelps Under Legs

[robin]

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Two months ago, 2 whelps appeared under my 1-year old mini dachsie's right front legs and 1 appeared under her left front leg. The whelps are rather large and she scratches them constantly. Sometimes they appear red and swollen. She has been treated with prednisone, antiseptic, antihistamines, and antibiotics. We've even changed her diet. Nothing has helped and the vet seems to be at a loss. Has anyone experienced this with their dachsie? I feel so sorry for Santana -- I know she's miserable! If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!!

[WOTANSMUTTI]

Hi Robin!

I don't have much advice to give on skin things. Sounds like you are trying everything...

What has the vet suggested? There are others on this board that know more than I but they seem to be away this weekend!

Hang in there-S.

[robin]

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She said to give the test for food allergy (switching to a natural diet) at least a month. It's been about 10 days and there hasn't been a change. Santana doesn't seem to be feeling sick at all but if she's not sleeping, eating, or playing -- she's scratching! I know it could be worse but I hate that she's having to deal with this and we can't find a solution. Maybe within 4 weeks we'll see an improvement and be able to point to a food allergy. I hope so!

Thanks again!

[Wienergal]

Hi, Robin--

Unfortunately, I've had a LOT of experience with skin disorders in dachshunds, thanks to my angel girl http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/angel.gif Miss Peaches Marie, who has suffered from atopic skin disorders for 10 of her 12 years...

I just sent a lengthy e-mail to someone else who wrote me about this issue, and I'll forward that to you too. Hope it helps! Once you've had a chance to read it, write me back and let me know what's going on with poor Santana! Boy, I know that itch routine, and it really is sad!

Watch for the mail!

Pamela

[Penny's Aunt]

Since it's on the under side of her body, it may be a contact allergy, from something that she runs through or lays on.

When she comes in from outdoors, wash off her feet, belly & face (just use a wet washcloth on her face)in case it's a grass allergy (could be any plant). Some people have a child's wading pool by the back door & run the dog through it before they come in. Do you have any poison oak/ivy around?

Where does she sleep? Wash everything, rinse it twice, & DON'T USE ANY KIND OF SOFTENER, liquid or sheets. If she sleeps in your bed, clean the same way. If you have a wool blanket or down comforter, put a clean sheet on the top.

If she lays on the carpet a lot in a particular place, put a clean old sheet (see above) in that spot.

Just think about all the things she comes in contact with, & act accordingly: wash it off, cover it up or remove it!

I understand that those allergy tests work better for contact allergies than they do for food allergies.

If it's a food allergy, maybe you can put her on a really basic diet for a while, like hamburger & rice, & see what happens. (No vitmins, no milkbones, no jerky treats, no treats of any kind - just give her a piece of her cooked hamburger.) If that doesn't help, change it to cooked chicken & rice. If that doesn't work, try chicken or beef & a vegetable. If the skin clears up, start adding other things, like vegetables (one kind at a time), & wait for a skin reaction before you add anything else. Anything that causes the spots is the culprit & you will have to check dog food labels.

The most common things that cause food allergies in dogs are wheat, corn, soy, beef, dairy, fish & chemical preservatives. Of course there are others, but they are less common.

You might also see a skin specialist, or e-mail any good vet school & ask questions. Try Davis, CA, or Cornell, NY, or Fort Collins, CO.

Liquid Benedry might help relieve the scratching. Ask your vet. Good luck.

[georgette]

Yes I'm finally taking Danny to the vet for exactly the same thing tomorrow. I want him to feel a little better if possible for Dachsie Day in Scranton. I don't know PA, it doesn't exactly look like an allergy - under his front arms there are large tender spots which of course makes walking difficult so he isn't getting much exercise or fun either.
The vet is very traumatic for him but I'm doing the deed at 11AM EST - send rays to him, he is so terrified - not that anything really bad ever happened to him - Georgette

[robin]

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful advice. We're hanging in there and trying suggestions! In a few days I'll be boarding her for 5 days while I'm traveling so she will have much less access to the outdoors. I'm anxious to see if there's a difference when I pick her up. Wish us luck!

And good luck to Danny, Georgette!!

[Mickamack]

Danny,

If you'd like, I could go with you to the vets. I could wear my soft fuzzy hat and bow tie, and tell you jokes while you're in the Room of Doom. That way, since you'll be laughing at my jokes, you won't even notice the doctor OR what he's doing to you.

How does that sound? It'll take your mind off things...

Ok, I know...that's kind of sad, but I still didn't get to do my comedy skit for our opening (and closing) night!

Mickey

[georgette]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Mickey, You are a good friend. Rn't you afraid to come with me? What if the doctor mixes us up, I won't tell? But thank you for telling all those funny stories. You will have to do them again on Sat at Dachsie Day.
PS What did your Mom mean that there will be 2 dachshunds looking out the window at Mr. Z's? Aren't you going to be with our gang? I will member to bwing a camewa. Gettin tiwed. Danny Dachshund Dog</FONT f>