Sores All Over Dog Body

by Martha
(V)

Hello, my name is Martha and this is my furbaby Halo. We have been to the vet many times and the vet did a skin scrape and it came back as the following bacteria ( proteus mirabalis, staphylococcus pseudintermedius, pseudomonas aeruginous, and streptococcus canis ) She will be on Enrofloxacin 68mgs for going on 9 weeks now. These ulcer sores keep popping up and the vet initially thought they were tumors, but they come out and then go away within 2-3 weeks. It has us baffled being if it was a tumor it would not go away. I wanted to see if anyone has dealt with something similar or can offer help or suggestions that I can then ask the vet on our next visit. Maybe he has not thought to check for it before. Please help, I have been trying to research on my own to figure out different things this may be and help the vet treat it. I also want to know the best ways to disinfect everything in my house since I have 2 other dogs. I appreciate any help I can get to help her feel better and stop these sore/ulcers from popping up. Thank you

Suggestions for Treating Multiple Recurring Dog Skin Sores All Over Body

I'm sorry to hear about Halo's condition. 




Here’s some suggestions for discussion with your veterinarian.



The bacteria that were found in her skin scrape are all common causes of skin infections in dogs. Enrofloxacin is a good antibiotic for treating these infections, but it is not always effective. If Halo has been on Enrofloxacin for 9 weeks and the sores are still not going away, it is possible that she is not responding to the medication.


Questions to ask:

Is there another antibiotic that would be more effective against these bacteria?

Some of these bacteria, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and certain strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, can be resistant to many common antibiotics. If Halo hasn't had a sensitivity test done, that could guide treatment.


Is there an underlying condition that is making Halo more susceptible to skin infections?

It's possible that the condition has multiple underlying causes. If Halo has been on antibiotics for an extended period without significant improvement, it might be worth revisiting the diagnosis. Further diagnostics such as bacterial culture and sensitivity tests can be useful. This test will not only confirm the presence of the bacteria but also suggest the best antibiotics to treat them.

In some cases, recurrent infections can be a sign of an underlying condition that is suppressing the immune system. It might be worth discussing with your vet about testing for conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, or any other condition that could impair the immune response.


Are there any environmental factors that could be contributing to the infections, such as allergies or contact with contaminated surfaces?

You could also ask if topical treatments, such as medicated shampoos or creams, can provide relief and help manage bacterial populations on the skin.



Sometimes a fresh perspective can help. If your current vet is struggling to identify the root cause, seeking a second opinion from another veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist might be beneficial.

For disinfecting your home:

* Regularly wash Halo's bedding and toys in hot water.
* Use a pet-safe disinfectant on surfaces and floors. Look for ones that mention being effective against the specific bacteria you listed.
* Regularly bathe and groom all your dogs to minimize the chance of them carrying and spreading any pathogens.
* Avoid sharing toys, bowls, and other items between Halo and your other dogs until the condition is resolved.



Keep on pressing your veterinarian to find a solution or as mentioned, your veterinarian should welcome a second opinion since the goal for everyone is Halo’s health.



Please keep us up to date on Halo’s condition.

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Dog Health Guide

Please note: This information is intended to complement, not replace, the advice of your pet's veterinarian. Always consult a vet for professional medical advice about your pet's health.