My rescue dog isn't improving. Can a vet find the best treatment?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are a few possibilities that come to mind with what you are describing. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's) are some of the first places I would start. Under-devoloped or suppressed immunity can be some rare things such as bone marrow hypoplasia or a deficiency in specific cell signalling chemicals produced by the body or receptors for those chemicals. I would consider consulting with a specialist. If Hero's primary problem is with his skin, a dermatologist would be the one to see. If other infections are more prevalent, consider seeing an internist. Hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bubba! How old is Bubba? A lot of skin conditions can look the same. But from your photos I think either a skin infection from yeast or bacteria, ring worm or demodex (non-contagious mite). If he is older I recommend having blood work done, some systemic illnesses can manifest in the skin. If he has a skin infection then medicated shampoo and antibiotics or antifungals are needed. If demedex is suspected, especially if he is young, than your Vet will perform a skin scrape to look for the mite under the microscope. Thankfully demodex is very easy to treat these days with the new oral flea and tick medications (Nexgard and Bravecto). Ring worm is diagnosed with a cultured and is treated with either lyme sulfur dips or oral antifungals. I think it is best to make an appointment with your Vet when they open on Monday and start medications based on your Vet's diagnosis. I hope this helps and I wish you and Bubba the best!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Anget! Anget should see a Veterinarian due to the severity of his skin condition. Possible causes are sarcoptic mange (contagious mite), demodectic mange (non-contagious mite), skin infection from yeast or bacteria or ring worm. Demodec is easy to treat these days with flea and tick medications like Nexgard and Bravecto. The vet will need to do a skin scrape to diagnose if he has mites and ring worm is cultured and treated with antifungal pills and topical dips. A lot of times even when they have mites they have secondary skin infections that require antibiotics. I don't think there is a a solution that will cure him with out a proper diagnosis first. I hope this helps and I wish Anget a speedy recovery!

It is difficult for me to recommend medication for these types of issues as they can be caused by such a wide variety of possibilities. In terms of Yogi's behavior, the veterinarian should not be turning you away. They should instead be looking for other alternatives that would come Yogi down. He can be provided with a sedative prior to arrival or give an injection at the hospital in order to allow for a safe and effective examination. If he is only bad at the hospital and you think he would be OK with the veterinarian at your home, there are probably some vets that perform house calls. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to a find a vet to prescribe drugs for the conditions you are describing without at least performing a cursory examination due to the legal culpability of prescribing an inappropriate course of therapy. In all likelihood, if Yogi is refusing food and water plus vomiting, he may be pretty significantly dehydrated and require some immediate attention. I would find a vet that is willing to work with you and him looked at even if it is not the one you normally see. Hope you and Yogi can figure things out! Happy to offer you a more in depth consultation if you'd like regarding both his health issues as well as his behavior issues. Just let me know how I can assist.

Poor pup! I'm sorry that she's having this problem. It would help to know what specific tests and treatments (specific medications, doses, etc.) she has had, in order to be able to make any specific suggestions about what to do next. Feel free to post again with more details about the problem and what your vet has already done. We would be happy to try and help.

Hi there! Unfortunately, without any other info, it would be hard to say what is going on with Bentley. If he's not getting better with the current antibiotics, he may need another round, or more testing to figure out what the cause of his symptoms are. Since the arm still looks really red and inflamed, more medication, or testing (biopsy) of the affected area is best to determine if it is a growth, bacterial, yeast, etc. Until you can get to the vet, it is also best to keep the area clean and dry, and keep Bentley from licking or chewing on it with the use of an Elizabethan (cone) collar as letting him lick or scratch it can increase irritation and make things worse. If you're having trouble affording care, these sites may help give you some options so Bentley can get more treatment: https://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ and https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/are-you-having-trouble-affording-your-pet

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is most certainly a congenital problem, essentially a birth defect. Whether there are any treatments depends on how severe the problem is, does it involve all the long bones in the legs, it this mainly a problem with joint & tendon laxity, or are certain structures underdeveloped or missing all together. X-rays are imperative. Depending on what is seen, & how much time & money you wish to spend on this poor little guy would determine a treatment plan. Surgery may be an option, but leg braces & splints may be appropriate, too. In the short term, he will probably do fine, but with time & age, he may be very prone to developing abrasions & pressure sores, & most likely arthritis. If you decide to adopt this sweet guy, go in with the anticipation of higher than normal care costs, & unexpected problems that can arise. A special needs pet needs a very special owner. Thank you for considering adoption. Take care.