What care is needed for a dog with Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia?

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.

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!

For such a young dog, I recommend to have Boogie examined by the veterinarian. Dysplasia is something that tends to get worse over time and if you take appropriate action now, you may be able to avoid or slow this down. He will need an exam and radiographs to begin figuring out your options. At home you can put Boogie on an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets. A joint supplement would also help. Lastly, a prescription diet for joint health will also be beneficial but they cannot fix the dysplasia. Here is a link with further information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs-diagnosis-treatment-and-prevention/ I hope this helps.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concerns. The eyes look to be cataracts, which there is not much you can do for cataracts (medically). Surgically, you can have these removed but this procedure typically costs $3000 per eye in my experience. It is possible that the cataracts could be due to diabetes but without blood work, it is difficult to say. Even if this was due to diabetes, there is no reversing the condition once developed. The skin could be a skin infection or allergy. I would recommend using the following products, which can all be found online to see if this helps the skin. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules 2. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 3. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply twice daily to the affected area until resolved

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Sadly the dark pigment may not be reversible. I would have your Vet check Bentley for a yeast infection. Sometimes that can cause dark flakey pigmented skin. Also make sure he isn't hypothyroid. Some dogs have multiple endodrine diseases. You can try Bentley on Omega 3 to help over all skin health. I like Omega Benefits: http://vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/. Also having his Cushings treated and under control will help further skin issues. I hope this helps and I wish you and Bentley the best!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! If Saint has a dry goose honk cough it is likely kennel cough since he was just in the shelter. Kennel cough is usually self limiting over 2 weeks. He shouldn't be allowed around other dogs until the cough has resolved as it is very contagious. His skin can be from fleas, a skin infection, poor diet, demodex or ring worm. There is also a gland at the tail base that can get infected. Be sure he is on a good oral flea and tick preventative. Nexgard, Bravecto and Simparica get fleas and ticks, as well as demodec. I would start him on a good commercial balanced dog food, start an Omega 3 fish oil and try a medicated shampoo. if the skin doesn't improve in 2 weeks he should be seen by a Vet. Bathe him 2x's per week and let the lather sit on for 10 mins before rinsing. I attached links below to some products. I wish you and Saint the best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24785 https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307

I'm so sorry that Duke is doing poorly. Unfortunately skin problems can be very difficult to diagnose and treat because they often look the same on exam and require further testing for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If Duke has a low thyroid level, then he will need thyroid medication for the rest of his life. I have attached more information on hypothyroidism below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=461 Unfortunately, hair loss can be caused by a huge variety of hormonal and skin problems. Below is a handout that discusses another hormonal disease that can affect the skin called Cushing's disease. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1551 If Duke is itchy, I would also recommend that your veterinarian perform a skin cytology to evaluate for secondary bacterial or yeast infection which is very common with hormonal diseases. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=466 I think you will likely need to have your vet recheck Duke's skin, recheck his blood work, and possibly do additional testing to determine the best treatment for Duke. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.