My dog has crusted sores from Cushing's. What topical treatments help?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Freckles appears to have secondary skin infections, you could consider medicated shampoos containing chlorhexidine. This is generally good in these type of scenarios. Fish oil is a supplement that may also prove beneficial. Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear that Cookie is having this problem. From your pictures, it looks like the center of the area is a little raw, but crusted over and the entire area looks a little red. Unfortunately, dogs with Cushing's disease have a suppressed immune system, so they have a harder time healing and are more likely to develop infections. For that reason, I would have Cookie evaluated by your veterinarian before that area get infected. I think you will have a very hard time getting it to heal by itself without some professional help and medication. If the area in the center is oozing, I would have it evaluated sooner rather than later. Please let me know if that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Dogs with Cushings are more likely to develop skin infections, and it is possible that these crusty lesions are from a bacterial or fungal skin infection. Dogs with allergies can develop similar skin issues. I'd recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian to have Bruiser's skin evaluated and discuss what treatments might be recommended: sometimes shampoos or sprays can help and other times oral medications are necessary.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If this is associated with itchiness, this may be due to skin allergies. There are medications such as Apoquel and prednisone which may help to decrease the itch. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

I am sorry Rylee has not been feeling well. I am unsure by the picture if Rylee is having a drug reaction. Cushings disease is when the body over produces cortisol which is a steroid. Once cushings is being treated a lot of dogs will start to have underlying skin issues due to allergies. The cortisol/steroid being produced by the body will decrease or hide skin allergies. I would recommend taking Rylee to the vet to determine if maybe this is why the skin has changed. It is possible a course of antibiotics or topical shampoos will help with the skin./ I hope this helps and Rylee feels better!

Depending on what kind of lesions different type of treatment may be needed. Cushing can predisposed to different type of lesions like skin infections or may cause hard lumps on skin called calcinosis cutis. Please describe what kind of lesion Sandy is having to have specific therapeutic options. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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!