My Maltese has recurring red crusty skin spots. What can I do?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach. Unfortunately, something like this is difficult to diagnose with just a photo and still even difficult in person. If all the "normal" things have been tried for common problems, then next step is a biopsy of the skin. Since I am not sure what the other vets gave you for topical treatment it is hard for me to say what you should try. It is good that it is not bothering her but I do think biopsy is a good idea. You must understand that not everything is a quick fix. In the meantime I would use this specific medicated shampoo. Be sure to lather it and let it sit on her for 15 min before rinsing. Use every 3 days. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198943_Home.pml?productId=142634 And then I would use this topical ointment. I will authorize the Rx if needed but only for this specific website. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198943_Home.pml?productId=116555 Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the pictures you provided, I suspect this may be a bacterial skin infection. This may have been a pustule that has ruptured. I would recommend using the below products, which can all be found online quite easily. If these do not help, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Lalo if possible so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. 1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the area 2-3 times per day until resolved 3. Welactin omega 3 fish oil 4. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent

Hello. They appear to be epidermal collaretts, very typical of some skin infections caused by a staph bacterium. It stands to reason that they are clearing up because Bulya was on antibiotics. You can continue to treat these at home just by using an over the counter anti bacterial shampoo, one with benzoyl peroxide or 2-4% chlorhexidine. These shampoos are available at most large pet retailers or on-line. If you can bathe Bulya twice a week, letting her sit in the suds for 10 minutes before rinsing, all the lesions should clear in 4-6 weeks. If, however, they are not healing or her skin looks any worse, please be sure to see your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bella! Based on your description I'm thinking Bella may have a hot spot (superficial skin infection) or either a yeast or bacterial skin infection. It likely would be uncomfortable when touched. Maybe posting a picture may make it more clear. But I think seeing your Veterinarian. If it is a hot spot or skin infection then they would like prescribe antibiotics, topical and maybe steroids. I wish you and Bella and the best!

I would suggest starting with the following; Hot spot cream on the red crusted areas Bathe as infrequently as you can as the natural oils dogs produce in their skin is washed away with baths Use an e-collar to stop chewing and biting Use a natural, organic and gentle shampoo- Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Add a skin health supplement with omega fatty acids and vitamin E Here is a link to suplements are Veterinary tested and approved. I would advise Canine Omega Benefits and Cutaneo TruBenefits. http://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/?petcoach=1977955 Switch to skin health food by royal canin, Hills science diet or purina pro plan Benadryl has been used in the short term to reduce itching https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ Best of luck and please post any further questions you may have here. We are happy to help.

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!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This could be a skin infection (bacterial or fungal). I would recommend using a shampoo such as PS Douxo Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved. 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. The above shampoo can be found online. If the areas worsen or persist, I would recheck with the veterinarian for further testing and treatment options.