Why is my allergic GSD vomiting, lethargic, and has sore skin bumps?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like we may have two separate problems- a skin problem and a GI problem. The skin itching could be related to food but is more likely related to environmental allergies (which can develope at any age). Another possibility is that it’s actually pain- she is the right age for arthritis and other problems. This may be especially true if it’s over a joint. A foreign body like a thorn stuck in the skin is also possible. For the vomiting, there are many many possibilities. Acid reflux is more common with age. A trial of small frequent meals and Pepcid AC (famotidine) can help. Other possibilities include long-term foreign material (cloth or object swallowed long ago), organ disease (kidney disease, pancreatitis) cancer, and more. Abdominal xrays, full blood work, abdominal ultrasound, and sometimes even an upper GI scope or exploratory surgery may be needed to figure it out. This is a complicated and involved case and we could definitely talk more about it via text or call if you’d like. I believe there is a link below if you’d like a more in dept consultation. Best wishes to you and Hope!

I am sorry Brie is not feeling well. I would recommend taking her to a vet to have the lumps examined closer. A vet can place a small needle into the mass and look at the cells under a microscope to determine what the masses are. Masses can range from cyst, abscesses or even cancerous so they should always be checked out. Also since Brie is vomiting it would be best for her to have an exam and maybe even abdominal x-rays to determine why she is vomiting. IT is important to make sure the mass and vomiting are not connected. I hope brie feels better soon and thanks for using pet coach

Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This is probably an allergic reaction due to an insect bite or a plant outside. those reactions tend to resolve within 48 hours without treatment. if the swelling, itchiness or vomiting do not resolve or if your dog is lethargic, take her to the vet in order to get an antihistamine injection.

Hmm. This does sound bit more than just allergies. If the bloodwork results came back relatively normal and the allergies are not being controlled by conservative allergy medications prescribed by your veterinarian, then I would consider having a skin biopsy done. Skin biopsies are done on pets that have a more complicated skin disorder. Also your pet may require a specific, more advanced, blood test that goes beyond the regular baseline bloodwork. It would help if we could see your pets actual bloodwork, even though the vet said it was normal. Because even normal bloodwork can sometimes offer clues. I know it sounds like your pet requires lot of testing; however, if you desire to know for sure what the underlying problem is, you have to do more diagnostic testing than the initial screening tests. And finally, in an older pet unfortunately you also have to consider certain skin cancers as a cause of your pets illness. Especially if he seems to be losing weight over time.

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the picture you provided, the fluid in these bumps you are expressing looks to be pus to me. If Isaac has not been on a course of antibiotics I would get him on a 3-4 week course of an antibiotic like cephalexin or cefpidoxime. Addutional to oral antibiotics, i would recommend the following: 1. Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until the infection is resolved 2. Welactin omega 3 fish oil 3. Essential 6 spot on by dermoscent If there is no improvement, I would recommend further testing such as culturing the material in the pustules and a skin biopsy. A visit to a veterinary dermatologist should be considered if your vet is unable to make a diagnosis as a second opinion from a specialist is always helpful in these puzzling dermatological cases. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.