Why does my Maltese have brown flakes on her back, not brushing out?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The picture looks like comedones. How old is Sophie? Comedones are dilated hair follicles which can be from a bacterial infection, demodex (non-contagious mite) and dermatophyte (ringworm). These causes are diagnosed with skin scrapings and cytology, and possibly fungal cultures. In older dogs, hormonal diseases such as Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism can also cause comedones and may be diagnosed by blood testing. In mildly affected animals, topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide gel perimay be helpful. Antiseborrheic shampoos (sulfur/salicylic acids or, in severe cases, benzoyl peroxide) may be helpful for more extensive lesions. Treatment of any secondary bacterial infection with antibiotics is also important. Ruling out hormonal disease should also be done. I hope this help!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! From your pictures I think the crusts are epidermal collarettes which are the end results of a pustule. A pustule usually indicates a bacterial skin infection. Skin infections can be from allergies due to food or the environment. Ideally oral antibiotics are used to clear bacterial skin infections. If she is also itchy then we prescribe medications to helps that as well. Below is a medicated shampoo that may help. I recommend bathing 2-3 times per week and allowing the lather to sit on for 10 mins on the affected areas before rinsing. If the skin doesn't improve I recommend a Vet exam. I wish Bella a speedy recovery! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27306

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on their appearance, they look like freckles or birthmarks, which are normal and should not be causing him to be itchy. Oscar may be itchy for other reasons, such as allergies or a skin infection. If you are concerned that he may have an underlying skin disease, your veterinarian can perform a skin scrape and cytology to look for evidence of organisms that may be infecting the skin. I hope this is helpful!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Princess. Fleas will leave little black flecks on the skin known as flea dirt. So if you are seeing this, there is a chance fleas are still present. The scabs typically result from the dog scratching. I would bathe her with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to help to soothe the skin. Then be sure to use her flea and tick prevention as directed. You need to treat all pets in the home and vacuum daily to try to rid the environment of further fleas. I hope this information helps!

It's hard to see anything with the photos, however if the skin is flaking a few things could be happening: skin flaking can sometimes happen with parasites, so ruling out fleas or ticks is a good first step. Dry skin can also occur from over grooming (bathing too often which strips the coat of its natural oils), or from possible allergies/issues with diet. Using an aloe or oatmeal shampoo when bathing, adding some vitamin E or fish oil to the diet may help, however if the flaking continues, worsens, or you see irritation on the skin itself, having it checked by a vet is best.

I am sorry but it is difficult to see the spots in these pictures on my end. Spots that you describe could be a minor discoloration from debris or actual dirt/debris. If the skin underneath is the normal color and not irritated then I wouldn't be too concerned. If she is ever itchy, skin changes color, or bothered, then I would have your vet take a look at it. I hope this helps!

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.