[MaddiesMom]

Maddie was diagnosed with a staph infection a month ago. We have done two rounds of Clavamox and it is still not gone (125 mg twice a day).

We know she's allergic to grass and that is now starting to affect her - her whole body was one big rash last night.

Spring has sprung around here and the vet said this year is going to be another bad year for allergies. Last year was horrible for Maddie - her feet were raw most of the summer, but we finally got it cleared up. We were so glad when winter finally came!

I have an email into her vet to update her condition, but do you guys have any suggestions? Do we try a different antibotic to get rid of the staph? Do I try medicated shampoo?

I'm at my wits end and I just want to get my girl better.

 

[3doglady]

I've used plain old anti-biotic gels (poly/triple antibiotic varieties), from off-the-shelf, until I can find an anti-biotic that works. We had to go through 2 different anti-biotics to clear up staff, in the past.

You also might consider (if you haven't already done so), getting a blood panel done to rule out any other health related issues. If there is something else affecting their health, it becomes harder for them to fight allergens.

My oldest has grass allergies which have caused flare ups of staff, ear and other infections. We were treating the infections, but when she started turning her nose away from her food, we did a blood panel. The blood panel revealed that she had other issues which made it hard for her body to react normally to allergens. Once we identified and dealt with the bigger issues, the infections did not flare up nearly as bad, or often. Not saying that's what is happening, but it's something to consider.

 

[MaddiesMom]

The vet wants us back to the office. He's not happy that two rounds of Clavamox didn't help it, so he's thinking there is an underlaying issue causing the staph infection. So, we will find out on Monday what is going on. We will be doing blood test on Monday too. We've done the skin scrapes and it is staph not yeast.

When her grass allergy flares up we do use Neosporen - I should own stock in that company and Bendryl too! This year I am thinking of buying some baby socks and putting them on Maddie when she goes outside. Last year her feet were so inflamed from her grass allergy that there were times it was very painful for her to walk.

I'll do anything to make her better - she's just pitiful when she's not feeling well.

 

[DJEtzel]

It wouldn't surprise me if her allergies are causing her immune system to be compromised and that's why she's getting staph.

Frag got a really bad yeast infection on his skin last year before we found a "solution" to his allergies.

Have you heard of Allerderm Spot-on for allergies? It's a topical medication used to restore the lipids of the skin to protect against allergies. It's the only thing working on my GSD right now, supplemented with Vit. C, benedryl, and fish oil. Have you added any supplements like that? Vit. C is great for keeping the immune system up during times of infection/allergies.

 

[3doglady]

Sending good thoughts for your vet visit. I agree with DJetzel that vitamin C and Omega 3 oils are generally helpful. Another supplement you might look into is CoQ10 for organ support. I've had great results with my oldest. Check with your vet to see if any of these supplements would help or hurt. They will probably want to see the test results before discussing supplements though.

 

[TomN]

One of the problems with antibiotic use is that it kills all bacteria good and bad.

I've found it helpful to supplement during antibiotic use with a probiotic/digestive enzyme supplement. There are many out there. Here is a good one: http://www.naturesfarmacy.com/store/details.php?prodId=363&category=30

 

[MaddiesMom]

I do give Maddie vitamin C, but she flatly refuses to have anything to do with any fish pills. Any suggestions?

Do you guys buy your vitamin c at the store - the people version? I have been getting the "animal" version at Foster and Smith, but if the stuff at Walmart is the same I will go there. What size to you give if you do the people version. Maddie is 23 pounds.

I will talk to the vet about the Allerderm.

Thanks for all your thoughts. Let's see what the vet has to say.

 

[DJEtzel]

I do give Maddie vitamin C, but she flatly refuses to have anything to do with any fish pills. Any suggestions?

Do you guys buy your vitamin c at the store - the people version? I have been getting the "animal" version at Foster and Smith, but if the stuff at Walmart is the same I will go there. What size to you give if you do the people version. Maddie is 23 pounds.

I will talk to the vet about the Allerderm.

Thanks for all your thoughts. Let's see what the vet has to say.

You can cut open fish oil pills and drizzle the food in the oil. I just buy human grade oil, and I give dogs that size just one pill a day. Eggs once a week or so can help the skin/coat, too.