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Question

Our 5 month old mix has been chewing at his skin. He now has a 4 inch diameter bald patch and will not stop chewing it. Our vet is as confused as we are. It is driving us crazy. What is wrong with our poor little guy? Please help - Thank you - Tracy

Submitted: 322 days and 17 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Age: <1; Male

Already Tried:
Nothing - Our vet said to let it go for a while, and to see what happened

Posted by Dr. Deb 322 days and 17 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi Tracy

I would like some more information.

 

Where on the body is the bald spot?

Is he itchy all over or more on the belly, or back or head?

Do you see any spots on the skin that look like pimples or circular crusts?

Are his armpits red?

Do you livein a rural area where wildlife (foxes) are sometimes seen?

Are any other dogs in contat with him itchy?

 

Thanks for more info in advance.

322 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

The bald spot is on the left hip and is now starting on his right forearm

Does not seem to be itchy anywhere else

no other spots

armpits are not red

He comes in contact with other dogs a few times a week. We know all of the other families. No dogs have dry skin or itchy conditions.

Accepted Answer

Well, it sounds like it could be a skin mite called demodex. This can usually be found on a skin scraping and is not that uncommon in young dogs. It is treatable and thought to be in pups who's immune system has not matured. It is not really contagious, in fact the mite lives in very small numbers on all dogs and only sometimes becomes a problem. Bathing with special shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide helps to flush the mites out of the skin.

 

I'm not sure this is what your pup has but it should be checked out with a thorough skin scrape and if negative- than a fungal culture for ringworm. I hope your pup feels better soon so you can also.

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Expert: Dr. Deb
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 1/4/2009

Dog Veterinarian

DVM VMRCVM '89, 20 yrs experience in progressive small animal medicine and surgery

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