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I have a black lab (english variety -- shorter legs smaller) who has been an extremely healthy and happy dog until recently. Now she is scratching all the time, she has hair loss and blood shot eyes. She is lethargic and feels warm most of the time. Nothing has changed in her diet or routine. She did get bit by a bee this summer can this have anything to do with it? please help.

Optional Information:
Age: 4; Female; Breed: Labrador

Already Tried:
benedryl -- makes her sleepy revolution oil

Submitted: 1428 days and 23 hours ago.

Category: Dog

Value: $10

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

She probably has a thyroid problem which is quite common in labradors.
When they develop this issue the symptoms you see show up and the dog may also develop food allergies and need a diet change.
I suggest you have the vet do bloodwork to find out if she needs to be on thyroid meds. If those don't solve the problem swapping to an alternative diet such as Wellness fish, or venison or rabbit may also help her.
The bee sting may have bothered her more than average if she was starting with the thyroid problem.
Hope this helps you!

Edited by NHolmes on 12/24/2005 at 10:20 PM

Accepts:
Expert:	NancyH
Pos. Feedback:	99.5 %
Answered:	12/24/2005

Dog Expert:Rescue, Train,Breed,Care

30+ yrs dog home vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior&training, responsible show breeding, genetics

1427 days and 10 hours ago.

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Nancy:

Thanks for your advice. My vet is doing some bloodwork now but not sure he is checking for thyroid problems. when i took her in he didn't think it was a thyroid problem. but I'll make him check anyway. also i was told that flax seed oil could help is that true?

thanks again

Posted by NancyH 1427 days and 10 hours ago.

Answer

Thanks for your accept!
Yes the flax seed oil or other oils containing omega 3 & 6 fatty acids can help if its a nutritional issue.
Some dogs are also helped by zinc and they make supplements for dogs such as Derm Caps with Zinc and Linatone with Zinc that can help.
Lethargy and panting (being hot) is what made me think thyroid but an adrenal issue called Cushings disease is also a possibility if she is drinking and urinating more.

Edited by NHolmes on 12/26/2005 at 11:46 AM

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Nancy: Thanks for your advice. My vet is doing some bloodwork now but not sure he is checking for thyroid problems. when i took her in he didn't think it was a thyroid problem. but I'll make him check anyway. also i was told that flax seed oil could help is that true? thanks again

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Nancy:

Thanks for your advice. My vet is doing some bloodwork now but not sure he is checking for thyroid problems. when i took her in he didn't think it was a thyroid problem. but I'll make him check anyway. also i was told that flax seed oil could help is that true?

thanks again