I have a 7year old chocolate labrador. Yesterday he started scratching and biting at his feet, we thought that he may have come into contact with mange from the fields where my husband walks him. We bathed him in medicated shampoo and treated him with stronghold. All yesterday eveing and during the night he could not settle, he was very skittish, it is as though he is not comfortable in his skin. He is still hyper today and can't settle for longer than a few minutes at a time. He was sick a couple of times in the night but has had some of his food today. Is there anything you can conclude from this and anything you can offer which might help. Thank you.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Chocolate labrador Gender: Male Age: 7 Name of Animal: Charlie Already Tried: bathing in medicated shampoo and treating with stronghold.
Welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian and would be glad to help!With the sudden onset of signs - your history would be consistent with an allergic reaction.Although at times a source for the reaction is difficult to identify, possibilities include insect bites, medications, contact with new objects, cleaners, etc. that may have irritated the skin. Ingestion of different or abnormal food or objects may also have played a role.Often in these cases we consider treatments such:1) Steroids (Prednisone - LINK HERE)2) Antihistamines such as Benadryl (LINK HERE)Many consider the use of an antihistamine first - such as Benadryl (dosed in dogs at 0.5 to 2 mg per pound (1 to 4 mg/kg) orally two to three times daily ))If this does not help after a few doses, or if you notice worsening of the signs reported above, the veterinarian not only evaluates for other possible causes, but then (if not started already), considers the use of a steroid such as Prednisone.I hope this information helps!If you have any follow-up questions - please do not hesitate to ask!Otherwise - please remember to click ACCEPT. If we have exited the chat session, you may click a “Happy Face” followed by “Submit”.Find me any time if needed: http://www.justanswer.com/veterinary/expert-criticalcarevetYou can always request me through my profile, bookmark my page for future help, or beginning your question with “For CriticalCareVet”
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Experience: Emergency and Critical Care Specialist