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My standard poodle of nine was seen by a vet for scratching her ears and biting her tail and back. He couldn't find anything, and didn't want to skin test, so he put her on steriods which made her lose her water. I took her off, and she went back to normal. I got some topical things which didn't do much and a steriod spray, which helps some times. She has lost a lot of hair on her ears from scratching them....tonight I see that she has scratched one raw. I am so upset. I put some antibiotic ointment on them, but it is an open wound now. What can I do? She does not have fleas, or anything that anyone can see. Please help us. Her name is Zoe.

Optional Information:
Age: 9; Female; Breed: Standard Poodle

Already Tried:
Steroids, topical ointments

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

I think you need to see a veterinary dermatologist instead of your regular vet.
This site may help you find one
http://www.acvd.org/site/view/55607_FindADermatologistAlphabetical.pml
This might be due to thyroid problems triggering an allergy to a food item or something being inhaled.
You can see if plain Benadryl will help with the itching. The minimal dose is 1mg per pound of dog so a 50 pound dog would get two 25mg tablets every 8-12 hours.
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a hereditary skin disease often leading to progressive loss of hair which is found in Standard Poodles. That is another possibility. You can read about this disease here
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/healthsa.htm
She is within the range of age when it can show up and its one of the sorts of problems that makes me suggest seeing a veterinary dermatologist.
Hope this helps you!

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