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Jack Russell Skin Irritation

Sent to Pet Experts October 21 2004 at 10:12 AM
   

3 Year old Jack Russell Terrier is experiencing skin irriation on back just above tail, also he has bitten around his hind end raw. What could be the cause or causes of this and what do you suggest to help elevate his discomfort?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
October 21 2004 at 10:48 AM (35 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
The most common cause of severe pruritus, or itching, around the tail, is a flea allergy.
It doesn't have to be alot, just one bite and it starts a vicious cycle of chewing around the tail and hind legs.
Your dog would benefit from a once a month flea prevention like Advantage, some antihistamines like benadryl (25mg every 12hrs as needed) and if the chewing is significant, a short acting steroid from your vet to stop the cycle.
Living in SC the freezing doesn't come long enough to get a true kill of fleas, and they do live in the house...so a flea prevention is key to prevent it from constantly happening.
Good Luck,
Dr.V

Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian
Dr. Vamvakias -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 992 Pet Accepts
Small Animal & Emergency Medicine
Reply
October 21 2004 at 2:53 PM (4 hours and 5 minutes and 25 seconds later)
         
Response to DanaDVM's Post: I do not believe it is fleas................I'm tending more to thinking it is something to do with his anal glands--no fleas have been seen
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
October 21 2004 at 2:54 PM (39 seconds later)
         
When I touch his area by his tail/back he gets very angry...............
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 21 2004 at 5:47 PM (2 hours and 52 minutes and 59 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
From the chewing and irritation on his back end above his tail, there is inflammation and that can be painful. The frequent chewing causes damage to the skin but almost a hypersensitive area around the backend.
Anal gland issues manifest with signficant rear end dragging and licking, but rarely do they chew or itch on their back by their tail.
In vet med we can kind of cheat by locations of where the dog itches as to what might be the cause. Meaning, I didn't say your dog had allergies, just a flea sensitivity.
I guess in a forum like this you are just going to have to trust me.
Mange doesn't present like this, food allergy doesn't, and anal glands can cause significant rectal irritation and itching...but not where you describe it.
It is like people that are allergic to bee stings. You don't have to have 100 swarming around, just one.
Dogs that are sensitive to fleas get one or two bites...usually the terriers are very good at getting the fleas chewed off...but the hypersensitive reaction starts and they start chewing. They get up under the couch or bed or chair and scratch their back...etc.
To be sure you would need to take your dog to a vet.
But I will say with the majority of my experience practicing in North Carolina, fleas are too common to rule out whether you see them or not!
I hope this helps!
Dr.V

Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian
Dr. Vamvakias -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 992 Pet Accepts
Small Animal & Emergency Medicine
Answer
October 21 2004 at 5:50 PM (2 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
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Dr. Vamvakias -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 992 Pet Accepts
Small Animal & Emergency Medicine
Reply
October 22 2004 at 12:21 PM (18 hours and 31 minutes later)
         
Response to DanaDVM's Post: No dragging just itching and biting on back by tail and to leave of his anal. lays on back itching it
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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