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Sent to Pet Experts October 20 08:17 PM

Hello!

I have a 9 year old American Rottweiler, who is apparently in good shape. His blood chemistry is excellent, according to my vet. He does have some arthritis (x-rays indicate this); but up until about a month ago, he didn't seem to have any problems. That has changed.

Now, he has spells of itching. He can simply stand up and start to lift one hind leg to scratch something either behind his ear or on his side (both sides appear to be affected). When he's lying down, he licks his paws and forearms, he licks around his butt, and he chews on his sides. When he does this, he whines. I can massage around his shoulder, back, and side areas, and this seems to ease his itching cravings; but any rubbing down his back results in contortions and an almost immediate attempt to scratch again.

When he's playing outside, I can't see any indication of lameness: he doesn't limp or try to control his actions. He runs well, and he's happy when he's playing.

I don't see how this can be arthritis since the symptoms have just recently appeared.

His appetite is good. His coat is good. His diet is complete. But I can tell that he is having increasing trouble with this itching. I believe there's a good chance that this situation is nerve-related (because of the contortions he goes through when I rub his neck, back, and side).

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on October 20 2006 at 8:34 PM

 

Optional Information:
Age: 9; Male; Breed: American Rottweiler

Already Tried:
I've talked with my vet ... he says that the syndrome is too general to diagnose.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
October 20 10:17 PM (1 hour and 59 minutes and 48 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
This actually sounds like allergies. They can be allergic to everything that we are and can occur at any age. Although expensive it may be a good idea to have some allergy testing done to determine what he is allergic to. It may be food allergies which would present with generalized itching that you have described. Inhalant allergies can also present this way. If testing is not an option then you might talk to your vet about steriod injections to ease the itch or getting him on some antihistamines to help relieve the itching. Your vet may want to try some shampoos also that would help. You may also want to try changing his food to something different. It would probably be a prescription diet but you want one that has a novel protein base, one that he has never been exposed to, like rabbit, venison, duck. These diets you would have to get from your vet. Also make sure that he doesn't have any fleas, one bite can set them off if they become allergic to them. I don't feel that this is related to his arthritis at all nor a neurological problem.


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Reply
October 21 10:22 AM (12 hours and 5 minutes and 36 seconds later)
         
Reply to Animal Eyes's Post: I don't believe you're on the right track. The symptoms described began with no prior changes to diet or environment. It would seem that an allergy would be brought about by exposure to something different from his normal, ongoing environment.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 21 10:56 AM (33 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
There doesn't have to be anything new in their environment or diet for allergies to begin. They can occur at any stage of life. Arthritis can cause some localized touchiness but you wouldn't see the overall itching. The symptoms that you describe are more related to some type of allergy not a neuropathy. Since your vet is unsure of what they are finding it may be best to have a second opinion done with another vet and have a complete physical done. They need to have access to your dogs history so getting a copy of his medical records for them will help. This would be the best way to go.


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