My Neighbor's GR seems to have some issues...

622 Views 8 Replies 6 Participants Last post by DogLoverLexington, Nov 3, 2009

DogLoverLexington

Discussion Starter · Nov 3, 2009

Hi All,

I just joined the forum and am looking for some input and guidance. I'm a proud Vizsla owner and GR lover. My neighbor's GR over the past few months seems to have developed some issues. I've encouraged them to switch vets and explore the issue more thoroughly but there's only so much you can do. They just throw up their hands and say well the vet doesn't no-what are you gonna do." (Sheesh!) It's not a financial issue either.

Over the past 4-5 months, the dog's coat has notably thinned. Yesterday, it was more noticeable, when running my hands over him his body feels fine, but you can visibly see black spots (think kind of ring worm esque but more erratic in shape and black). When he asked for a belly rub - yikes it looked bad. I should have taken pictures to post. He does not scratch.

Last year his nose some it's pigmentation which as we all know can happen. I noticed that the pigmentation around his eyes and the outer ring (where is goes into the snout) darkened. I commented on that and apparently it was "no big deal." I am a little high maintenance when dog issues arise - having lost a rescue last year to the big C! I'd like to continue to prod my neighbor to pursue investigating what's going on but wanted some input from the forums.

Apparently no issues with his eating (he gets a premium food - don't know the brand). It came up as I was suggesting maybe it was a food allergy and she said they had done an RX from the DVM it improved but came back...

Tempermant is normal. His desire and ability to run with my 1y/o pup seems inline with how it should be and he is a sweet dog, generally low key and spends most time indoors.

I'm not looking for a diagnosis per se - as that is the vet's job but thought someone out there might have experienced the same and could share.

Thanks for your help!!!

Dee

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hotel4dogs

· #2 · Nov 3, 2009

Hi and welcome!
How old is your neighbor's dog? Sometimes older GRs develop lots of dark spots, almost like really big freckles, and there's nothing wrong.

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fostermom

· #3 · Nov 3, 2009

The thinning hair and black skin make me think of a thyroid issue. Goldens are very prone to thyroid issues. If he was scratching, I would have said the possibility of a flea allergy.

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DogLoverLexington

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 3, 2009

hotel4dogs said:
Hi and welcome!
How old is your neighbor's dog? Sometimes older GRs develop lots of dark spots, almost like really big freckles, and there's nothing wrong.

I want to say 5 ~somewhere between 5/6 y/o, neutered.

I wish it were freckles - but I don't think so since they cleared on a med (which I can only speculate was Prednisone). I do know they did not do labs at all.

Thanks for your response - the thinned coat got my attention. And I know GR's shed but it's more than that you know - of course impossible to convey accurately via a post.

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DogLoverLexington

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 3, 2009

fostermom said:
The thinning hair and black skin make me think of a thyroid issue. Goldens are very prone to thyroid issues. If he was scratching, I would have said the possibility of a flea allergy.

Well flea bites and allergy were suggested by one of their customers la few months ago but they're really good about using frontline. They don't use lawn chemicals either. And it's been on ongoing at least since the beginning of Aug.

Also, ears look good (clean), eyes clear, no discharge...lol maybe I should be a vet tech!

I 'googled' and thryroid seemed to be a possible match. Now to convince them get some bloodwork at the vet.

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sharlin

· #6 · Nov 3, 2009

Thyroid is the first thing to check. And remember, a "low normal" reading is LOW for a Golden.

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mylissyk

· #7 · Nov 3, 2009

sharlin said:
Thyroid is the first thing to check. And remember, a "low normal" reading is LOW for a Golden.

I'll second that - thyroid check would be the first thing. The black places on his skin I would guess a staph infection, it's pretty common and also can flare up if the thyroid is low. I hope they will take your suggestion!

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tippykayak

· #8 · Nov 3, 2009

This screams of a middle-aged thyroid problem.

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DogLoverLexington

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 3, 2009

Thanks everyone! I want my Vizsla to have a happy healthy GR playmate for years to come!

Dee

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