Grab a cup of coffee, sit a spell, and tell us about the latest antics of your spotted dogs.
Dalmatian ailments
by
(no login)
This is my first try with the message board. My sister gets on a message board with Boston Terrier owners and really enjoys this, so I thought I'd try it with Dalmatian owners. I have a 10 year old male Dal. He's been with me since he was 10 weeks old. Until the last 2 years, his health was A+, but about two years ago, he developed a tumor that looked like a marble coming thru the skin, on his lower stomach area, near the groin area. This was removed via laser surgery at a local vet's office. The incision never really healed as I felt it should. It's appeared somewhat raw, but not draining. He's had a raspy dry cough also, mainly at night, but also during the day. This past summer, Semper developed a skin irritation on most of his body, that I thought was hot spots. He was losing big patches of his hair around these and nothing seemed to ease itching. The vets treated him with numerous medications, but nothing has cleared it or the cough,completely. The vet started treating him for mange, although he said this was not mange. I think he was just at his wits' end, as to how to treat it. I've had him to 3 different vets, all failing to diagnose the problem. He's been on Prednisone off and on since mid summer, currently being weaned off this, by taking a smaller dose. Semper is overweight. One vet did testing on him for Hypothyroidism, saying this was positive. He feels the Hypothyroidism is the cause of his cough, skin & weight problems, however the medications haven't helped much at all. The vet's even increased the meds, still with no luck in curing these. I've wondered if my dog might have cancer, as he's had numerous tumors on his body, besides these listed problems. There was a tumor in one ear, we had this removed via surgery before the other problems started. He now has a large lump (the size of 1/2 a grapefruit)on his back, between the spine and shoulderblade. I was told by one of the vets this was probably caused from injections he'd been given. Why is this staying, rather than diminishing? There is also a foul odor to my dog, even after being bathed. I have another small 'stray' dog that smells of these places on Semper's back, that look almost like tiny cigarette burns.
My vet has told me he's sure Semper doesn't have cancer, because he has an enormous appetite, plus he's overweight rather than underweight. Would this be the case, even if it's skin cancer?
If anyone has had similar problems with their Dal, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
I hope each of you have had a merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year.