Help! Brownish dirt looking spots all over the skin. Pink skin and licking her paws!

[Tn5801]

Hello,

I have a 1 1/2 year old yorkie that has been developing brownish spots all over the skin that look like dirt. Im sure that theres threads like this but I haven't found any o to fit the description of my of my yorkie. I thought they were allergies and most likely it is apart of the problem, but when taking steroids and allergy pills the symptoms keep persists and the brown spotting has gotten worse were it's all over her body and neck. She has been scratching her chin constantly where her hair is slowly deteriorating from that area. Whenever I try to scratch it myself she yelps in pain. She also licks her paws constantly. I am going to see a vet but I have had bad luck with them in the past. I would like your opinion to see if its something common or someone else has experienced this. Thanks!

Please see photos below!

[jadabug]

I have no idea, but would suggest a vet visit is in order. You may try to find a vet dermatologist if you aren't satisfied with the treatment she has received from your vet so far. Poor baby, My Jada suffers from allergies and itching, but she has never had spots like that I hope you find out what is causing this and get some relief for you sweet little girl.

[kjc]

Are you feeding her out of plastic food and water bowls?

[LunasMomma]

Glad you're taking her to the vet. It kind of looks like what happens to my girls (worse with Luna) when they get a flea bite. They are highly allergic to them, and if they get one bite it sets off intense full-body itching and they scratch so much. Luna's skin started to look like that because she actually developed a secondary staph infection. She get antibiotics that cleared it up pretty quickly.

Edited to add: I never found one flea on Luna while she was having this issue, though I did find one on my sofa.. They were on flea preventative, but of course it works by killing the fleas after they bite. You may not see a flea, but it could be what is going on.

[Tn5801]

Originally Posted by kjc

Are you feeding her out of plastic food and water bowls?

No not plastic food bowls but we do use a plastic water bottle likes hamster that she licks at to get water. Could it be a infection from that?

[Tn5801]

Originally Posted by LunasMomma

Glad you're taking her to the vet. It kind of looks like what happens to my girls (worse with Luna) when they get a flea bite. They are highly allergic to them, and if they get one bite it sets off intense full-body itching and they scratch so much. Luna's skin started to look like that because she actually developed a secondary staph infection. She get antibiotics that cleared it up pretty quickly.

Edited to add: I never found one flea on Luna while she was having this issue, though I did find one on my sofa.. They were on flea preventative, but of course it works by killing the fleas after they bite. You may not see a flea, but it could be what is going on.

Thank you! I really hope it's a simple flea allergy! I want to get another vets opinion before I head down to the dermatologist which will cost 3 times the amount. But if it comes down to it, I will be forced to. I think she does have an infection since it developed over time. Sigh! My poor girl, I hope she can get better.

[TxVicki]

This looks similar to the Staph infection that my Lizzie used to get when she layed in the grass. Has your Vet given you any antibiotics for this???

[Tn5801]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

This looks similar to the Staph infection that my Lizzie used to get when she layed in the grass. Has your Vet given you any antibiotics for this???

Hi TxVicki,

You were right, I went to a vet today and it was a Staph infection probably due to her allergies. He said the spots came from the small raised papules that burst and formed brown crusts on the skin. Dogs usually have staph on their skin, when the skin gets too oily it can cause an overgrowth which leads to an infection and the raised bumps. I never saw any raised bumps on her skin, so Im hoping hes correct in his diagnosis. Also I found a flea on my baby yesterday. Shes being treated for her Staph infection, allergies, and fleas! He gave her Prednisone for her allergies. Plus the doctor recommended a rabbit or kangeroo diet to eliminate any possible food allergy she might have with NO treats, due to treats might contain whatever she might be allergic to. If this works it is definitely food allergies she has.

Well Ill update more on how she turns out with these new prescriptions. Thanks for your help guys.