dog scratching front legs

[johnizere]

my bichon frise has been scratching his front legs for a few weeks now, stripping the fur away. at first it was the right leg, and now he's doing the same to the left one as well. I've taken him to the vet 4 or 5 times, had antibiotics, steroids, and today he's had a swab taken for tests. this is costing me a fortune in fees, and I don't think I can afford to go much further with the vet as it stands. would I be better off trying a local pet store and asking their advice...off the shelf remedies, that sort of thing. any advice will be gratefully appreciated. thanks.

[Noweia]

Pet shop remedies generally don't work very well, if at all.

Dogs with itchy skin can be incredibly difficult to diagnose, and often to get a proper diagnosis multiple tests are needed. Full diagnosis may take 10 weeks to complete, and that's only with a very systematic approach.

Bichon frises and other small dogs are notorious for getting itchy feet due to allergies - maybe to food, household allergens (e.g. dust mites) or outdoor allergens (like pollens).

Also a possibility is atopic dermatitis - another form of allergy (which the bichon frise is also more likely to have) which can only be diagnosed by exclusion - once everything else has been ruled out. This is why it can take ages to get to the bottom an itchy condition.

Once parasites (fleas, mites, lice), fungal infection, bacteria and allergies have been ruled out the chances are yur dog has atopy.

Some people say fatty acid supplements may help, but ask your vet to be sure. Let us know how you and your dog get on.

[johnizere]

thanks noweia, I'm going to wait for the results from the vet anyway, she seems to think it may be a fungal infection, or an allergy rather than anything else. the dog is nearly 1 year old, and otherwise full of life!