Any advice?

[Voulez-vous]

I have a Westie. She's a really tough little girl, but SO many problems!

Our first problem was pyometra............poor little lass....but solved that!

Constant skin and ear problems now. Have done a complete ear flush (vets) but problem keeps coming back.

Right now, she has a sore tummy (keeps chewing) and is holding an ear on one side that I know means it hurts. Vet did say that perhaps she may need to be on steroids for the rest of her life, or test to see what she is allergic to.

I can't afford to test (no insurance)......I guess I will have to afford the steroids (and I'm told that will shorten her life).

Anyone got ANY ideas how to help with Westie skin and ear problems?

[shaneystar2]

My old boy ( gone now sadly ) used to have ear problems and none of those ear washes from the vets worked .
I asked on here and Lankeela recommended Thornit Powder .Very old remedy Inexpensive and cleared the nasty ear up practically overnight . Good stuff for minor skin problems too .

[Voulez-vous]

Where could I buy that Shaneystar2? I'll try anything, as nothing else helps! Thanks

[shaneystar2]

If you Google Voulez -vous lots of sites come up .You can get from Amazon .
I think I got it from EBay at the time .I think at the time it was about six quid
But if you have a local pet shop they may stock it .Hope your poorly pooch soon feels better x
Have a look here ..tells you what to do .A small bottle is enough for a little dog
http://www.petmeds.co...ou1jqwCFUoY4QodKUF2mA

[jules77]

Thornit powder here.......

http://www.petmeds.co...cy1jqwCFcgc4QodbSH4mg

With her skin problems, have you tried an elimination diet to see what she is allergic to?

[Voulez-vous]

Thanks shaneystar2..........I have googled! I'll give it a go, because frankly the vet just keeps handing out steroids and antibiotics (the latter of which I think make things worse for her).

Anything is better than this! :-) Thank you for your help.

[Sir Alec]

The Dogs Trust website are about to launch a range of petcare products, including shampoos and conditioners, etc for dogs with sensitive skin. My Hamish suffered from dry skin his whole life and I wish that these products had been around when he was alive.
Good luck, poor mite, she must be suffering - I adore Westies!

[Voulez-vous]

Hi Jules,

We have tried somewhat...........I put her on dried food only, no change. She hated it (of course) ....The vet seems to think a small dose of steroids forever. I know this will work, but I'm not keen on the option.

[jules77]

What are you feeding her on?

[Voulez-vous]

Worst food EVER I guess, Jules. She loves the "Ceasar" things! But, In my defence, nothing changed when she had "dry" food for 3 months!

[jules77]

You may be giving her too much protein. I would try a home cooked diet of chicken with vegetables, especially spinach leaves and some carrots. Add some kelp, apple cider vinegar and garlic tablets to her food. Wash any itchy areas of her skin with Hibiscrub.

Apple cider vinegar - http://www.crossgates...browse&category_id=98

Kelp - http://www.dorwest.co...ults.aspx?search=kelp

[woofgang]

What dry food? I eliminated pork and dairy from my dog's diet and while it didn't sort the problem, he's much better. Quite a few dry foods don't say what the meat content is.

[Voulez-vous]

Thanks Jules.

I will try that! Little girl has gone to sleep at my feet! Guess she knows we are talking about her! Mwahahaha!

[Voulez-vous]

Woofgang...........I didn't take note, guess I should have?

[woofgang]

ooooh yes. many of the dry foods say just meat and meat by products. The actual type of meat varies with what they buy at the time. I phoned the manufacturers who were all most helpful and told me what might contain pork, what definitely didn't and what they couldn't be sure of.

[Voulez-vous]

Dog won't eat the dried stuff anyway woofgang! It starts out fine, but by day 3 she won't even entertain the idea! It's looking more like I will have to do the steroid thing.

[woofgang]

have you tried home cooked? rice or potato, fish and vegetables.

[Voulez-vous]

I haven't done that Woofgang............. Suspect I should, and indeed I will try, but work always gets in the way!

[woofgang]

You can bulk cook and freeze it in portions

[jules77]

It isnt difficult to feed a home cooked diet, especially for one small dog. You can put all the ingredients into one large saucepan and once cooked just keep enough in an airtight container for two or three days. Freeze the rest in individual bags and get out the night before you need it. Simples.

[Voulez-vous]

Ok guys.......thanks muchly...........I'm in.

Who will give me a recipe of what EXACTLY to cook?

Please?