Cooper

by Wanda
(Durham, NC)

I adopted Cooper who's ten years old from a shelter a few months ago. He's gained some weight since the picture. After he got comfortable with me he wanted to eat all the time.

He's the sweetest dog I've ever had. Lovable and devoted. He's had some insecurity issues because he'd been in the shelter and some foster homes and every time I'd take him somewhere he'd get very upset, but I think that's behind us now.

My only problem with him is that he appears to be getting very smelly yeast infections on his legs and I guess paws. It smells dreadful although he doesn't scratch too much. Does anybody know how I can keep him from getting the infections? I lost my job so I don't have much money right now.

What worked incredibly well was a baking soda bath, but I am worried that those infections aren't a good sign. Can dogs take Echinacea? Or vitamins?

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Cooper

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Mar 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		second opinions
by: Anonymous

when you get the money its always good to get a second opinion. Even with skin conditions. Skin scrapings are the best way to get a thorough idea of what is affecting your dog. They can send it into a lab where they do tests to see what the best treatment would be for it and what this particular problem responds to best. Skin problems of any sort whether it be a staph infection or mange or allergies takes vigorous work to clear up. It can take months. Be persistent! If they have not already you should consider checking for mange. It always starts on the animals extremities. Paws / ankles , muzzles. With yeast infections as anything that causes sores , it will turn into a regular infection as well. Antibiotics would help clear up the redness and smell. Call a local shelter or animal control office they can usually offer good tips and maybe even get you some medication for a reasonable price. Some shelters or animal control offices can even treat the dog for you at low or no cost. My advice to you. Dont let this keep going on! it will only get worse. Call around see where you can get treatment you can afford.
Jan 30, 2009
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starstarstarstar 		Aww...Copper is a handsome man!
by: Marie J.

Cooper looks so adorable! I'm so happy to hear you got him from a shelter, and at that age I'm sure he is happy to have a nice loving home and companion. I'm sorry to hear about his health problems and your job loss, but if I happen to run across any information that may be helpful in any way I will be sure to send it your way. Take care and god bless you and your Cooper!
Jan 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Some Info I Found
by: Virginia from just-basset-hounds.com

Here are a couple of links to articles that I found that may be helpful:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2095&aid=813

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=321

There may be others on the site as well. I did a search at the site on 'yeast infection' without the tick marks and these are the two that stood out to me. There may be more articles there of interest to you too.

Hope this helps.
Jan 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cooper
by: Anonymous

He definitely got this after I brought him home. The vet explained it was yeast infections and gave me some pads to wipe the area with, and it helps some, but I think I need a home type of remedy.

I love him to death.
Jan 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Regarding Cooper's Heath Problem...
by: Virginia from just-basset-hounds.com

Congrats on adopting a Cooper! Sorry to hear that he's having a health problem.

Did Cooper just develop this problem or did he have it when he was at the shelter also? Was he examined at the shelter by a veterinarian? I would find out. If they provide post adoption support, then maybe they will be able to help out with some of your questions.

If the shelter can not provide any answers or help (some lack the resources), then I would take him to a vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. While vet bills can be costly (sorry to hear of your job loss), it may be more cost effective to diagnose and treat the problem early, i.e. now, instead of guessing and risking that the problem may get worse.

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