Skin infections in the Golden Retriever

LEARNING FROM OTHER CASES HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR DOG.

The Labrador Retriever sheds thousands of hair a day.Dr Sing Kong Yuen, Toa Payoh Vets, www.toapayohvets.com

July 13, 2007

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAID
BIG BREED WITH WIDESPREAD SKIN INFECTIONS.

Lab Retriever, Male, 2 years old.
Garden dog.
Maid can't resolve the flank skin infection. Owner and maid went to the vet.

Problem: Reddish-brown patch of infected skin on left flank.
Shedding a lot of hairs. Ear canals reddish brown filled with wax. Anal sacs are not impacted. Tail skin infected under the thick coat.

Diagnosis: Generalised pustular dermatitis (skin infections all over the body).

1. It is not easy for many children to maintain the Labrador Retriever.
2. The maid does not know how to maintain this dog.



Solutions:
1. Needs to clip bald now. Cost around $90.00. Some owners do not want clipping but this is important as infected hairs are removed.

2. Medication - antibiotic tablets for 20 days. Make sure the dog takes the medication as instructed.

If the owner does not want clipping due to costs, the maid will need to use the skin wash daily.

3. Skin wash - twice a week using different cotton swabs for different infected area. Rinse with plain water. Dry. Wash towels. Keep dog dry.

3.1 Daily wash is preferred. I don't expect the maid to have time or patience. This is a large dog and it takes around 30 minutes to be thorough.

3.2 The dark brown elbow areas need washing. If you can do it daily, the skin infections will clear and new hair will develop. If not, it becomes blacker. The skin becomes hardened like a crocodile skin over the next few years as the dog keeps licking the itchy area.

3.3 The dark brown ear discharge needs to be removed. Use a thick piece of tissue paper to clean the outside of the ear canals. Apply approved ear drops to clean the ears. Do not let water get into the ears during bathing. Best to get a groomer to do it.



Prevention:

The skin infections will clear within 30 days if you have had followed instructions.
A new thick coat will grow. If not, get the dog reviewed at the vet.

To prevent this situation from happening:
Grooming DIY
1. Brush daily the whole body including tail.
2. Clean and wash brush in hot water. Sun it.
2. Bathe once a week.
3. Dry after bathing. Wash towel in hot water. Sun it.
4. Make sure that the garden dog does not get wet in the rain.

Professional Grooming every 1-2 months.
1. Write down the date to tel the groomer to come to the house.