Balding

[MamaSu]

Hey Everyone! Been off the Net for awhile, but we're glad to be back! Well, we've grown attached to the name Willy, he's just the funniest, sweetest, SILLy Willy. But poor little guy, he had his 2nd vaccinations and about a week later started a little bare spot in front of each ear. Then after his 3rd vacc this hair loss is spreading down towards his eyebrows. It's not completely bare, but very, very thinned and see-thru. He also got a large (tennis ball sized) lump at the injection site. I know that can happen with the rabies vacc, but he hasn't had that yet (he's not quite 4 mos), just the usual puppy stuff so far. The balding is completely symmetrical. My regular vet was gone for awhile so I went to another for the vacc's. He seems unwilling to do blood work, just wants to put Willy on prednisone (can I hear an UGH)? Anyone seen this balding stuff before? Thanks, Su and Willy

 

[victoria1140]

sounds like its a reaction to his vaccinations- especially if he had such a large lump at the injection site, could you try benadryl for a while and see if that helps.

would reccomend allergy tests

 

[MamaSu]

Thanks for responding! Benadryl was ineffective Guess I was hoping someone else might have seen this balding problem. Was actually hoping someone would say it happens all the time and it'll go away by itself, lol. I'm worried it might be a thyroid or endocrine thing, just not sure why the vet was so determined not to do bloodwork. Wish my own vet were in town, guess its time to find a diff one.

 

[victoria1140]

have you noticed him rubbing his face anywhere as just wondering if he is rubbing his face if it itchs.

Beau got a large lump after an injection and it was because his immune system was so compromised.

Personally I would wonder why the vet doesnt want bloodwork done?
Did he give the right dosage for the vaccinations ?

find a vet if yours is unavaialable who will do bloodwork- thyroid tests are quick and easy so cant understand his reluctance. Also with our furkids you need a vet you can trust and if you arent happy with this one then look elsewhere.

 

[MamaSu]

I agree, this vet just seems a poor substitute. I just called to see if I can get in tomorrow with a vet at the same office as mine. This doesn't look at all like mange, but could it be possible? He doesn't itch, it's symmetrical, not red, not scaly, not flaky.

 

[MamaSu]

Oh for heaven's sakes!! My son dropped his dog off (I dogsit everyday) and she's itching like crazy. Wth is going on? Hers looks like an allergic reaction to something, eye is a little puffy, scratching all over, Benadryl worked fine. This is making ME itch, ha ha. Willy however is NOT itching but losing his hair. I guess I wanted to spend that Xmas money at the Vets anyway, right?

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

It could be ringworm. It usually is round hairless areas. It is a fungus. The swelling around the injection site could be a reaction to the vaccination. Investigate this further before vaccinating further. Odd that the other dog is itching too.

 

[nowhavethreebears]

Hmm. Could the itching be environmental in nature and unrelated to the vaccine issue? Since both dogs are doing it. Were they both where they might have been exposed to the same thing? Rug shampoo? Other cleaning agents? Something in the laundry? Anything different at all?

 

[MamaSu]

Ok, So MY dog is not itching. The two things are totally unrelated at least. My son's dog broke out in tons of hives and looks like she got either bit or contacted with something allergenic. Back to Willy... It's nothing like ringworm, doesn't itch, goes from his eyebrows to ears. Looks dietary or endocrine related, so we're off to the Vet's tomorrow. The injection site is actually worrying me more I think. How long did it take before your dog's lump went down? Willy's is now hard instead of soft. That vet took a sample, no bacteria, but I'm worried about what he might've caused by squeezing it trying to empty it. It got big right away again but now is hard.
You know, I really want to thank you guys for just being there, to answer, even if it's like shooting in the dark, it feels a little less worrisome when the Vet is closed and ur just staring at your beloved friend trying to tell him it's gonna be okay

 

[NewfieMama]

He is going to be ok. I second the suggestion to see another vet though, and no kore vaccines till you know.

Good luck.

 

[victoria1140]

Beaus lump took ages to settle down.
It was hard because its where the body is trying to control the reaction to what it perceives to be an intruder to the system.

Good luck at the vets and let us know what they find

 

[MamaSu]

Thanks guys
I guess the Vet will tell me what to do about the Rabies vacc he's due for on the 23rd when he turns 4 months. THAT'S the one that usually causes a lump. Yikes!

 

[chumleysma]

You could ask your vet to do a scotch tape prep on the sites to check for bacteria, yeast, and fungal elements. They just put clear scotch tape on the site, press, and transfer it to a slide with stain, and look under the microscope. However, to check for mange they will have to scrape the site with a scalpel to get deep enough where the mites go. A proper check should include some red blood cells to make sure the scrape was deep enough to get to the mites. I suppose if all are neg. it would point to an allergic rxn. Good Luck!

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Thanks guys
I guess the Vet will tell me what to do about the Rabies vacc he's due for on the 23rd when he turns 4 months. THAT'S the one that usually causes a lump. Yikes!

They really should not get the rabies until closer to 6 mo of age, if you can.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Sure you don't have fleas? It sounds like your son's dog may be allergic to bites like from fleas.

 

[Blacknewfs]

Might be mange.

 

[MamaSu]

It's been a long day but we're home. Willy has a drain in his back and is a little whiny, but good. MY Vet was just back, hooray! Says he thinks it was probably the Lepto vacc but can't of course be 100% sure. He said he doesn't generally give that vacc in this area unless really warranted. He thinks the hair will grow back, but also wants him to change food (flavor, not brand) We go back on Sat, and another follow-up in 2 weeks. No more vaccinations for awhile! He definitely wants to put off the rabies.
Thanks everyone, I SO appreciate you all being there!
Su & Willy. silly, Willy

 

[MamaSu]

Well, Willy had his drain removed today. The lump has hardened and not draining anymore. It looks like it will now have to be surgically removed. Will decide on his next visit. The balding has not improved, but then again it hasn't gotten markedly worse. Poor guy, at 4 mos old today he looks like an aging hunchback :-/

 

[wrknnwf]

Glad it's not getting worse!!! Poor little guy! What does the vet suggest for future vaccinations? If he is worried about reactions and reluctant to vaccinate, can he provide you with documentation that states Willy should not have them? I know in my city, they will accept that sort of thing or titers for licensing your dog.

I have a crazy question for anyone out there...Do canine rabies vaccines protect against other forms of rabies?

 

[Cat]

How is Master Willie ?

OMG MamaSu ! I just read this thread ! What a "wonderful" time you both are having (not) ! Poor little guy. Hugs and prayers coming your way right now !