White Flakes and LOTS of shedding

[Halli's Mom]

Jasmine has lots and lots of white flakes (looks like dead skin) and she's shedding a tremendous amount. She gets Salmon Oil, Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil and Omega Fatty Acids in her food, and we've bathed her with an anti-bacterial / anti-fungal shampoo, but the problem seems to be getting worse. Any ideas/suggestions? The flakes are not moving (first thing I checked!) so I don't think its a parasite (unless its a parasite that looks like dead skin). I even tried putting coconut oil on her skin before her bath today (sort of like a hot oil treatment).

Would love any suggestions! We are finally getting her back to health after 9 months recovering from Myasthenia Gravis and Mega-esophagus. She's finally off all her medications, so not sure if while she was on prednisone if something was being supressed until now....

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

Maybe it's just an odd year for shedding. I swear Elvis has shed more this summer than he ever has before. He actually looks terrible at the moment due to his lack of undercoat.

 

[Halli's Mom]

Hmmm, I wonder if getting off prednisone causes any of this...I started poking around the internet and it seemed there could be a connection. Anyone know?

 

[nowhavethreebears]

Dry skin and hair loss can also be symptoms caused by the Myasthenia Gravis..

 

[Halli's Mom]

She's in remission for the MG, but good point. fingers crossed all is still good. It's been a rough 9 months. She's certainly acting like a crazy newf!

 

[nowhavethreebears]

Just remember, sometimes the skin does not reflect changes immediately. It may take the skin awhile to "catch up" and show response to dietary, medication, or environmental changes.

It's certainly good news that she is feeling better!

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Glad to hear she's doing well. I agree with Maggie, this year the shedding was non-stop! At least in our household

 

[Ginny]

If you have a high velocity dryer, blow her out. That'll dislodge a bunch of the dead skin cells and you'll be able to get a good look at her whole body.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

If she's getting over being sick, as Anita said, it can take the skin and coat a while to catch up. Her body may be trying to get rid of old dead hair and skin that it didn't while she was sick. How is her thyroid level?

This exact thing happened to us about 3 months after starting Maggie on thyroid meds. It turns out that the skin does not shed properly when you have low thyroid, so she had a LOT of catching up to do. We though it was a reaction to an allergen at first. She shed so much fur and her skin was scaly and gross for about 2 weeks, then she grew a new full healthy coat.

Hope you can figure it out soon!