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My Maltese has rust-colored stains. Is it yeast? What's the treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 3.8 lbs

MY 4YR OLD FEMALE MALTESE HAS RUST COLORED STAINS ON BOTH FRONT LEGS/PAWS AND CHEST.ALSO FACE AND BEARD. IS THIS RED YEAST? HOW IS IT TREATED? IT HAS INCREASED IN DARKER COLOR OVER THE LAST 6 MO.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 24th, 2017

This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be yeast, fleas or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat her with a high quality flea treatment (e.g. advantage), then get Lilli Belle to the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy. Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair the skin lesions (steroids and antibiotics, anti fungals). simultaneously you should start her on a prescription hypoallergenic diet for at least 2 months. Hopefully you will see some results after all this, if not you and your vet should consider putting her on a long term allergy treatment (Atopica or Apoquel).

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This sounds like it could be a chronic yeast from likely excessive licking or even a skin infection like allergies. We usually have to identify the underlying cause such as an allergy and treat that as well as the infection. sometimes a topical shampoo works but sometimes it requires stronger medication or even oral medication. There are certain products available over the counter at pet supply stores that are unlikely to harm your pet but may not be very effective. But if you want to start with that you could and then see your veterinarian if it does not improve.

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