Dog has allergies, weight loss, skin bumps, but bloodwork is normal?

Question

My 6-year-old German Shepherd has been suffering from severe chronic skin and ear infections for the last year. Our vet diagnosed him with allergies but we've been unable to get it under control. And now he seems to be starving all the time but losing weight (about 10-12lbs in the last 8 months). He also developing a lot of bumps under his skin that the vet feels are pimples. Blood tests came back normal but he seems very sick for just allergies. Any advice?

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hmm. This does sound bit more than just allergies. If the bloodwork results came back relatively normal and the allergies are not being controlled by conservative allergy medications prescribed by your veterinarian, then I would consider having a skin biopsy done. Skin biopsies are done on pets that have a more complicated skin disorder. Also your pet may require a specific, more advanced, blood test that goes beyond the regular baseline bloodwork. It would help if we could see your pets actual bloodwork, even though the vet said it was normal. Because even normal bloodwork can sometimes offer clues. I know it sounds like your pet requires lot of testing; however, if you desire to know for sure what the underlying problem is, you have to do more diagnostic testing than the initial screening tests. And finally, in an older pet unfortunately you also have to consider certain skin cancers as a cause of your pets illness. Especially if he seems to be losing weight over time.

Dog has allergies, weight loss, skin bumps, but bloodwork is normal?

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