What's causing my senior dog's skin lesions and constant itching?

Question

I think my dog (pitbull terrier) could have a skin parasite or a mite of some kind. She is 9 yrs. old and was got really sick almost 2 months ago. The veterinarian that looked at her. Was a new vet. and knew nothing of her past history, and said she was protein deficiant, and prescribed a very expensive food but never really gave an answer to what the sickness was. Anyway since then she is scratching and very irritated by something. Now I've noticed small leasions on top of her head. Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 years and 7 months old | 65 lbs

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

Mites in older dogs typically indicates an underlying disease process is going on that is lowering her immune system, such as a thyroid problem, immune mediated disorder (I.e. Lupus) or even skin cancer has to be considered with any older pet. If she does have skin lesions as you say, then the best diagnostic test to do is a skin biopsy, which can determine what is causing the issue. Once the skin problem is identified, then treatment options can be explored. I would recommend going to a Nother more experience vent for a second opinion, and it sounds like she may needto go ahead and get started on a short course of antibiotics for now, if an infection is confirmed. Staff infections on the skin tends to be itchy in and of themselves. She could potentially benefit from either steroids or other immune medications to stop the itch for now until testing is done to determine if any additional treatments are needed for her.

What's causing my senior dog's skin lesions and constant itching?

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