Twenty month GSD with skin problem

[Paul65]

Hello - new to the forum. We have a GSD. She is 20 months and I have a question regarding the dark patches - black - appearing on her stomach. She has been scratching for quite sometime now and chews her feet. We took her off the raw diet thinking this was causing this but no change. Now she has these large black patches on her stomach. Anyone out there have a any experience with this. Thank you.

[Rott-n-GSDs]

Can you post pictures?

Sounds like it could be an environmental allergy, not a food allergy. Do you use Fabreze or a different fabric spray/air freshener? Do you wash her bed with regular laundry detergent?

My GSD female is allergic to laundry soap, so I have to wash her bed in detergent that is free of any colors, scents, etc. I use All Free & Clear.

[Jax08]

Have you had a skin scraping done? Black skin, IMO, would indicate a bacteria or fungus. My only experience with black skin is with my horse when he had rain rot. He lost hair, skin was black and greasy. I think you need to take her to a vet as soon as possible.

This could have started with an allergy and weakened her immune system but I think you have something more going on than just allergies at this point.

[Paul65]

Originally Posted by Rott-n-GSDs

Can you post pictures?

Sounds like it could be an environmental allergy, not a food allergy. Do you use Fabreze or a different fabric spray/air freshener? Do you wash her bed with regular laundry detergent?

My GSD female is allergic to laundry soap, so I have to wash her bed in detergent that is free of any colors, scents, etc. I use All Free & Clear.

Thanks for the reply. Yes to both questions. I will take some puctures tonight and post. Thanks.

[Paul65]

Originally Posted by Jax08

Have you had a skin scraping done? Black skin, IMO, would indicate a bacteria or fungus. My only experience with black skin is with my horse when he had rain rot. He lost hair, skin was black and greasy. I think you need to take her to a vet as soon as possible.

This could have started with an allergy and weakened her immune system but I think you have something more going on than just allergies at this point.

Thanks for the reply. No she hasn't seen the Vet yet. The skin lokks normal enough other than the colour which is a new development. She has been scratching for quite some time now. No evedence of fleas - she has been on the program from the spring through summer. We have stopped now. We have a minature poodle and couple of cats they seem fine.

[Jax08]

Ok. My understanding of the black skin is that the immune system is depressed and the skin structure is "weakened", which allows infection (whether by bacteria or fungus) to set in. If her skin is black rather than pink and irritated, I would highly advise having a vet look and possible a skin scraping to see if there is something there.

btw...not sure what area of the country you are in but we're having a terrible allergy season in PA. My dog has been chewing and digging as well which is a new thing for her this year.

[Paul65]

Originally Posted by Jax08

Ok. My understanding of the black skin is that the immune system is depressed and the skin structure is "weakened", which allows infection (whether by bacteria or fungus) to set in. If her skin is black rather than pink and irritated, I would highly advise having a vet look and possible a skin scraping to see if there is something there.

btw...not sure what area of the country you are in but we're having a terrible allergy season in PA. My dog has been chewing and digging as well which is a new thing for her this year.

Thanks for the reply. We are on the west coast - Surrey, BC.

[carmspack]

Hi Paul - do look at malassezia which is a systemic fungal problem. Your description of blackened skin and itchiness was the give away. Antibiotics do not work against a fungus.
Topically you can shampoo the dog with Selsun Blue Extra Strength , Head and Shoulders , or as Jax08 mentioned with her horse and rain rot , you could use a shampoo that would solve the problem canine or equine, at least the symptom , the external, and that would be Mane N Tale Protect

Amazon.com: Mane N Tail Pro-Tect Medicated Shampoo: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: Mane N Tail Pro-Tect Medicated Shampoo: Pet Supplies

. I have dealt with many dogs coming out of puppy mill raids and shelters and dogs given up in distress or one even scheduled to be put down out of humane considerations because his problem was so severe and so chronic and thousands spent --- and yes he fully changed and is alive to this day .

That is treating the symptom. Next you have to change diet , change the beneficial bacterial flora in his digestive system --- pro-biotics !! (and no yogurt does not have enough) .

Probiotics - not antibiotics.

Then there are herbs specifically for an antifungal effect .
Lots of experience with this topic.

Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[Jax08]

I think Malaseb is finally the shampoo that worked for us. That is for equine and canine.

[BR870]

Originally Posted by Jax08

Have you had a skin scraping done? Black skin, IMO, would indicate a bacteria or fungus. My only experience with black skin is with my horse when he had rain rot. He lost hair, skin was black and greasy. I think you need to take her to a vet as soon as possible.

This could have started with an allergy and weakened her immune system but I think you have something more going on than just allergies at this point.

It doesn't have to be an infection. The skin can have a melanin reaction in response to irritants like allergens...