mcmlx

I took in a severely abused, horribly overweight, arthritic black Labrador three months ago. Being "financially challenged", I found a veterinarian who worked with me on the basic health issues.
Day by day I am seeing more hurt on him. Rashes and raw skin in between his folds. Been using cornstarch and an oatmeal poltice.
He is the sweetest dog I have ever met. The previous owners, five doors up, who never even looked for him, kept him chained on a two foot leash and kicked him.
Maybe someone here can shed some light on a not so expensive treatment. I just want him to be comfortable. The vet said that he's around eight or nine and even ten thousand dollars wouldn't be able to cure him.
Y'all, any advice will be appreciated.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

There are two shampoos that might help "VetBasics Chlor4 shampoo and Vet Basics ParaSeb shampoo. Ask you vet if either might help. SelsenBlue sometimes works on some forms of skin problems. Assuming that his thyroid is normal, put him on a good no grain food like ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach dry food helps mix with celery chopped fine to add bulk with no extra calories. Doc Roy's Aches Away4 is a good suppliment to ease arthritis pain. Available from Revival Animal Products (google them) We have used all those products with good results and they are recommended by many top dog breeders and exhibitors.

bilordinary Loc: SW Washington

Brewers yeast internally sometimes helps with skin-fur problems.
Coconut oil is soothing and antibacterial.
Hydrogen peroxide is excellent for cleaning and disinfecting, dilute with water for sensitive areas.
What was the diagnosis?

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

Coconut oil internally is great we use it on all our dogs as a normal supplement. however externally on a dog who may lick it, has fat folds that you don't want to remain moist I wouldn't use it externally at this time. the calorie count is very high might be a problem with an old obese dog. Labs are such easy keepers that most breeders suggest about half the amount that is listed on the bag.
My main concern about the skin, out side of cancer which it doesn't sound like, is a fungus infection which we have found the listed shampoos have been helpful.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

First I would recommend that you wash him/her with castell soap (twice a week), the PH is perfect and will not irritate the skin. Then use a solution of vinegar and warm water to rinse him (over do this step, all soap must be removed), this will get rid of mites. Keeping the folds clean and dry is the best thing you can do. For the rash between the toes/folds, use Vaseline with a little alum and antibiotic cream mixed in. The alum will make him stop licking and making the problem worse and the Vaseline will allow the skin to heal without scabbing. You can order antibiotic creams from the net, you do not need a prescription for pet meds. Also, if you allow him outside, put some vanilla on him to keep nats and bugs away (works on humans too to keep mosquitos away). And exercise the dog, this will build up his immunity. I would not withdraw food from him, at this time he/she may need the comfort she/he gets from eating. But, you can make food for your pet that is dirt cheep. Meat (chicken is best), and it can be leftovers, with garlic added will boost his i****e s****m, add raw vegetables (chopped... like celery, peas, green beans) and add some fat for the coat. For his aches and pains, weight loss will be very helpful and exercise (even though you may need to start real slow and build him/her up for more rigorous or duration). I know that these suggestions work for most dogs, because I use them on rescues... takes about a week to see good results, so don't give up.

One last thing.....thank you for your compassion. Many people do not have concern for our furry friends.... it does my heart good to see that you care.

robmull Loc: florida

Flea [and tick] bites may be the problem. There are many good alternative methods to solve that dilemma, which may be the only problem. I use NexGard [Chewables] for my 11 year-old Border Collie, Danny Boy, and he's got no more problems with the allergies and malady's that blood-suckers can inflict. I think the "chewables" are about $60., for 3 months, and after about a year [now], the Vet says the 3 mos. supply can be extended to 6 mos. Hope you find the solution because "he's your buddy, your pal and your friend" {Willie?}.

bilordinary Loc: SW Washington

They work but pricey. My dog gets them but only when fleas appear, after all those are poisons. Mine is allergic to fleas and has another problem with scabs on back
itching him alot. It all started when he rooted something and got an abraded nose from it. Probably a fungal thing, vet prescribed antibio's and prednizone.
itching stopped but returned after steroid wore off. His nose is still somewhat bothered but it is his back that drives him nuts. things that help are
aloe cortizone spray -- over counter,
hydrogen peroxide for cleaning scabby area, must rinse and dry or dog licks h2o2 and hurls!
colloidal silver seems to help a little
vinegar, after applying he doesn't itch as much but I think it might be cause of the taste?
various oils, thieves oil works best
I think if he would leave the scabs alone for awhile, let them dry and fall off, he might be cured.
I just h**e to cone him.
I am leery of people who don't like animals.
I have Alf Australian cattle dog and beagle mix, beagle ears and feet
cats Miss Kitty and Kevin
goats Pooper and Nibs
best of luck
you've gotten alot of good advice here

mcmlx

I'll never give up.
Been doing boiled chicken livers and sweet potatoes.
Thank you!

mcmlx

I sure have!! Going to love this experience.
Out of work right now because of a broken wrist and I have nothing but time to work on all of y'all's suggestions.
I knew that I could count on your help.
Thank you everyone.

mcmlx

I'm using Bravecto three month flea and tick.
I don't know what his given name is. I named him Bobby McGee.
All my animals have weighed the same for so long. Three cats and a poodle.
Ten pounds each one,
Big dog. I love him so.
I want to thank all of you for your help.

lindajoy Loc: right here with you....

What you're doing is the best your new friend can have..Love heals all things, right along with all the wonderful advice already given here..

Thank You for caring....

badbobby Loc: texas

methinks
I would go to another vet
I cant help you with a cure
but a competent vet surely could
you are to be commended for your caring for a helpless animal