Unidentified Chronic/Progressive Skin condition

[DocGonzo]

My 10/11 year old (rescue) has had a chronic and progressive skin condition for years and numerous vet visits have yet to lead to a diagnosis. This condition is (mostly) confined to his underbelly and arm pits but now has been progressing down his legs. It is characterized by raised dry bumps with tiny nodules of skin protruding from them. I have had skin punches, blood tests, etc. and still have no diagnosis. Has any other Basenji owner had a similar experience?

[tanza]

@docgonzo - Has he been seen by a specialist?

[Pawla]

I would go get a couple different opinions (including a specialist if possible).

So sorry your b has this! How sad!

[carolskog]

I would definitely seek out a board certified veterinary dermatologist. My schipperke has an autoimmune disorder and I took her to a specialist. With skin issues you often can't pinpoint exactly what it is but alot can be ruled out. It's definitely worth the extra cost because they can narrowly tailor what's going on. You actually save time and money. I recommend a veterinary nutritionist as well because diet is so important to overall health- definitely affects skin issues. Good luck!

[Kembe]

@docgonzo
Poor baby - hope he finds some relief. Hopefully someone on this forum can offer you some suggestions.

[DonC]

So sorry. Poor baby.

Agree with Tanza that this would be for a vet. Could be a staff infection. If the dog is having an allergic reaction then when they scratch they open up the skin to staff, which of course is everywhere. Staff can spread very quickly so you want to get on top of it ASAP.

But it could be other things and I'm not a vet.

[rlkosek]

Going to a veterinary dermatologist sounds like a good idea; find out if they've seen cases of sebaceous gland tumors to try to find a specialist who will know how to pick out the right type of sebaceous gland tumor.

[Zande]

Poor wee man - a veterinary dermatologist and then a dietary specialist would certainly seem the way to go.

In fact I am very surprised your vet has not suggested this and given you a referral to one long ago. You say you have made frequent visits to the vet - who can't help but who fails to put you in touch with someone who can. I despair, sometimes - and this is one of them !

Make a fuss - for the dog's sake !

[DocGonzo]

Thank everyone so much for their responses. There have been numerous tests only revealing, gratefully, that it is not cancerous. Yes, the vet has referred me to a dermatologic specialist but in this difficult time, its on the edge of my budget. Don't feel too bad for him. He's happy, well exercised and shares nearly every moment of life with me. I rescued my favorite being on earth besides my daughter about nine years ago and although a former Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin trainer, I had know idea of the uniqueness of the breed. I will never be able to have a different type of dog. The basenji known as "Dr. Raul J. Gonzo" or "Doc" has lived with this irritant for the past three years and oddly enough pays little attention to it (No biting or licking) and it's not about appearance, he could be completely bald and wrinkled and still be my best friend. It's only recently that the condition has progressed and I don't want it taking him over. I am doing what I can to procure the funds for a Vet Derma visit, just thought maybe someone on this Basenji specific forum might have had a similar experience. Again, Doc and I thank everyone for their assistance and expertise. Hoping to have it figured out soon.
"Doc"

[Zande]

@docgonzo said in Unidentified Chronic/Progressive Skin condition:

I will never be able to have a different type of dog.

Amen to that ! After almost 40 years with Basenjis, the rest are just 'dogs' - these creatures are SO special !

[tanza]

@docgonzo - Hope that you can get to a specialist... could your Vet consult with a specialist considering these times and maybe get an opinion?

[elbrant]

@docgonzo said in Unidentified Chronic/Progressive Skin condition:

There have been numerous tests

Have you tried different diets(?) or noted any changes to the nodules based on diet changes? -- I'm insufferably curious!
Doodle gets something that reminds me of a fat-tag, always dark in color, but I've never noticed the little tubes extending from them. They seem to come and go. Literally. I notice one... check back in a week and can't find it. So, I'm not exactly certain. Might have something to do with the teeny bits of peanut butter cookie... far too much sugar without a doubt. Shame on me! She will have to do without on the next batch.

[tanza]

@elbrant - With this the only thing to do would be to have a specialist look at this and certainly I would do before trying anything else

[elbrant]

@tanza said in Unidentified Chronic/Progressive Skin condition:

the only thing to do would be to have a specialist look at this

Certainly after repeatedly visiting the Vet and getting test after test, they considered other options. Including, probably, diet. So I was inquiring specifically about that. I was not, in any way, suggesting that "seeing a specialist" was a bad idea.

[tanza]

@elbrant - I would still suggest if money is an issue to ask the current Vet if they have consulted with a specialist.... especially before trying to change diet. In looking at the picture, I would guess (again I am not a Vet) that this is not something that has to do with diet....