Roundish, hairless, scaly, itchy skin lesions on back and sides

by | May 10, 2019 | Ask A Vet, Hair Loss, Itching, Skin Issues | 0 comments

by Peggy G.
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Our 10 year-old Boston Terrier has suffered on and off for a period of at least 5 years itchy, scaly, skin lesions where she loses most of the hair. These pop up from time to time, then they seem to "heal" and the hair grows back. They are roundish and the size of silver dollars or half dollars.

She also licks her paws.

She has been treated by many specialists, specifically an oncologist, dermatologist, and internist in the New York City area, Connecticut, and Florida. Skin cultures were submitted to Cornell labs but no fungus grew. A biopsy performed 4 years ago revealed what was explained as "HPV virus in dogs."

An expensive cancer drug was prescribed but there was no improvement over the course of a 30-day period.

She has taken several types of antibiotics and steroids without improvement.

She eats a grain-free food made by Wellness-a kibble for small dogs. She eats twice a day-morning and evening. She has a voracious appetite and drinks a lot of water.

She has been living in Florida the past month, and has recently experienced another break out.
Prior to this she lived in the country in New York and was basically symptom free, although we can always see a small "raising" of the skin where the lesions once were, and it is still itchy under the hair where it's raised.

(Our other dog, a malti-poo, also has itchy, skin problems but the consensus seems to be she is allergic to grasses found in Florida.)

We are at the end of the rope. We are hanging on.....! Please advise.

Comments for Roundish, hairless, scaly, itchy skin lesions on back and sides

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Jan 03, 2015My Online Vet Response for: Roundish, hairless, scaly, itchy skin lesions on back and sides
by: Dr Carol Jean Tillman

January 3, 2015

Hi Peggy,
Regarding your 10 year old Boston Terrier, with skin problems for 5 years, with a "biopsy performed 4 years ago revealed what was explained as "HPV virus in dogs."

I am very suspicious she has a syndrome known as 'vaccinosis'. This is considered by holistic veterinarians to be caused by vaccinations, and results in chronic illness in those susceptible individuals. It can appear as a wart, growth or tumor, chronic ear infections, bladder problems, or skin allergies. Your Boston Terrier has inhaled allergies, (chewing at her feet), and these raised lesions on her back, that are chronic.

In her history, you did not mention if she has continued to receive vaccinations. Or if she has any other health issues, ear infections, bladder problems, etc.

I would like to offer some suggestions:
1. STOP giving her any vaccinations. Seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Dr Larry Bernstein in Miami, Florida is an excellent holistic veterinarian!

2. DIET: no more DRY dog food. Check our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options, https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food-options.html, and consider a RAW diet for your dog. Some good brands are Primal, Nature's Variety, and Bravo.

3. BATHS: Once a week massage in coconut oil to the skin on her back, on all the dry lesions. Let it soak in for 2-3 hours or more. Bathe her with baby shampoo, rinse well. If she is still greasy, then bathe her first with DAWN dish soap, rinse and do the second shampoo with baby shampoo.

4. T-shirt--make her wear a child or baby size cotton T-shirt to minimize her itching and causing other problems.

5. Thuya (Thuja occidentalis) 6C or 12C potency is an 'anti-vaccinosis- homeopathic remedy. There are several other anti-vaccinosis remedies, but start with this one.

Give her one pellet by mouth TWO times daily for 3-4 weeks.

Or you can dissolve one pellet in a 2 oz glass dropper bottle filled with Spring Water, and give her 1/2 dropperful by mouth TWO times daily. Success, or shake the bottle, 20 times by hitting it against the palm of your hand prior to each dose.

In 3-4 weeks, (or sooner, if you have any problems!), please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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