One other note about chest 'dropping' (and why did dog people start using that term - it sort of conjurs up visions of dog parts falling off in the yard) One the the biggest problems in basenjis fronts right now is those that are too narrow and have a concave area between the front legs. I'm NOT advocating a front like a bull terrier but there needs to be some 'fill' there to have a good front but it's not the fill it is the actual structure of the bones in the shoulder and upper arm that - if not correct- actally pull the 'front' too far forward. A quick visual scan from the side - if the deepest part of the brisket is well behind the legs - the front is too far forward. We need to pay attention to the actual shoulder structure to make sure we are not continuing to double up on dogs with a short upper arm. That limits front reach, and creates a not efficient side gait. So go catch your dogs and do a quick check - measure from the top of the wither to the point of shoulder (the most prominant bone in the chest.) then from that point to the point of the elbow. They should be the same. if they are not - stand up your dog and put your hand between the front legs - if you hand is IN FRONT OF THE FRONT LEGS - great - if your hand is between the front legs the front on your dog is too far foward.
More than you ever wanted to know probably - LOL
Any ideas about what is wrong with my dog's thighs?
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Is he still cleaning himself?
MIne stopped cleaning his groin and it looks like that unless I clean it with ear wax cleaner. -
@margiem I would guess it is yeast infection. Have you taken him to a specialist?
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That's called hyperpigmentation. Sometimes if an area gets infected several times that area will thicken and turn a different color. Not usually something to worry about once the infection is gone. The discoloration will eventually go away. If you google search "Hyperpigmentation Dog" you will find a lot of similar examples.
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The closest vet dermatologist is over 2 hours away. My vet has been speaking with a dermatologist on the phone. She is suggesting that I bathe him with Revolution for 3 baths 2 weeks apart even though neither one of us thinks he has mange. It was suggested by the company who did the allergy testing. So I'm going to do that. I would love to know what caused this so I could avoid it in the future. My vet suggested allergy testing him again in the fall but if he is negative now wouldn't he be negative 3 months from now? My dog is only occasionally licking his thighs and armpits now that he is on the apoquel. Thanks for all of the suggestions!
Margie -
This is what it looked like a couple months ago
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Yes that looks like a skin infection that he licked enough to cause thickening/darkening of the skin. His skin looks like it's healing now and the darken should go away eventually.
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Looks just like a heat rash, my Belle gets them , they are outside a lot, Bath the area with a shampoo, I use Molly Suds dog shampoo, its all I use now, it is fragrance & dye- free, rinses off well too.
Than I apply a herbal save of comfrey and aloe vera, You have to stay on top of it and to this procedure until it goes away or it wil turned into an affection. My three frequently get skin allergies, but never an infection. If your dog is scratching it a good deal, give him some benedryl, liquid childrens formula.DYE FREE TOO. , This will help tremendously, I let my Belle stay in the house when she has one of these hot patches. good luck. Dont waste your money on a huge vet bill, Keep the area clean and put the slave on it and a cone head so she/he wont like the stuff off.
I use Country comfort save, but anyone will work with the combination of comfrey and aloe vera. -
Thanks for the advice! I thought it might be an infection but the vet said allergies. I'll try the shampoo and salve. I was using an oatmeal and honey all natural shampoo but the vet said he shouldn't have anything with pollen like honey. It seems extreme to me since his allergy testing was negative. I'll keep you posted when his fungal testing is back.
Thanks
Margie -
@margiem I would still look into yeast infection, not easy to determine, hopefully the fungal testing might show something... and you might try a second opinion from a different Vet. Are there any Holistic Vets in your area?
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My vet said that she would look into the yeast infection if the fungal test is negative. No holistic vets in my area but if these tests are negative then I plan to make the trip to the dermatologist in Allentown, Pa. That's the closest one to me.
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@margiem I don't remember if you said, have you talked to the breeder?
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No, I have not talked to the breeder. That is a good suggestion and I will do that right away.
Thanks