Sick Toy Fox Terrier

[dschultz]

My toy fox terrier is sick, and three vets cannot determine the problem. Smokey has had blood tests, aspirates, cultures, x-rays and an ultrasound, and all have come back negative.

The symtoms are as follows. Smokey is very lethargic and is not eager to eat. He will not eat his dry food (it appears that he is having pain in his throat or jaw), and he eats his wet food slowly. More importantly, he has numerous bumps inder his skin all over his back. He is clearly in pain in these areas. These bumps appear to come and go. He had a dormant period a week ago, and these bumps all went away and Smokey appeared normal. Now the bumps are back. Lastly, when Smokey is experiencing these bumps the cavities behind each eye (I'm not sure if these are sinuses) goes concave (they collapse). I don't know if there is a connection with these.

If anyone can help Smokey and me, we would certainly appreciate it.

[k9mania]

Where are you from? In CA there are many specialty clinics for things the regular vet cannot handle. Also I would consider finding a vet school where you could take him. Good luck and let us know what the diagnosis is. We are so very sorry that this is such a drawn out process.

[dschultz]

We live in Florida, and I have taken Smokey to a specialist group. They can't figure it out either. I will see if we have a school close by. Thanks for your concern. By the way, Smokey has been suffering with this problem since December. He's a fighter.

[Weesha1717]

Hello. I have two toy fox terrier mixes. I feel for you :( I'm going to do some research for you. To see what I can find out. I'll get back to you soon as I find something. Poor little guy. Stay strong!!

[dschultz]

Thank you very much. I grew up in Springfield, Ohio.

[buggis]

Thank you very much. I grew up in Springfield, Ohio.

I am very sorry to hear about the problems your little guy is having. It is especially frustrating not knowing what is wrong with him or how to help. I know it gets expensive, running all kinds of tests and such on him.

How old is he? Also, do you think he may be having an allergic reaction to something? What brand of food do you feed him? Have you tried switching foods? Does he have abnormal stools? Maybe you should contact a toy fox terrier breeder to get his/her opinion on his condition. Also, I think I would keep a diary to track his symptoms. If there is some sort of a pattern, that may help narrow things down.

[Weesha1717]

http://www.orangevillavet.com/articles/skin-lumps-bumps.htm


Is it some sort of bad allergy? Or bacteria infection? Above is a site with a list of examples. Maybe your Vet missed one, or is not familiar with some? Or it could be a parasite, that comes and goes, causing him to loose his appitite. I'm going to keep looking. How is the little guy?

[Weesha1717]

There are prob. a ton of parasites out there. It kinda sounds to me that it could be one, it would make him stop wanting to eat, and be very tired. Maybe there is a parasite that comes and goes through the blood stream that is why the bumps come and go. Ask your Vet about something like that.


I posted this just in case;




Internal Parasites
Internal parasites cause tissue irritation, weaken the animal, and lower the animal's resistance to disease. The most common internal parasites found in dogs and cats include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. Diagnosis of internal parasitism can be accomplished by a veterinarian examining a stool sample under a microscope. A pet owner can diagnose tapeworm infection because the tapeworm segments pass in the stool and are visible to the naked eye. The segments are small, white, and may be seen moving when fresh. After the segments dry, they look like brownish grains of rice which can be seen around the pet's rectum or in the pet's haircoat. Tapeworms require an intermediate host to complete their life cycle. The tapeworm, most commonly seen in dogs and cats, uses the flea as an intermediate host, and for this reason, flea control is important in any treatment regimen for tapeworms.
All deworming medications are dangerous and potentially toxic. Many pet owners have either caused serious illnesses or killed their pets by indiscriminately or incorrectly using these drugs. New products are continuously being developed for the control of internal parasites in pets. The veterinarian is the best way to diagnose which internal parasites are present and which medication will be most effective. Many owners become upset when their pets continue to harbor internal parasites a few months after a deworming. However, in most instances, the pet has become reinfected due to continuous exposure to the parasites in the environment.

The conditions of warmth and moisture, which occur in Florida, are conducive to parasite productivity. For this reason, pets in Florida are at extreme risk of repeated exposure to these parasites. Environmental control plus periodic examination of pets for these internal parasites is needed regularly. A stool examination by a veterinarian is recommended at least twice each year for every pet. In certain instances, a more frequent examination may be necessary.


External Parasites
Though the skin and haircoat of dogs and cats serve to protect the body, watch out for problems. The most common external parasites encountered by the pet and pet owner are fleas, ticks, and lice. Mange is also a serious problem that is caused by a small microscopic mite that lives in the skin. Fleas are a major parasitic skin problem for dogs and cats and they present a problem most of the year in Florida.
Fleas cause great irritation to infected pets. Many pets are very sensitive to the flea bites and may display allergic skin reactions to even a small number of fleas. This condition is referred to as Fleabite Allergic Dermatitis and is one of the common causes of skin problems among dogs and cats in Florida. This dermatitis is recognized by the intense itching and scratching of the skin by the affected animal and may continue even after fleas have been removed because allergic signs can last for extended periods.

Control programs for fleas should be initiated by using insecticides both on the pet and in the pet's environment. Dips, shampoos, flea collars, sprays, powders, and foams are available from veterinarians and from local pet stores. A product can be prescribed by a veterinarian to treat the dog orally. This product, in pill or liquid form, is absorbed into the blood system of the animal, and fleas, ingesting the blood of the pet, will be killed. Other oral flea control products are advertised in some stores. Pet owners are advised to consult with a veterinarian to obtain information on the best and most effective method of flea control for their pet and the environment.