Question:
Hello. We have a 7 month old pit bull/boxer mix who developed a scab about half the size of a penny on her back about a week ago. Initially, I thought our other dog may have nipped her and we kept watching it. Over a few days, more small scabs appeared in a patch on her back and she started itching quite a bit. The other dog has a few small bumps, not quite scabs yet.

We took the dog to the vet and she diagnosed it as having some staph infection or similar from getting wet. She gave some Cephalexen and Prednasone to give her, which we did. After giving the medicine, the dog would get lethargic and her ears were real warm. We called the vet and they said to discontinue the Prednasone and come get a new prescription, which I will do today. The scabs seem to be hardening and healing. The itching is better.

Here is the new issue. Lately, the dog has been dry heaving as if she wants to vomit something up. I tried to pat her back and press her belly to help it come up, but nothing ever comes up. On occassion, she will also sneeze, usually when she is let out of her crate and let outside. It has been raining here for a week, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it. In addition, she is one to always try and eat foreign objects, so I am not sure if that is why there is dry heaving.

Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks so much.

Answer:
The Cephalexin can cause nausea. Is she still on it?

How often do you feed her? Some dogs can get nauseated if their stomachs get too empty.

How is her appetite?

Answer:
Thanks for responding. I did not know about the nauseau being a side effect. We feed them usually 2 times a day, in the morning around 8am and then again around 6pm. She does seem to be eating fine and thankfully has not heaved since this morning. She went to doggie day care today and they said she was fine, so hopefully she will be getting better. The scabs seem to be healing up as well.

We will continue to keep an eye on her. Thanks a lot for the response and concern.

Answer:
Glad to hear she's better. Maybe it was just the meds.

Answer: