Question:
My dog, a bichon x cocker spaniel, is old and has numerous lumps that sometimes ooze, even bleed, a little. (Vet has assured us this is normal, nothing to worry about.) However I just went upstairs and saw that one lump is bleeding more then normal. He must have been scratching it quite a bit, and this broke the skin. He's stopped scratching it for now, but he'll probably start up again when I go out this evening.

First question, suggestions to prevent him from scratching it? Usually if its on his head, we put the big collar on, but this one is on the side of his neck, near his shoulder.

Second question, aside from cleaning the area with warm water, should I be using Polysporin or something similar to prevent infection? Can I use Polysporin (what I have on hand) or must I use a "dog-specific" ointment?

Ugh, I am not looking forward to dealing with this. He has very thick fur and I'm a little squeamish.

Thanks.

Answer:
First off, if the bleeding doesn't stop you need to take him to a vet so they can cauterize it or tie it off.
Second, you can put socks on his feet to stop the scratching (just don't tie them on really tight!). Polysporn is fine to use on animals just be sure that he doesn't lick it off.

Answer:
I have a couple of suggestions that might be helpful.

1. I would trim the hair around the bleeding sore, which will help you keep it clean. It will also reduce matting and reopening the sore when grooming. I di thins to Roxie anytime she has a sore etc. It grows back quickly, but helps healing time.

2. I definatly recommend putting socks on your fogs feet to stop the scratching. Also, depending on where the sore is on his neck, you can use a wider gauze, bandana etc to put the colar on. Depending on where the sore is, the bandana etc will cover the spot.

3. As your vet has already seen and addressed the lumps I wouldn't take the dog in, unless the bleeding dosen't stop or the area looks infected. However, I would recommend, just giving your vet a call. Mine will talk to you over the phone for free. I would just double check that polysporne is okay to put on it. Also you could ask your ve, about this creme my aunt has. I can't remember the name at the moment, but your vet will know what it is. Its a dog version of ploysporne. It will reduce itchiness and is an antibiotic creme.

I hope it helps and that your dog feels better soon

Answer:
Thanks for the replies. I called around to about 8 different vet clinics, but every vet in the city takes lunch at exactly the same time. :(

Anyway, I cleaned the blood as best I could and my dog has ignored the spot ever since. He's completely stopped scratching at it.

Of course today he has a problem with his eye, so I have to make an appointment for him tomorrow anyway. Third visit in as many weeks. I guess its too be expected, he's getting old.

Answer:
Some of our family's cocker spaniels experienced similar symptoms as they aged. I'm not sure why it happens but one theory is that as dogs (and humans) age, their immune systems weaken. Bleeding problems can be associated with weak immune systems and, if that's what is happening, it's true you don't need to worry. It's upsetting but not bad, except to the extent it means that age is catching up with your pet.

In my experience, cocker spaniels are prone to itching problems. Perhaps it's because they have sensitive skin, or maybe it's due to their tendency to get bacterial and fungus infections or other dermititis problems. In addition, once they start scratching, it's hard to get them to stop. The best thing we found was also the simplest: Clip the hair around the irritated area and then clean with soft wet cloth once or twice a day.

Answer:
Hypothyroidism is very common in cocker spaniels

Studies indicate that the breeds most commonly affected by autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis include Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Beagle, Borzoi, Shetland Sheepdog, American Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Akita, Old English Sheepdog, and Irish Setter. Symptoms usually appear between one and five years of age, but blood tests can indicate the potential for disease before clinical signs appear. Unfortunately, a clean thyroid test at one year of age does not mean the dog will remain free of disease throughout its life.

You have already mentioned in your post eyes problems and skin problems, which are symptoms or thyroid disease, I would suggest asking your vet to run a thyroid panel..


These are all the possible symptoms problems that can be caused by hypothroidism

Clinical Signs of Hypothyroidism
By W. Jean Dodds, DVM

Alterations in Cellular Metabolism

lethargy

mental dullness

exercise intolerance

neurologic signs (polyneuropathy, seizures)

weight gain

cold intolerance

mood swings

hyperexcitability

stunted growth

chronic infections

Hematologic Disorders

bleeding

bone marrow failure

low red blood cell count (anemia)

low white blood cell count

low platelet

Occular Diseases

corneal lipid deposits

corneal ulceration

uveitis

keraconjunctivitis sicca ("dry eye")

infections of the eyelid gland (meibomian gland)

Neuromuscular Problems

weakness

stiffness

laryngeal paralysis

facial paralysis

"tragic expression"

knuckling or dragging feet

muscle wasting

megaesophagus

head tilt

drooping eyelids

Dermatologic Diseases

dry, scaly skin and dandruff

coarse, dull coat

bilaterally symmetrical hair loss

"rat tail" or "puppy coat"

hyperpigmentation

seborrhea or greasy skin

pyoderma or skin infections

myxedema

chronic offensive skin odor

Cardiac Abnormalities

slow heart rate (bradycardia)

cardiac arrhythmias

cardiomyopathy

Gastrointestinal Disorders

constipation

diarrhea

vomiting

Reproductive Disorders

infertility of either sex

lack of libido

testicular atrophy

hypospermia

aspermia

prolonged interestrus interval

absence of heat cycles

silent heat

pseudopregnancy

weak, dying or still born pups

Other Associated Disorders

IgA deficiency

loss of smell (dysosmia)

loss of taste

glycosuria

chronic, active hepatitis

adrenal endocrinopathies

parathyroid endocrinopathies

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-...oidDisease.htm

Answer: