Hi my little Shih Tzu also had been scratching on the front armpits and chest area. So much so that it has become pretty red and nasty. Yesterday evening I took to the vet in Cheras whom after scraping off several sections of hair and skin looked under the microscope.

There can be a few reasons this itchiness occurs. He ruled out mites (undetected) but managed to see he has some fungus and a little yeast (which was not alarming). He also ruled out mange since it manifests only at the front area and not near the rump and behind ears.

As my boy is only 4 months old, he's not keen to start on an oral antifungal as this may impair his liver function (growing puppy still). He recommended this great antifungal shampoo called Sebazole from Virbac (RM40) to be used twice a week for a month. He also prescribed some anti itch and antibiotics (secondary infection) oral. He's afraid that for creams, poor boy can lick it and get an upset stomach.

The shampoo lathers easily and must be massaged into his skin for 20-25 minutes to take effect. Next week I'll bring him back to see if there's any improvement. If not, then a mild dose of oral antifungal will be prescribed.

Some dogs are just more predisposed to fungal and skin infections. We can only try as much to lower the flare ups and watching his diet. I've heard that chicken increases the risk whereas lamb & rice is a better option. My pup's on lamb and rice but still this happens

Please seek treatment fast cos if this prolongs you'll need to deal with more.

Pauline.

Hi just to share that my little pup died today after being admitted in the afternoon. After he came home from the vet on Friday evening, he showed lethargic signs and was very quiet. This was also the case the whole of yesterday. So this morning I took him to the vet again.

After taking x-rays there was apparently gas distension in his stomach which was causing pain. Just like when we get bloated from 'angin'. He advised best to let him overnight for observations and we agreed.

Just now about 4pm, the vet called to say that my pup was having breathing difficulties and turned blue. They tried to put him on oxygen resuscitation but he couldn't make it. I'm soooo sad and upset. He was only 4 months old and the vet promised that this wasn't life threatening. I even said "OK, I'll be seeing him tomorrow right?" and the vet said yes. Looks like they're just empty promises.

Farewell my little one!