Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 9 month old Red/Rust male that's been diagnosed by my vet with foliculitis. The vet has prescribed an antibiotic and a special shampoo that work well to keep the inflammation and discomfort under control. My question is, are there any other alternatives to the antibiotic treatment? I do not like the fact that he has to be on the antibiotics all the time, which through my medical knowledge makes the immune system rather lazy and dependent on the antibiotics and in time, possibly having to revert to stronger antibiotics. Thank you in advance.

>>I have a 9 month old Red/Rust male that's been diagnosed by my vet with foliculitis. The vet has prescribed an antibiotic and a special shampoo that work well to keep the inflammation and discomfort under control. My question is, are there any other alternatives to the antibiotic treatment? I do not like the fact that he has to be on the antibiotics all the time, which through my medical knowledge makes the immune system rather lazy and dependent on the antibiotics and in time, possibly having to revert to stronger antibiotics. Thank you in advance.

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Best bet with a serious or difficult to diagnose dog skin problems is to take the dog to a veterinary dermatology specialist. It saves money in the long run.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I would also look at the diet.

No vaccinations until your dog has been well for several months.