My Westie, Sadie,is 6 and a half years old and for the last few months has developed recurring eczema problems - not always in the same place, and this time in about 3 or 4 patches on her back. I have taken her to her vet, but she has been prescribed the usual antibiotics (this time a 3 week course - this is the fourth course this year, the last courses being 2 week courses) and a local wash. Poor Sadie is obviously in a great deal of discomfort since she can't scratch the scabs on her back (thankfully i think!) but she is such a happy dog and it is getting her down. Have you any suggestions other than what our own vet is doing? Another question I have is this. I massage my pets regularly (I also have 2 cats) and am usually quick to spot skin problems or lumps. However in this latest case with Sadie, the scabs seemed to "appear" very quickly. Is there any other way of spotting a potential outbreak of eczema before it gets to this stage? Regardshttps://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,7279#msg-7279Sun, 31 May 2026 17:50:39 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,20091#msg-20091 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,20091#msg-20091 Nicki Ask The VetWed, 28 Sep 2011 20:55:32 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,19315#msg-19315 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,19315#msg-19315Do you think we should try primrose oil and what about Goats milk
Thanks Margaret Murphy]]> Walter Bestwick Ask The VetSun, 03 Jul 2011 22:09:09 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16596#msg-16596 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16596#msg-16596I have a 5 year old westie, her name is Daisy, she's been suffering from a condition called Demodex, it's a microscopic mite that survives under the skin eating the hair follicles causing the hair to fall out. These mites also cause horrible scabs which are sore and itchy and if they become infected are bloody with pus when they fall off!
She was on antibiotics for 2 months to clear the infection and the dermatoligist prescribed a medication called 'Interceptor' of which you can only purchase from France, Italy etc. The reason being is, this medicine is for 'heart worm' and other conditions, in the UK heart worm is eradicated.
My vet thought it very unusual that Daisy had this conditon at her age because it only occurs usually in puppies, she's just unlucky I suppose. Her skin is much better now but she's still taking the tablets, once a week instead of everday until she gets the all clear!

I thought she had some kind of eczema!]]> Carmen Pearcy Ask The VetTue, 20 Apr 2010 20:53:48 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16157#msg-16157 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16157#msg-16157
Sorry if this doesn't help at all

I am only 14 but I love my dog a lot!

Your sincerely
Abbie

P.s something else that might help is keeping the Westies hair shorter so it doesn't irritate their skin so much.]]> Abbie Ask The VetMon, 08 Mar 2010 21:56:03 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16053#msg-16053 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16053#msg-16053
Vinegar?

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetThu, 25 Feb 2010 20:09:58 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16050#msg-16050 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,16050#msg-16050 dave Ask The VetThu, 25 Feb 2010 17:29:06 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15762#msg-15762 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15762#msg-15762So many westies suffer from this problem, and it can be very difficult to keep it under control.
Regular shampooing does help , and at least it helps keep the nasty smell down.

w]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetThu, 28 Jan 2010 09:05:28 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15759#msg-15759 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15759#msg-15759My wife thinks I give him too many treats.]]> Gene Ask The VetWed, 27 Jan 2010 23:51:00 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15363#msg-15363 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15363#msg-15363 edboy Ask The VetTue, 15 Dec 2009 22:02:06 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15213#msg-15213 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15213#msg-15213
I would advise one teaspoonful every day in his food. I think that you will find that it helps - for a while,
I never found a 'cure' for this horrible condition to which Westies are so liable. Many treatments produce a short-term inprovement, but then fail to work.
Steroids, in the long-term, make the condtion worse, I am certain.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetSat, 28 Nov 2009 09:16:28 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15209#msg-15209 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15209#msg-15209
Thank you]]> K Clark Ask The VetFri, 27 Nov 2009 23:32:02 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15056#msg-15056 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15056#msg-15056
This does sound very like atopic dermatitis, an unpleasant skin conditiopn to which westies are very prone.
She does need veterinary attention, but look to controlling it at best, not curing it.
Your vet may be prepared to refer you to a veterinary dermatologist.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetMon, 09 Nov 2009 18:01:43 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15054#msg-15054 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,15054#msg-15054
I have a two year old westie called Ruby Rocks, she is a lovely dog, very very tiny and extremely happy but is suffereing from a skin problem, she has red / black marked skin on her groin area which is becoming very sore, she also is constantly rubbing her behind along the floor and I am very worried. The area is becoming very sore and the skin is starting to become hot and very sweaty and looks like it could bleed..
My other westies George is 9 yerays old and apart from the odd ear infection and slight skin flare up which I control by washing him in Exmarid every few weeks, is in great condition.

Please could you advise me on treatment for our little ruby.
Nicola]]> Nicola Edwards Ask The VetMon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:35 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,14961#msg-14961 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,14961#msg-14961 michael phillipson Ask The VetFri, 30 Oct 2009 18:25:32 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13762#msg-13762 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13762#msg-13762
Thank you for that.
I too have had some good responses to Evening Primrose oil, but they have not been consistent. I am pleased that you have found something which helps your dog control this distressing condition to which Westies. are prone.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetSat, 18 Jul 2009 09:10:41 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13761#msg-13761 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13761#msg-13761
My westie is 10 and has suffered increasingly badly from eczema for the last 5 years. In addition he seemd to have constant ear infections which are linked to the eczema. The only way that I seemed to be able to contol it was steriod injections which I was not happy about but every other avenue we had gone down failed to work.
On a recent visit to the vets it was recommeded that I try evening oil of primrose. Within 6 weeks he was clear of all problems! There has been no sign of an ear infection for over a month now which is a first for the last 4 years.
I have been using it for 3 months now and although we have a few patches it is nowhere as bad as it was, and he is a much happeir boy now. It remains to be seen as to wether the problem has been solved on a temporary basis but even to have been able to give him some time free from this horrible problem has been worth it!

Anne]]> Anne Salsano Ask The VetSat, 18 Jul 2009 08:56:54 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13313#msg-13313 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13313#msg-13313
In many years of practice in an area where westies make very popular pets, I never did find a 'cure' and not even a reliable treatment for this very troublsome dermatitis to which the breed is prone..
Antibiotics are of very little help, steroids tablets or injections work for a time but prolonged use may casue side effects.
Regular baths with an antiseborrhoeic shampoo is the best that I can advise. Evening Primrose oil as a food supplement has sometimes helped.

W.]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetFri, 05 Jun 2009 12:24:18 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13302#msg-13302 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13302#msg-13302 valerie connell Ask The VetWed, 03 Jun 2009 15:43:45 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13167#msg-13167 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13167#msg-13167
By no means do all Westies suffer from this distressing condtion.
If you are fortunate enough to have two which do not, almost any balanced diet ( which a 'Raw Meaty Bones diet IS NOT) will suffice.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetFri, 22 May 2009 12:17:27 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13166#msg-13166 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13166#msg-13166
i have 2 westie boys aged 4 years and 1 year old - I feed them on 'burns mini bites' as i changed over from james well beloved about a year ago - i also give them small amounts of either cooked or raw mince meat, chicken meat a few times a week as well as the odd raw egg which they adore. I have read that a raw diet does go a long way to help in skin issues (although i have never gone to the full raw diet as i have not got a proper bone grinder). I am very wary of going down the antibiotic/steroid road they can cause more problems further down the line. Touch wood neither of my dogs have experienced any skin issues.]]> clare birch Ask The VetFri, 22 May 2009 11:32:04 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13033#msg-13033 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13033#msg-13033
Well done, you. It is a heartbreaking condition to treat.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetMon, 11 May 2009 19:23:42 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13030#msg-13030 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,13030#msg-13030 acker Ask The VetMon, 11 May 2009 16:09:31 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12878#msg-12878 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12878#msg-12878
I am sorry to hear that your westie has this awful skin condition which causes such misery to so many westies.
The treatment of choice today seems to be a medicine by the name of 'Atopica' It is a prescription-only medicine and can be obtained only from you vet, or on a prescription written by your vet after your dog has been examined.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetTue, 28 Apr 2009 18:49:14 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12875#msg-12875 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12875#msg-12875I have just read all the emails regarding AD in westies and thought you may beable to help. Tilly is now coming up to 2 years old and has had AD since she was 3 months old. We have had skin tests, allergy tests and all the usual medication from the vet but to no avail. She has really deteriated in the last 2 weeks and now has red, sore, very ichy skin on her tummy, groin legs botton round both eyes and her nose. It is also becoming hairless and very dark. She has also started sitting and spinning on her bottom which has resulted in a gashed tail and a very red and sore rear end. She is sneezing all the time and has a runny nose. I am at my wits end as to what to try next.
Jo]]> J T Ask The VetTue, 28 Apr 2009 17:41:37 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12114#msg-12114 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12114#msg-12114 Walter Beswick Ask The VetThu, 05 Mar 2009 09:06:46 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12103#msg-12103 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,12103#msg-12103-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi,
>
> When I was in practice in Glasgow I saw very many
> Westies with 'Westie Skin' and it was very
> difficult to treat.
>
> Now there is a medication 'Atopica' which seems to
> be quite effective.
>
> Do you know where i can buy this product and how does it work?]]> Bart Williamson Ask The VetWed, 04 Mar 2009 18:19:45 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11880#msg-11880 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11880#msg-11880
I do sympathise - this condition is not uncommon in Westies and very difficult to control. Steroid treatment helps for a time, but most vets are reluctant to keep a dog on steroid s for very long. Dietary changes also ma\y help.

I think that your vet is doing his best, but it is an uphill struggle.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetWed, 18 Feb 2009 21:42:37 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11878#msg-11878 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11878#msg-11878 Emma Drew Ask The VetWed, 18 Feb 2009 20:39:47 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11272#msg-11272 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11272#msg-11272
When I was in practice in Glasgow I saw very many Westies with 'Westie Skin' and it was very difficult to treat.

Now there is a medication 'Atopica' which seems to be quite effective.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetWed, 07 Jan 2009 16:07:34 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11269#msg-11269 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,7279,11269#msg-11269 Nikki Harvey Ask The VetWed, 07 Jan 2009 11:44:29 +0000