PetStyle

Heather, this is a scary and frustrating situation, to say the least. It sound like there is something more going on and all you can see is the skin manifestation. Have you been referred to an internal medicine specialist at this point? I do not have enough information here to guide you, but if you take the results of the tests that have been done, as well as your dog, to see a specialist, I think you will get the answers you need.

If your vet does not refer you to a specialist, you can seek one out in your area by checking out this web site: www.acvim.org.

Here is some information from the web site as an introduction:

Small Animal Internal Medicine
Why does my animal need to see a Board-certified Small Animal Internist?
Commonly called Internists, these Specialists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal systems. Where the diagnosis is known, an Internist may confirm the diagnosis and treatment, providing piece of mind. If a diagnosis is proving elusive or therapy is not proving effective, the Internist may be better able to find the diagnosis or adjust treatment plans to get your animal back to health. Examples of conditions for which your family veterinarian might refer your animal to an Internist are:

Anemia or other bleeding disorders
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Complicated pancreatic disease
Coughing & other breathing problems
Endocrine disease (adrenal tumors, complicated diabetes, thyroid disorders)
Infectious disease
Kidney or bladder disease
Liver inflammation
Unexplained weight loss

What should I expect during a visit with a Board-certified Small Animal Internist?
The Internist will perform a complete and thorough physical examination of your animal, and based on these initial findings, additional tests will be discussed. Depending on your animal's condition, diagnostic testing or treatments may include:

Advanced laboratory testing of various tissue and blood samples.
Diagnostic Imaging - ultrasound, radiography (x-rays), CT scans, MRIs
Biopsies of masses, internal organs, or bone marrow
Endoscopy - bronchoscopy (lungs), colonoscopy, cystoscopy (bladder & urethra), gastroduodenoscopy (stomach & upper intestines), rhinoscopy (nasal cavity), laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery for biopsies of internal organs)
Feeding tube placement
Nutrition consultations

I wish you and your pet the very best,

-diane