Good morning. So I’m having some real concerns. LJ has patches of hair loss behind her ears, side of her neck, under her chin and in a spot behind her back leg. I’ve also noticed bumps or sores in those spots, however they are not open. One on her neck feels like it’s possibly scabbed, but I’m not sure. It is also pink or red from what I can tell. I had her on hydroxyzine but it seemed to make her so lethargic so I stopped it 3 days ago. The issue is, she’s still really lethargic. It’s like she has no interest in much of anything except sleeping. The lethargy is what’s really concerning me. I try my hardest to engage her in playing and she just doesn’t really want to. She’s eating just fine and her stools are great. These are the only 2 issues. I feel so bad for her. I know the photo isn’t the best, but here’s the spot on her back leg. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time.
Good morning. I'm sorry to hear about LJ's issues. Based on the symptoms you've described and the photo, it seems like LJ might be dealing with a skin infection or a parasitic issue, such as ringworm or bacterial dermatitis. These conditions can cause hair loss, itching, and the formation of bumps or sores.
The lethargy you're observing could be due to several factors, including discomfort from the skin issues or a possible underlying infection. Since you mentioned that she was on hydroxyzine and it made her lethargic, it's possible that stopping the medication hasn't yet alleviated the lethargy, or there could be another underlying cause.
Here are a few steps you can take at home:
Firstly, gently clean the affected areas with a mild antiseptic solution to prevent any secondary infections. It's also important to prevent further irritation, so consider using an e-collar to stop LJ from scratching or licking the affected areas, which can worsen the condition. Additionally, monitor her behavior closely, paying attention to her eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. Any changes in these could indicate a more serious issue.
Given the duration and severity of the symptoms, I recommend taking LJ to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. The vet can perform tests to determine if there is a fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment, such as antifungal medication or antibiotics. Additionally, the vet can assess her lethargy to rule out any other underlying health issues.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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