Good morning. LJ is just itching like crazy. She seems to be hyper focused on her neck and behind her ears now. She has scratched off the hair behind her right ear and also her neck right by her Adam’s Apple. There’s also a couple little raised bumps/sores there now too-I added a photo if it helps. I’ve narrowed down when this intense itching started and it was right after she spent the day at the vet for testing. It’s hard for me to believe that food allergies would quadruple her itching intensity literally overnight- and her neck and back of ears were never previously an issue. I’m just at a loss.im trying the hydroxyzine again but I’m going to use it for longer than a single dose. I gave her 10 mg yesterday at 11 and was supposed to give 5 mg 12 hours later but fell asleep. Can I start her regimen today and give her 10 mg at 4am then 5 at 4pm? I’m worried cuz that would put her at 20 mg in 17 hours since I gave her 10 at 11am yesterday. Or should I skip it and start her on 5 mg at 4pm and have her ready to start tomorrow? I can’t help but think this is systemic, but I’m no doctor, so I really have no idea. Do you have any thoughts? My heart is just breaking for her. I bought Veterinary Formula hot spot and itch relief spray and it did absolutely nothing to help. I have seen a few little black ants come off of her in my bed but I can’t imagine they being the culprit. Thank you so much for your time!
Good morning. I'm sorry to hear that LJ is experiencing such discomfort. Based on the symptoms you've described and the photo provided, it seems like she might be dealing with a skin condition that could be due to several factors, including allergies, parasites, or a reaction to something she encountered at the vet.
Given the intense itching, hair loss, and the presence of raised bumps and sores, it’s possible that she might have developed a skin infection or an allergic reaction. Here are a few steps you can take at home:
Firstly, it’s important to follow the prescribed dosage schedule for hydroxyzine. Since you missed a dose, it’s safer to start with the 5 mg dose at 4 pm today and continue with the regular schedule. Administering 20 mg within 17 hours might be too much and could cause side effects.
Next, you mentioned using Veterinary Formula hot spot and itch relief spray, which hasn’t helped. You might want to try a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine or miconazole, which can help with bacterial or fungal infections. Ensure you rinse thoroughly and dry her completely.
To prevent further scratching and potential infection, consider using an e-collar (cone) to stop her from reaching the affected areas.
Even though she is on topical treatments, it’s worth checking for any signs of fleas or mites. The presence of black ants might indicate a secondary issue, but they are unlikely to be the primary cause.
Additionally, ensure her environment is clean and free from potential allergens. Regularly wash her bedding and vacuum the house to reduce any allergens or parasites.
Since the itching started after a visit to the vet, it’s possible that she might have picked up a parasite or had a reaction to something there. If the symptoms persist or worsen, I strongly recommend taking her back to the vet for a thorough examination. They might need to perform skin scrapings or other tests to identify the exact cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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