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Vulva dermatitis.

Species: Dog
Breed: Golden
Age: 5-8 years
Good Morning Doctor: My 6 year old Golden(Honey) has an infection around her female area-she has been fixed etc since she was around 9 months old. We visited the vet on Tuesday and he gave us a spray to use on her area 3 times a day and gave us a anitbiotic(cxph) 200 mg for once a day. Now they told us it would take a couple of days to take affect. But I am seeing no results at all from both items--Is it possible that the items they gave us is having no affect? They did not do blood work etc and she just seems to be getting worse as far as afraid to drink because she knows it will hurt when she goes to pee. Thanks for your help.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Joe. Sorry to hear that Honey has this problem. It sounds very uncomfortable! I have seen a number of dogs with a peri-vulvar dermatitis and I always feel so bad for these girls!

The antibiotics will take several days to really make a dent in the infection. However, I would suggest that you call your vet and ask if they can prescribe something else to help with the itch. Most likely the spray has some steroid in it and this is meant to help, but sometimes dogs need something stronger.

Your vet may prescribe a small dose of some steroids such as prednisone to help her get through the initial period of healing.

One other thought...is she really on 200 mg of cephalexin once a day? This is quite a bit lower dose than I would prescribe.

If she is really having problems clearing this up then you could ask your vet to run a thyroid profile on her. Goldens are notorious for hypothyroidism and dogs with this condition have trouble clearing up skin infections.

I hope she feels better soon!

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank You!


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome!



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.