I have seen several rough collies (all three male) with poor coat quality, early onset of arthritis (by 4-6 years of age), and vague gi symptoms. I don't know what it is, but am concerned about some immune deficiency....
This particular one is about 6, developed abrupt onset of severe pruritis last autumn, has had extensive workups and either has atopy (fits the biopsy results) or sarcoptic mange (fits the history better). He gets severely itchy (scratches himself raw) after Revolution is applied, but doesnt seem to get better (3rd application was just as hard on him as the first). When pressed, one of the dermatologists on VIN admitted to seeing several rough collies with sarcoptes who required SIX treatments of Revolution (rather than the usual three).
I'm wondering whether I could give this guy some constitutional support. His tongue is pale pink, with a thin moist white coat. His pulse is somewhat weak. The skin appears fairly calm (though the owner says sometimes it is quite pink) except for the abrasions. He does have weakness in his hindquarters that makes me suspicious of hindlimb arthritis (though is stoic on orthopedic exam), neuro is normal.
Any thoughts? He is a quiet sweet boy except for the itching. My main thought was Jade Screen, but thought there might be something more sophisticated that could be considered.... :)
Thanks as always,
Amy