Skin infection

Recurring skin infections can be indicative of many things. Hypothyroidism, skin allergies (food and seasonal--did it seem to come back around the same time of year as last year?) Also, be sure your sister followed through with the antibiotics. It is very common for most folks to give antibiotics until the symptoms clear up and then quit. Antibiotics should be given for 5-10 days AFTER symptoms stop. Skin conditions can also take much much longer to clear up than most other problems.

My dobergirl gets skin infections because of her hypothyroidism. And many of dogs come through my clinic with skin problems due to both food and seasonal allergies.

I would also recommend not using carpet deodorizers and things of that nature as those can cause severe allergies as well.

Hope this helps some. Keep us updated on how your sister's dog does.

As allergies manifest themselves in so many ways and you are unable to get your pooch to the derm. it would be my suggestion in the meantime to switch over to an allergy formula..it certainly couldn't hurt! Natural Balance has several allergy formulas,totally grain free, chemical free, no cereal or fillers or by-products and they do contain essential oils,Omega3&6 etc. to support healthy skin & coat.

I agree with Alan about the food allergies. My dog had a myriad of problems (not a skin infection, though he licked his toes raw) and we discovered a wheat allergy. 12 weeks without wheat and he was in great shape.
When my friends Tibetan terrier had a similar skin infection as your sister's dog (repeated antibiotics, washes, etc) I suggested the wheat issue. They got a full course of antibiotics (3 weeks), shaved the area, and got her on my wheat free food (I use the Call of the Wild). In just two weeks, she was perfect and the infection has not come back (this was about 6 months ago). Good luck!

I second the suggestion for a board certified dermatologist. Antibiotics will treat secondary bacterial infections, and medicated baths, depending on the product used, can help control bacteria, yeast, and provide mild itch relief but these treatments do not address the underlying cause--the actual allergy. As long as the allergy itself goes unidentified, all the ointments, baths, and systemic medications in the world will not work (only provide temporary relief). A pet can be allergic to almost anything, from the pollen it inhales, to the grass it walks on, to the food it eats. Sometimes, animals have a combination of allergies. Other times, skin problems are not due to allergies at all, but another underlying health problem, such as a thyroid disorder. Properly managing allergies can be very difficult, hence the recommendation to see a boarded specialist.

I'd see another vet. Australian sheperds can also get bored easily and develop various diseases

It is possible that your dog has developed a food allergy also. My dog had this problem and it helped for her to eat a different diet of fish and potato. Otherwise known as FP I believe, you can get this from any veterinarian. However it is always best to go with the advice of a trained veterinarian and if the problem still persists seek another opinion.

Sounds like your sister might benefit from the opinion of a veterinary dermatologist.

My dog has two lingering pink areas on her left chest and front leg. I've been back to the vet since he saw her and treated her with a course of antibiotics and prednisone. The redness faded, but it persists with a touch of pinkness. There seems to be some hair loss over the area. The vet thought it was some kind of contact dermatitis - maybe poison oak or ivy.

I think I'm going to put some topical antibiotic ointment on it and spray that with bitter apple to prevent my dog from licking the ointment off and see if that doesn't help some. I might also apply a topical hydrocortisone as well, altering that with the antibiotic.

She's been back to the vet several times since this and nobdoy has said anything. They either don't know yet what it is, or aren't very concerned. I'm just keeping an eye on it.

It's hard to visualize a skin infection without seeing the dog. But you can surmise a little by the pattern. If the infection is widespread, it could be a parasitic infection or other, whereas a localized infection suggests a wound infection or contact dermatitis. There may also be an underlying systemic disease. If you can't get to a veterinary dermatologist, I would suggest at least a second opinion of another general practice veterinarian.

Wish I could help you more! Hope your sister gets this figured out and gets some effective treatment for the dog!