Message Number: YG12594 | New FHL Archives Search
From: deevecchione
Date: 2002-04-19 10:45:00 UTC
Subject: Red, raw tail that scabs over....need advice.

My 6 year old gib, Fozzie, has black scabs all over his tail. He still
has a full coat of hair on it. When I scrub his tail, the scabs come
off, leaving bright red, raw looking skin behind. I already had a
biopsy done, and it came back as an inflammatory reaction. He does not
like me to even look at his tail, as it appears to be sensitive or
painful to him. My vet tried one dose of topical ivermectin, with no
change.

Is he mutilating himself, having an adverse reaction to something, or
is it symptomatic of adrenal? He has been getting Lupron for three
months, and nothing has changed in regards to his tail. If he were
sensitive to fabric softener, or a cleaner, wouldn't more than just
his tail be affected? I have stopped using cage cleaner, in favor of
vinegar and water. I use wood stove pellets in the boxes.

What can I use to clean it, and heal it? Someone had mentioned honey,
as a natural healer, but I doubt that I'd be able to keep a dressing
on it.

Thanks!

Dodie