Stomach Rash on 3 year old Dog

[Milosmom27]

(photos attached)
Around the time summer started I noticed my dog started to develop a rash on one side of his stomach. It came and went and after a month I took him to the vet. The vet said its probably a grass or sun allergy based on the information I gave and prescribed him steroids, allergy pills and oatmeal shampoo.

This didn't work so we went back. This time we were prescribed to give him allergy pills daily and a cream to help sooth his stomach. They said if it lasts into the winter that its more serious than just a summer rash.

The rash is now on both sides of his stomach and some days are better than others. It doesn't hardly ever seem to bother him but my vet said the next step would be very pricey so I'm seeing what alternatives there are. It flares up after he goes outside, still can't pinpoint if its the grass or the sun.
He doesn't lay flat on the grass, but if it was the sun wouldn't it affect him other places too?
Any suggestions as to what this is?

Thank you.
- Samantha

[MaxaLisa]

You can spend a lot of money dinking around. That's weird enough looking that I would go straight to a local dermatologist, if there is one around. Personally it looks like infection to me, like maybe something fungal, but I don't know a whole lot about weird skin things.

I agree that if it were grass, it would be a different pattern. It might be the sun aggravating an infection - it's in the groin area because that stays more moit and stuff can grow.

To me, it's clear your vet doesn't know what it is. My experience is that an experienced specialist can save you a lot of guessing and unnecessary meds. If it's infection, the steroids already were not good for your dog

[MaxaLisa]

I would also rule out hip pain or muscle strain - if he's licking and/or biting that area due to pain, it might cause skin injury?

[Milosmom27]

I was thinking an infection when it first started because the area was moist. Now it's always just dry. Is it still possible it's an infection even tho the skins dry and never moist?

[Barkingdog]

Did the vet do skin culture test to see if it some of weird parasite ?

[Milosmom27]

No samples were taken at all. The vet assumed it was an allergy from something outside.

[hazelrunpack]

Originally Posted by Milosmom27

Is it still possible it's an infection even tho the skins dry and never moist?

Yes, it could be possible. Once an infection is in the skin, it has a protected place to live.

A scrape might be useful to rule out mites, but it would be unlikely for mange to show up bilaterally mirrored like that, I think.

If it were us, and our vet was still at a loss, we'd be looking for a veterinary dermatologist. As MaxaLisa pointed out, a specialist might seem pricey short-term, but still save you money in the long run if the problem is identified and you can get the right treatment for your pup!

[Straydog1990]

Samantha,

My dog has the exact same looking rash on both inner thighs. Was this ever resolved, of so, what ended up solving it?

[hazelrunpack]

Milosmom27 never posted back.

What did your vet think, Straydog1990?

[Straydog1990]

That's why I was following up. I haven't scheduled an appointment yet and I want to see if I could potentially save a lot of time and money

[hazelrunpack]

Probably the quickest way (though maybe not the cheapest ) to diagnose it is to schedule a vet appointment. Maybe it'll be a quick fix. Does it seem irritating to your dog?