Treat the Immune System, Not Just the Infection

Dear Dr. Fox:

Angus is my 9-year-old Labrador retriever adopted from Lab Rescue when he was 1 1/2 years old. At that time, he was about 100 pounds and had such severe infections in both ears that black goo would fly out of them when he shook his head. It took three months of constant cleaning and medication to get it under control.

In late 2005, Angus was found to have anal furunculosis (boils). He was on high-dose antibiotics, ketoconazole and Atopica, for nearly a year before it was under control. The drugs made him sick, and he was depressed. I asked my vet whether his diet had anything to do with his getting this disease, and she said no. He has been on Atopica since his diagnosis, and it seems to keep his rear from flaring into an infection. I give him one 100-milligram tablet three times a week and wipe his rear every time he has a bowel movement to keep the area clean. He tolerates the Atopica well, but I'd rather treat him holistically, if possible.

He eats 1 1/2 cups of Iams dry dog food twice daily. He also has a few small Milk-Bone-type treats and sometimes table scraps. I also give him one Pedigree Dental Styx every day (which he really loves), and this has improved his breath and keeps his teeth clean.

Do you think diet has anything to do with this disease?

S.I.

Ashburn

Your poor dog has an impaired immune system that makes him prone to infections, unable to throw them off without medication, and he is experiencing harmful side effects.

I am not surprised that your veterinarian does not think that diet and nutrition have any role to play in your dog's chronic illness or in his recovery. Too many animal doctors believe pet-food manufacturer claims that all the nutrients cats and dogs need to be healthy are in their products because they have been "scientifically formulated" and are "complete and balanced."