Reader Question: Dog Has Large Red Patches on Belly – Possible Causes & What to Do

by Brenda
(Annapolis MD.)

Dog’s Belly Covered in Large Red Patches – What Could Be Causing This?

My dog has these large red patches on her belly on both sides. What is this, we were prescribed CEFPODOXIME 200MG AND MiconaHex + Triz Mousse to treat her belly of large red patches and after 10 days it does not seem to be getting better at all!

Possible Causes and Next Steps for Your Dog’s Persistent Skin Condition

Thank you for reaching out. I understand how concerning it is to see your dog's belly covered in large red patches, especially when treatment doesn't seem to be improving the condition.

Based on the images, it appears that your dog has significant redness, inflammation, and possibly some irritation or secondary skin infections on both sides of the belly. Here are some potential reasons why this could be happening:

Possible Causes:

• Allergic Dermatitis: Dogs can develop skin reactions due to food allergies, environmental allergens (like pollen, dust mites, or mold), or contact allergies (from surfaces like carpets or grass).
• Bacterial or Fungal Infection: If the prescribed Cefpodoxime (an antibiotic) and MiconaHex + Triz Mousse (which treats fungal and bacterial infections) have not improved the condition, the infection may be resistant or require a different treatment approach.
• Yeast Overgrowth: Yeast infections, commonly caused by Malassezia, thrive in warm, moist areas of the body and can cause persistent redness, itching, and irritation.Mange (Demodex or Sarcoptic): Some forms of mange, caused by microscopic mites, can create widespread skin irritation and inflammation.
• Autoimmune or Hormonal Conditions: Disorders such as hypothyroidism or autoimmune skin diseases can lead to chronic skin problems that don’t resolve with antibiotics alone.

Analysis of the Prescribed Medications

Cefpodoxime (200mg)

• This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, particularly skin infections, wounds, and urinary tract infections in dogs.
• If the infection is bacterial and sensitive to Cefpodoxime,
  improvement is usually noticeable within a few days.
• Why it might not be working:
  • The infection could be resistant to Cefpodoxime, meaning a different antibiotic may be necessary.
  • The condition may not be primarily bacterial—it could be fungal, allergic, or autoimmune-related, which wouldn’t respond to antibiotics.

MiconaHex + Triz Mousse

• This is a topical treatment that contains Miconazole (antifungal) and Chlorhexidine (antibacterial and antiseptic) to help manage bacterial and yeast infections.
• Why it might not be working:
  • If the primary issue isn’t fungal or bacterial but instead related to allergies or an immune response, this mousse wouldn’t fully resolve the problem.
  • Some yeast and bacterial strains require stronger or alternative treatments.
  • If the mousse isn’t being applied correctly or frequently enough, its effectiveness could be reduced.

What You Should Do:

• Revisit Your Veterinarian: Since the current treatment is not working, your vet may need to run additional tests, such as a skin scraping, fungal culture, or allergy testing, to determine the exact cause.
• Consider a Skin Culture & Sensitivity Test: If this is a bacterial infection, testing can determine the most effective antibiotic. If resistance is found, a different medication (like Clindamycin or a cephalosporin alternative) might be needed.
• Check for Underlying Allergies or Autoimmune Conditions: If allergies are suspected, an elimination diet or limiting exposure to environmental allergens (such as using hypoallergenic bedding) may help.
• Switch to a Different Topical or Oral Antifungal: If yeast is suspected, a stronger antifungal like Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, or Terbinafine might be prescribed.
• Monitor for Other Symptoms: If you notice symptoms like excessive licking, hair loss, fever, or behavior changes, inform your vet immediately.

Since the condition is not improving after 10 days of treatment, I strongly recommend contacting your vet again for further evaluation.

Please note: This information is intended to complement, not replace, the advice of your pet's veterinarian. This response was not written by a veterinarian. Always consult a vet for professional medical advice about your pet's health.

Best to you and your dog,
Jeff
Editor and Publisherr
Dog Health Guide