Scabs on belly and chest

Hi, Maya is a healthy, three year old Labrador. This summer she got scabby areas on her belly and chest. I took her to the vet who said she had a staphylococcal infection and prescribed antibiotics. I gave her the antibiotics but they really upset her tummy, however, they did seem to clear her scabs. Unfortunately they have come back again but I am very reluctant to take her back to vet if not necessary. The vet said if it didn't clear up that she would have to have a general anaesthetic and a skin scrape! I am very reluctant to put her through this for something that at the moment is a small problem. It also seems rather heavy handed.

I have treated her for flea and tick infestation regularly, although the scabby bits do seem like bites that have become irritated.

Does anyone have any suggestions that I can try before returning to vet?

What tests were run to diagnose staphylococcal infection?

None. She just looked at it.

Hi Hippy I would definitely go back to the vet if a staphylococcal infection is suspected because of it being zoonotic.

I can't understand why a GA is required for a skin scrape it is a simple procedure that most dogs tolerate without any sedation.

The vet may be able to provide a skin wash that will help too.

Hippy, Google the infection in dogs. There's plenty of info on how vets usually tell if it is the staph infection.

Do you have a sample picture of your doggie tummy?

I hope this works. It is not very clear because it is under her hair.
I think the reason they said she would need a GA is because she is extremely anxious in the vet. However, I think with lots of cuddles and reassurance from me, that she would be fine. She is not aggressive nervous, just jumpy.

If you google it they say it's diagnosed by blood and urine tests and a skin scrape is exactly what it says so no GA required.