Question
my eyuonmus shrub has white specs on the back side of it leaves and on its branches also the leaves have dropped off the plant in the area of the spots . is there something I can do to save the shrub

Answer
Susan:
If these specs can be removed with your fingernail and they appear as somewhat elognated and raised a bit off the surface of the leaf, then they may be scale insects. Use your computer to look up images of euonymous scale insects. If so, these insects are probably one of the worst insect pests on this shrub.  I have seen plants literally covered.  If that is the case, it may be best to remove the plant and start over.  If you have a light to medium coverage, there are a few insecticides to consider. But whatever you use, timing of the sprays is important in order to kill the "babies" called crawlers. Insecticide options include a dormant insecticidal oil or BAYER ADVANCED TREE AND SHRUB INSECT CONTROL.

Talk to your local garden center about these products and when to spray.  Be sure to read the label first.  But, before all of that, be sure that you have got the scale insect and not something else, because many of these products are expensive.

Regards

Steve