Skin diseases in dogs: causes, symptoms, types. Skin diseases in dogs: symptoms, description with photo, treatment

In recent years, skin diseases in dogs and cats have occupied one of the leading places among the diseases occurring in these animal species. Increasingly, changes in the nature of feeding, the deterioration of the ecological characteristics of the environment, the sedentary lifestyle of most small domestic animals, and not always competent breeding work, make themselves felt. These factors contribute to the emergence and consolidation in the gene pool of various pathological conditions, many of which are accompanied by skin manifestations. Briefly talk about the properties and functions of the skin:

The skin is an epithelial-connective tissue organ of the animal body. It provides a barrier function, preventing the loss of water, electrolytes and macromolecules. In addition, the skin mechanically protects the animal from the adverse effects of the environment and, due to its elasticity, provides movement. However, despite the protective barrier, nerve receptors allow you to feel heat, cold, pressure, pain and itching. The skin is responsible for temperature regulation and accumulation of vitamins, electrolytes, water, fats, carbohydrates and proteins. The surface of the skin has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, and this, combined with its immune-regulatory function, helps to prevent the development of infections. Under the influence of sunlight, vitamin D is synthesized in the skin, and the pigment enclosed within melanocytes (skin pigment cells) prevents the damaging effects of solar radiation.
In practice, the veterinarian has to deal with skin diseases in more than 20% of cases. And only a small part of them is actually a skin problem. Most cases are a skin symptom of the underlying disease of the body. To find out what the problem is, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian, who has a wide range of diagnostic and laboratory methods studies (blood tests, smears, scrapings from affected skin areas, luminescent diagnostics).

Now let's talk about what you need to pay attention to the owner of the animal and what mistakes are most common when caring for an animal:

Feeding. To date, there are two types of animal feeding used by owners: natural feeding using products of plant and animal origin, and industrial feeding using dry and canned food from various manufacturers. What feeding to give preference naturally decides the owner of the animal. But I want to warn against unjustified mixing by most owners of these types of feeding. Industrial feeds contain nutrients in a certain proportion according to the type, age and breed of the animal, and adding products "from the table" to them not only upsets this balance, but also significantly harms the health of the animal. Also, you should not mix the feed of various manufacturers together, thus trying to diversify the diet of the animal. Feed is selected individually for each animal according to the above requirements, provided there are no allergic reactions. Feeding dry food provides free access to drinking water.
If we are talking about natural feeding, then 70% of the diet should be animal feed (beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products) and 30% cereals (rice, buckwheat). With such feeding, it is necessary to include vitamin and mineral supplements in the diet.
First of all, the skin reacts to irrational feeding by the presence of itching, rash, hair loss, inflammation of the external auditory canals, etc.

Environment. There are a lot of problems here, but some of them can be warned by the owner himself.

AT winter time avoid walking with an animal on streets treated with anti-icing agents - this can lead to the development of contact dermatitis of the paw pads. In order to limit the contact of paws with aggressive environment you can use special creams and shoes for animals, which are sold in pet stores. Also avoid frostbite that occurs during long walks in severe frost (the ears are most sensitive in short-haired animals).

Sedentary lifestyle An animal often combined with improper feeding leads to metabolic disorders (obesity, hormonal disorders). In such animals, thinning or hair loss may be noted on the part of the skin. Availability acne, pigment deposition, itching, subcutaneous hemorrhages. But this is only part of the signs that indicate the disease of the animal. Only a veterinarian can determine the cause of their appearance.

Genetics and breeding work . There is a breed predisposition to a variety of skin diseases, such as black acanthosis found primarily in short-haired dachshunds. Crossing with trait carriers should be avoided. Hypotrichosis (hairlessness of the whole body) found in pinchers, poodles, dachshunds - hairless places on the outside of the auricles, in whippets - on the dewlap. Inflammation skin folds - Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, St. Bernards, Chow Chows, Spaniels, Pugs, Pekingese. When selecting, attention should be paid to the quality of the skin. seborrhea- schnauzers, spaniels, setters, dobermans, german shepherds. Pigmentation disorders- Dobermans, Retrievers, Afghans, Samoyeds, Dalmatians.

Apart from non-infectious causes the occurrence of skin diseases, viruses, bacteria, fungi can play a significant role in the occurrence of pathology. But in such cases, to establish the cause, the help of a specialist and adequate treatment are required.
The most common skin diseases, classified according to clinical manifestations, will be briefly reviewed below.

Diseases accompanied by peeling of the skin .

One of the most common reasons for owners to visit a veterinarian is the presence of dandruff. For successful solution This problem is important to determine whether the peeling is secondary or is it associated with primary disorders of keratinization (keratinization), although it is believed that about 80% of cases of skin peeling observed in practice are secondary.
Dermatoses that cause secondary peeling are usually divided into pruritic and non-pruritic. The former include pyoderma, allergic dermatitis from flea bites, atopy, scabies, and food allergies. Without itching, as a rule, demodicosis, dermatophytosis, and endocrinopathy uncomplicated by secondary pyoderma occur. Peeling without itching can also be due to insufficient humidity of the surrounding air.
Primary keratinization disorders are dermatoses, which are usually clinically manifested by excessive formation of horny scales. The main role in the pathophysiology of this process is played by disorders of the functions of either the keratinizing epithelium or the skin glands. Such disorders are usually hereditary and must be brought to the attention of breeders so that sick animals are not allowed to breed. This group of diseases includes:

primary idiopathic seborrhea (predisposed breeds - American and English Cocker Spaniels, Doberman, Irish Setter);
hair follicle dystrophy (Doberman, Rottweiler, Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Setter, Chow Chow, Poodle, Great Dane);
zinc-dependent dermatosis (some breeds of huskies);
acne (bulldogs, boxer, doberman, dog, mastino, schnauzers);
epidermal dysplasia and ichthyosis (West Highland White Terrier (WHWT)).

With secondary peeling, the prognosis is usually favorable, provided accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment. The desquamation associated with primary keratinization defects presents much more difficulties for reliable control and requires a lifelong application of local and systemic treatment.

Diseases accompanied by a rash .

Papulocrustic miliary dermatitis in cats - a very common phenomenon observed in many skin diseases. However, the most common cause of it is allergic dermatitis from flea bites. Young, old and sick cats are more susceptible to flea infestation than healthy and adult cats. A characteristic lesion in miliary dermatitis are scab-like papules that are easier to palpate than to see. Many cases of crusty dermatitis occur without itching. The coat can also be quite normal. In other animals, the coat is oily to the touch. Some cats experience itching and scratching, which leads to the development of irregularly shaped alopecia, which is found mainly on the head, neck and other areas accessible for scratching, less often on the back. If foci of papulocrustic dermatitis are found on the head and neck, the possibility of damage must also be taken into account. ear mites, atopy and food allergy.

Pyotraumatic dermatitis (acute weeping dermatitis)- a common skin disease in animals, caused by self-injury and complicated by secondary bacterial microflora. The basis of this disease is itching due to allergies. The seasonality of the disease is often noted; most cases are recorded during the warm and humid season.
Pyotraumatic dermatitis develops rapidly. At the same time, clearly delimited erythematous, slightly elevated above the surface healthy skin spots resulting from severe self-injury (scratching, gnawing). Hair in these areas is absent for the same reason. Occasionally, although rarely, multiple lesions may be seen. a constant phenomenon with piotraumatic dermatitis is soreness or itching. In most cases, spots are located in lumbar region. Predisposed breeds include German Shepherd, retriever, collie, st bernard. No gender or age predisposition was noted.

Intertrigo (pyoderma skin folds) develops as a result of anatomical defects, due to which conditions (humidity, heat) are created for intensive reproduction of bacteria. There are intertrigo of the labial, facial, perivulvar and caudal folds. In the foci of lesions, fungi of the genus Malassezia that increase inflammation.
Intertrigo is characterized at the beginning by erythema, exudation, then erosions, ulcers and fistulous passages develop. Frequent companions of this condition are itching and an unpleasant odor resulting from insufficient ventilation of the skin.
Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, St. Bernards, irish setters. Facial fold intertrigo is characteristic of brachiocephalic breeds ( English bulldog, boxer). Pyoderma of the perivulvar fold is often seen in obese bitches with an underdeveloped vulva. Tailfold intertrigo is seen in breeds with short, tightly curled tails, such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. The generalized form of the disease is most common in Shar-Pei.

Ostiofolliculitis characterized by the formation of a pustule up to 2 mm in size, penetrated by a hair located on a hyperemic base. The pustule is covered with a crust, which disappears after a few days, leaving no trace. Pustules can be either single or multiple. bacterial cause ostiofolliculitis is usually staph infection. Ostiofolliculitis develops against the background of conditions such as

hypersensitivity (atopy, contact, feed, insect);
endocrinopathy (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism);
invasive diseases (demodecosis, scabies, helminthiases);
idiopathic disorder of skin immunity.

Impetigo (puppy pyoderma)- a benign condition in which a rash forms in the inguinal and axillary regions of immature dogs. These lesions may be accompanied by mild pruritus and may be found incidentally on routine examination. Streptococci are most often responsible for the occurrence of impetigo. Poor puppy care is a predisposing factor, although impetigo can also occur in properly cared for puppies. As a secondary phenomenon, impetigo can occur with some viral diseases such as canine distemper.

Folliculitis characterized by a deeper than with ostiofolliculitis, the spread of inflammation hair follicle. A common cause of folliculitis in the muzzle (facies furunculosis) is a complication acne (acne). The latter is more common in young animals, usually male short-haired dog breeds before puberty. Upon reaching puberty, this condition can pass without a trace, and in some cases (with the development of furunculosis) - with scarring. In cats, no breed, age or sex dependence for this condition has been noted.

Pyotraumatic folliculitis occurs as a continuation of piotraumatic dermatitis due to the penetration of infection into the deeper layers of the skin. Localization, main causes and breeds that make up the risk group are the same as with piotraumatic dermatitis. It differs by more pronounced clinical signs, as well as the presence of multiple lesions.

Diseases accompanied by the formation of "nodes".

The formation of knots on the skin of dogs and cats is a common reason for visiting a veterinarian. Wherein main question, which needs to be clarified - is the node a manifestation of a neoplastic process or is it a consequence of an inflammatory reaction of the skin. The answer to this question will make it possible to make a decision on an adequate method of treatment and determine the prognosis, which is very important for the owner of the animal both in terms of the ability to help the pet and in terms of cost savings.
Some neoplastic diseases show a breed predisposition. So histiocytoma is more common in Boxers, Great Danes, Dachshunds and Shelties. Cocker Spaniels, Airedale Terriers, and Scotch Terriers are prone to developing melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma in Boxers, Bull Terriers, Pekingese, Scotch Terriers, Black Terriers is more common than in dogs of other breeds. Beagle, German Shepherd, Golden retriever prone to skin lymphoma.
The age of the animal also acts as an estimated factor in the likelihood of a particular neoplasm. Age data can also sometimes help determine the type of tumor. For example, histiocytoma is common in younger animals (under 2 years of age), while mastocytoma (mast cell tumor) occurs in older animals.
A very small number of skin diseases, accompanied by the formation of knots, have a sexual predisposition. These include metastases from breast tumors in females, as well as inflammatory nodes on the back in males with tubular testicular adenoma (tumor from Sertolli cells).
For nodes of inflammatory origin, itching is often a characteristic symptom, but the latter can also accompany mastocytoma, especially when it is injured, due to the release of inflammatory mediators. Neoplasms, such as rapidly progressive lymphoma, can be accompanied by soreness, which also leads to self-injury.
The presence or absence of pigmentary changes indicates the presence or absence of an inflammatory component in the pathological process.
The nature of the change in appearance and the rate of increase in the size of the lesion can give useful information regarding the biological behavior of the neoplastic mass. Mastocytomas with slow progression over several months are not strongly malignant in their biological behavior. The appearance of multiple lesions at the same time may suggest a systemic nature of the disease, which is typical, for example, when metastases spread by the hematogenous route.

Pigmentation disorders.

The pigmentation of the skin and coat of mammals is of great importance for camouflage, sexual dimorphism, and hierarchical relationships. For pets, pigmentation does not play a special role, while for their owners it can be of some importance. For example, success at exhibitions largely depends on the "correct" pigmentation of the skin and coat of the animal. Therefore, its violations often upset the owners of animals, even if the latter do not have any clinical signs of pathology.

Acromelanism. Some breeds of cats (Siamese, Balinese, Himalayan and Burmese), whose feature is the presence of hyperpigmented areas of the skin, were selected precisely for this trait. In kittens born with an even color throughout the body, pigmentation develops on auricles and extremities as a reaction to lower body temperature in these areas. For the same reason, age spots form in places devoid of hair due to either baldness or preparation. operating field. Newly grown hairs are hyperpigmented for only one cycle of growth, although they may remain so for longer periods of time.

Lentigo common in older dogs. Hyperpigmented spots (single or in groups) are found on the trunk or limbs. With age, the number of spots and the intensity of pigmentation may increase. Lentigo affects dogs of many breeds, however, a hereditary form of the anomaly has been described in pugs. In red-colored cats, lentigo appears as hyperpigmented spots in the area of the mucocutaneous junctions of the head. Lentigo is purely a cosmetic problem. Treatment has not been developed.

Black acanthosis. It is important to distinguish between secondary acanthosis black, which occurs as a reaction in many inflammatory dermatoses, and primary acanthosis black, a disease that occurs exclusively in dachshunds.

Primary black acanthosis. The disease affects dachshunds of both sexes under the age of 1 year. At the beginning, lesions are limited to bilateral hyperpigmentation, alopecia and acanthosis of the skin of the axillary regions. Subsequently, in some dogs, lesions cover the entire ventral surface of the body, accompanied by extensive lichenification and secondary seborrhea. In a certain proportion of dogs, acanthosis has a malignant manifestation. In this case, symptomatic treatment is ineffective.

Secondary black acanthosis. Any inflammatory reaction of the skin in the ventral part of the body, accompanied by acanthosis and hyperpigmentation, can be described as black acanthosis, although in this case the term is not accurate enough. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a more apt name for this condition. It does not require specific therapy and disappears when the inflammatory dermatosis is cured.

Vitiligo usually occurs in adult animals and is manifested by progressive depigmentation of the skin, coat and mucous membranes and lasts from several months to several years. The crumbs of the paws and claws may be involved in the process. In dogs, lesions first occur around the nasal planum and muzzle and are symmetrically distributed, whereas in cats, a more generalized distribution pattern may be observed. Vitiligo is predisposed to Rottweilers, German Shepherds, belgian shepherds, black schnauzers and Siamese cats, as well as their crosses. In animals, this condition is not associated with any systemic or neoplastic disease. In cats and dogs, depigmentation of previously exposed skin is relatively common. traumatic injuries. Affected skin and hair appear structurally normal. Depigmented hair can be located either in groups or singly throughout the coat. Vitiligo in animals is a purely cosmetic problem. Treatment has not been developed.

Depigmentation of the nasal planum quite common in dogs of some large and medium breeds, such as German Shepherd, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Royal Poodle, etc. Depigmented skin of the nasal planum of normal thickness, does not differ in appearance from skin with normal pigmentation. No other clinical manifestations are noted. effective treatment not developed.

Focal alopecia.

Focal (focal) alopecia in animals is a frequent phenomenon in clinical practice. Baldness can be in the form of a single rounded spot on any part of the body or multiple, giving the coat the appearance of "moth-beaten fur." Diseases presenting with focal alopecia may be pruritic, non-pruritic, and may become pruritic over time without being pruritic in the beginning. Among dermatosis, manifested by a similar clinical picture, some are common, others less common. The described phenomenon is observed in particular with trichophytosis, microsporia, demodicosis, allergic diseases, folliculitis, alopecia areata, follicular dysplasia, color mutational alopecia, scabies, malassezial dermatitis, dermatomyositis, zinc-dependent dermatosis.

Symmetric hair loss.

Dermatoses accompanied by non-pruritic alopecia in animals are quite common cause contacting a veterinarian. Currently, it is customary to attribute diseases with such manifestations to various kinds of endocrinopathies. Such animals need hormonal examination and treatment.

Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi .

Malassezia dermatitis in dogs. AT recent times a number of skin diseases in dogs (atopic dermatoses, otitis externa) is complicated by yeast fungi of the genus Malassezia, especially Malassezia pachydermatis. All breeds are susceptible to Malassezia dermatitis, but Basset Hounds are particularly susceptible. Skin lesions associated with Malassezia pachydermatis may be localized or generalized. The affected areas usually include the outer ear canal, muzzle, ventral part of the neck, axillary cavities, inguinal region, interdigital folds of skin. Most often, the disease is characterized by erythema, alopecia, and dry or oily seborrhea. AT chronic cases lichenification and hyperpigmentation are observed. Itching varies from mild to extremely severe. Skin lesions are often accompanied bad smell, especially in such places as the neck, axillary fossae, ears.

Acarodermatosis.

Tick-borne dermatoses dogs and cats occupy a significant place among skin diseases in these types of domestic animals. The diseases caused by these arthropods are usually accompanied by severe itching, scratching, baldness, secondary pyoderma, which not only causes suffering to the sick animal, but also greatly upsets its owners. In addition, sick dogs and cats are a source of disease for other animals and for people. Therefore, the treatment of these dermatoses must be given the closest attention.
For veterinary dermatological practice, such acarodermatoses as notoedrosis, sarcoptic mange, otodectosis and demodicosis. These diseases affect both dogs and cats, but with varying frequency. So notoedrosis and otodectosis are more often recorded in cats, sarcoptic mange and demodicosis - in dogs.

Atopic dermatitis.

atopy called hereditary predisposition to the formation of antibodies against allergens from the environment ( pollen, Poplar fluff, house dust and etc.). Since atopy is a polyetiological disease with a variety of clinical manifestations, its diagnosis and treatment present a certain difficulty for veterinarians. In terms of frequency of occurrence among all allergies, atopic dermatitis is second only to allergic dermatitis from flea bites. Often the latter accompanies the former, complicating and confusing the clinical picture of the disease. Feed allergies can also contribute to the complication of the disease, and in dogs also pyoderma. Clinical manifestations and diagnostics atopic dermatitis Dogs and cats are similar in many ways, but there are differences.

In dogs, atopic dermatitis most often occurs between the ages of 1 and 3 years and affects 3 to 15% of the entire animal population of this species, regardless of gender. Terriers (WHWT, Scotch, Fox), Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Shar Pei, Dalmatian, English Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Irish and english setters. The most typical clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs are pruritus, alopecia, erythema, hyperpigmentation, and lichenification, which are found on the muzzle, feet, chest, ears, abdomen, and tail. Depending on the source of the allergen, atopy can be seasonal or cause trouble for the animal and its owner for most of the year.
Dogs with atopic dermatitis are more likely to be affected by a yeast infection (Malassezia), which is promoted by inflammation and oily seborrhea. In the interdigital spaces, ideal conditions for the proliferation of fungi are created due to high humidity and relatively more high temperature skin in these areas.

Prokopenkova I.A., veterinarian

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So it's time to figure out what skin diseases in dogs exist, what are their symptoms and how to treat them!

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fungal

In addition, there is some tendency to fungal diseases in Yorkshire Terriers. Dermatophytosis is a contagious disease, it is transmitted from dog to dog, as well as through contact with fungal spores. Which, by the way, even you and I can bring into the house, without knowing it ourselves.

Symptoms

The main symptom of fungal infections is spontaneous alopecia (baldness). Moreover, on bare skin areas, concomitant lesions are almost never observed and itching is rarely present. Sometimes with trichophytosis, onychomycosis can be observed - damage to the claw and periungual bed. In this case, the claw turns yellow and exfoliates.

Quite rarely, dermatophytosis occurs in the form of a kerion - a nodular skin lesion. In this case, purulent exudate can be released from the kerion. In severe fungal infections in animals, microsporial lesions of the paw pads can be observed.

Treatment

Treatment of fungal infections involves external treatment and bathing in special antifungal shampoos such as Nizoral or Dermazole. You can also use the veterinary drug Imaverol. In addition, dermatophytosis is treated with systemic antifungal drugs Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Terbinafine.

Please note that the treatment of fungal infections is not complete without measures aimed at cleaning the habitat of dogs. Be sure to treat their bedding or couch to destroy all fungal spores.
Symptoms
Symptoms of otodectosis and sarcoptic mange are often severe itching. At the same time, with otodectosis, ear lesions and a symptom of excessive accumulation of sulfur in them can be observed. Sarcoptic mange is characterized by severe itching on the paws, head and neck. Due to scratching, wounds and inflammation of the skin can occur. As well as the so-called self-induced baldness, when the dog combs the hair on its own.
allergic reactions
Allergy is the most difficult to diagnose, because it is always very difficult to isolate a certain irritating component - an allergen. The very nature of the origin of allergies is not fully understood.
Allergies in dogs are usually divided into:
food;
allergy to environmental components (dust, plant pollen, down, feather).

Diagnosis of allergic reactions has the following standard algorithm:
However, the diagnosis of allergy by blood is carried out in only a few European laboratories. At the same time, it is advisable to carry it out if it is possible to carry out exclusive expensive treatment - allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).

Symptoms
Allergy is always manifested by severe itching. Since the protective properties of the skin decrease with allergies, this creates favorable conditions for the development of various bacterial processes on the skin. Therefore, redness, pustules or rashes are almost always integral symptoms of allergies. Due to strong combing, bald patches naturally appear.
Treatment
If your dog has a food allergy, he will be treated with a specific diet that will eliminate allergenic foods. However, veterinarians say that it is food allergies that occur infrequently, allergies to environmental components are much more common.
Skin cancer
Many owners mistakenly believe that any neoplasm in their pet is cancer. While cancer is just one type of tumor process. And as such, skin cancer is rare in dogs, unlike other skin cancers. Cancer is a tumor of epithelial cells and can only be malignant. Much more often than cancer, veterinarians observe in their patients a type of tumor such as a mastocytoma or a mast cell tumor.
Symptoms
Cancer often manifests itself skin lesions on fingers or head. These lesions look like non-healing extensive ulcerative skin lesions. These lesions are quite painful and in order to make a disappointing diagnosis - cancer, you need to conduct a smear-imprint followed by microscopy. More common than cancer, mastocytoma manifests itself in the form of cutaneous and subcutaneous swelling, often of a malignant nature.
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Treatment
Cancer treatment is always only surgical surgical intervention. After surgical removal the veterinarian decides on further treatment: it can be radiation or chemotherapy.
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Skin diseases are among the most common diseases in dogs. In most cases, skin diseases occur due to infections and allergic reactions. However, despite the fact that skin diseases in dogs are much easier to notice with the naked eye than, for example, lesions of the internal organs, many owners ignore the symptoms, and then learn from the veterinarian that a timely visit to the clinic could save them from dealing with complications.

Skin diseases in dogs are now becoming more and more common. This is due to many aspects: malnutrition and malnutrition, deterioration of the ecological atmosphere of the air, a sedentary lifestyle. Very often, skin diseases in animals manifest themselves as hereditary predispositions of the skin to various diseases.

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the dermis (second layer of skin) located under top layer- epidermis. With dermatitis, all skin functions are disrupted, and this can lead to systemic disorders.

At the slightest change in the hairline of the dog, you need to contact veterinary clinic for necessary analyzes and making an accurate diagnosis of the disease. Below we give the most common skin diseases among dogs, but only a specialist can accurately determine which disease is taking place.

Types and symptoms of skin diseases in dogs

1. Bacterial skin infection.

Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of bacterial skin infection in dogs. The ears are most susceptible to bacterial infection. However, symptoms can spread throughout the body. The main symptoms of a bacterial skin infection include a rash, pustules, skin inflammation, hair loss, and severe itching.

2. Fungal skin infection.

A fungal skin infection in dogs is known as ringworm. It is more common in puppies and less common in adult dogs. The fungus is usually found in the skin, in the claws and in the coat. Ringworm usually affects the head and paws. Hair loss is one of early symptoms fungal skin infection in dogs. If the disease is not treated, the infection can progress and lead to the formation of scabs.

Malassezia dermatitis in dogs is also related to fungal skin lesions. This name hides a common yeast fungus, the fungus is not contagious to other animals and people. Since it is part of the habitual microflora, which is constantly present on the skin of the animal, in normal conditions it does not manifest itself in any way, and begins to multiply intensively only when conditions favorable for this are created.

4. Allergic skin diseases.

Allergic skin conditions in dogs can be caused by food allergies, food allergies, chemicals found in soaps and detergents and insect bites. Among them, the most common is atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include a rash and itching of the head, ears, and paws.

Diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in dogs

Since skin conditions can develop in dogs for a variety of reasons, making an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. Diagnosis is usually based on physical examination and medical history dogs. In order to establish the underlying disease, the veterinarian may take blood, urine, feces for analysis and make a skin biopsy. After making a diagnosis and determining the source of the allergy, the doctor prescribes the appropriate medications for treatment.

The actual treatment of a skin disease is based on removing the cause of the problem. If it is a bacterial infection, then the veterinarian may prescribe a course of antibiotic treatment (Cefalen, Sinulox, Xiklav, Tsiprovet). Other common treatments include solutions and ointments to local impact on the affected areas of the skin (Migstim, ointments - Baksinovaya, Iruksovetin, Ranosan, Phytoelita anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, Diclorex). Treatment of an animal with Malassezia dermatitis is desirable to begin with the identification of the underlying cause of the disease. In cases where the underlying disease is not treatable, periodic recurrences of Malassezia dermatitis occur. Then you will need the constant use of antifungal agents, a course of one and a half months (but sometimes more). To cleanse and moisturize the skin, therapeutic and prophylactic shampoos are shown (Globalvet hypoallergenic, Doctor, Dermilen, Meladerm, Essential, Hexovet, Ketovet, Peroxiderm).

If the skin disease is caused by an allergy, then The best way prevent the development of the disease - avoid exposure to the allergen.

It is necessary to remember about proper nutrition(Farmina) and during the period of illness, transfer the dog to a dietary diet, which may consist of using special food for animals with signs of allergies (Vet Life Dog Hypoallergenic Egg & Rice, Vet Life Dog UltraHypo).

An improper diet can lead to problems with the skin, as a lack of trace elements leads to the destruction of hair follicles. Modern dog food is the fruit of numerous studies. Their development sometimes takes years of laboratory research and testing. The decision to switch to homemade food should not be taken lightly, it must be balanced with the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements (Zoovit Balance, Kanvit Biotin, Kanvit with biotin and sea water. Chlorella, Laveta Super Dog, Multi Bust, Multiplex Dog, Polydex Super Vul +, Excel Brewer's yeast d / sob.).

For the treatment of chronic skin diseases, drugs can be prescribed that will have to be given to the dog throughout his life. If your dog is experiencing increased itching or changes in behavior, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian. Timely treatment and proper care of the dog is essential to prevent the development of further complications.

It may seem strange, but skin diseases are quite common in dogs. In veterinary medicine, this is one of the main problems that owners deal with. There are many reasons for this, but the most common are allergic reactions development of infections or genetic predisposition. Usually, skin diseases the owner can see it with the naked eye.

Types of skin diseases in animals

Skin diseases in dogs are classified into different groups depending on what cause caused the pathology:

If the owner discovers that his pet has damage skin, then he should take the animal to the veterinarian immediately. The disease may have obvious symptoms, but sometimes it is very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis, and then treatment can be delayed for a long period.

When the first suspicions of skin diseases appear, the dog owner should take the following actions:

before identifying the cause of the pet’s illness, it is better not to stroke;
it is necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene;
do not allow the dog to climb on the owner's bed;
prohibit contact with young children;
In order not to spread the infection, you should stop combing your pet.

Before visiting the doctor, you should not lubricate the affected areas with brilliant green, iodine and other ointments. You can only cut the hair on the affected areas.

Fungal diseases and their symptoms

Fungal diseases have a common name - dermatophytosis. Especially susceptible to them are those animals whose immunity is weakened, and young individuals. The fungus can cause diseases such as microsporia or trichophytosis. For humans, microsporia is not dangerous. But the second type of illness can lead to infection of the owner and his family members.

Dermatophytosis can be easily transmitted from one animal to another with the help of fungal spores, but the most prone to it are yorkshire terriers. Symptoms caused by a fungal infection of the skin include:

baldness. At the same time, concomitant lesions are not noted and itching is quite rare;
the area of the periungual bed and the claw may be affected. At the same time, it may begin to turn yellow and exfoliate;
in rare cases, nodular lesions may appear skin areas with purulent discharge;
when a severe form of canine disease develops, even the paw pads can be damaged by microspores.

If a dog is diagnosed with a fungal skin disease, then the veterinarian will usually prescribe treatment with special shampoos. Nizoral or Dermazole is usually used, but Imaverol is sometimes prescribed. In this case, it is necessary to undergo a course of therapy with antifungal drugs, which include Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Ketonazole.

In addition, treatment of the bedding and other habitats of the pet is required to destroy fungal spores. It is especially important to pay attention to which parts of the back, dogs begin to scratch. Often the rash can cover the chin and neck. And if the combed place begins to rot, a second examination by a veterinarian is urgently required.

allergic reactions

Another cause of skin lesions in dogs is allergies. In the diagnosis of allergies, it is quite difficult, since it is not easy to identify the allergen. The most common allergens include:

food products;
dust;
insect bites;
pollen from plants;
mold;
household chemicals;
medicines.

Often, four-legged pets are allergic to drugs used to remove fleas, and even the most harmless of them can cause an allergic reaction. The main symptoms of allergies are:

the appearance of severe itching;
the occurrence of salivation;
runny nose;
the appearance of a sudden cough;
nettle fever;
edema.

As a rule, allergic reactions cause a decrease protective properties skin, so after a while rashes may appear, redness, spots, pustules and crust. Due to severe itching and scratching, bald patches may appear.

When an allergy occurs quickly, it is easier to identify it. A veterinarian with a thorough examination can determine and eliminate the cause of such a reaction. More often, it is characterized by the sudden onset of a runny nose and cough. Sometimes hives appear, in which the animal experiences severe itching, and blisters appear in the muzzle area. They can also be present in the groin and under the armpits.

Urticaria usually does not last long. However, a pet during this time, when combing, can bring an infection there. Areas that are inflamed wipe with salicylic alcohol or vodka. Also, at the same time, the dog is given antihistamines, such as Suprastin, Tavegil and others.

Allergic problems and probable allergens are identified in stages. All this includes the following steps:

If your pet has a food allergy, then allergenic foods should be avoided. However, it does not occur very often. Allergies are treated in the following ways:

the ears of the animal are affected, and sulfur accumulates in them (with otodectosis);
the pet experiences severe itching around the neck, paws and head (with sarcoptic mange). Sometimes he combs the affected areas so hard that he combs out the hair from there, and the skin becomes inflamed.

The main symptom of scabies is intense itching. Most often, areas of the skin on the elbows and in the ears are affected. When dog suspects scabies, it must be shown to the veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm or refute the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. In especially severe cases of the disease, everything can end lethal outcome.

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