Skin diseases in dogs: types, symptoms

Skin diseases in dogs: types, symptoms

Skin diseases in dogs: types, symptoms and photos of skin diseases in dogs

Skin problems in dogs can occur for various reasons: allergic reactions, external stimuli (fleas, ticks), viruses and bacteria. Most often, such diseases are difficult to treat, so at the first symptoms it is important to quickly contact a veterinarian.

Causes of skin diseases

The causes of skin diseases can be both internal and external. Only a veterinarian can determine what exactly caused the disease by making the necessary tests. There are several main common predisposing factors to the appearance and development of skin disorders:

  1. Hereditary diseases (some breeds are predisposed to the appearance of dermatitis);
  2. Poor-quality food and water (cheap food not only hits the dog’s liver, but also causes allergies, and in case of a lack of trace elements, the General condition of the animal may be at risk);
  3. Urban living conditions (a pet that lives in four walls and breathes gas and exhaust can not be healthy; in addition, dogs that are walked without overalls in winter are more likely to suffer skin irritations due to reagents).

Symptom of disease

Symptoms directly depend on the type of disease, on the stimulus. However, there are a number of similar signs that should alert any owner:

  • Damage to the skin and hair;
  • Itching: the pet is restless, often rubs and itches;
  • Rise in temperature;
  • Lack of appetite, apathy or anxiety;
  • Swelling and swelling;
  • Suppurations and wounds;
  • Dandruff, hair loss;
  • Discharge from the ear.

It is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to find out the nature of the disease and start treatment. Advanced diseases are difficult to treat and can lead to death.
Video: skin diseases in dogs

Main types of skin diseases in dogs

There are several reasons why skin diseases are classified:

  • Allergic disorders;
  • Fungal diseases (the irritant is fungal bacteria that multiply by spores);
  • Bacterial (occur due to the penetration of harmful bacteria into open wounds);
  • Parasitic (irritants-fleas and ticks).

In addition, certain types include immune diseases, traumatic, and hereditary pedigrees.

Important article on the topic of skin diseases: “Staphylococcal infection in dogs: symptoms, treatment and prevention”.

Skin pathologies associated with the immune system

Diseases caused by deficiencies in the immune system of a particular individual. Most often, such problems are inherited, occur due to improper functioning of the body, the immune system ceases to recognize the body’s tissues and produces antibodies against them.

The most striking example of a skin immune disorder is common pemphigus. The disease lasts for a long time. First, the skin turns red, a blister (bubble) forms at the site of redness, and after the rupture, erosion forms, which is covered with a crust. The danger of the disease is associated viral diseases that pass through unprotected wounds.

The first are affected on the mucous membranes (nose, lips, conjunctiva, mouth); often subject to rashes anal opening, vaginal area, popliteal and ulnar areas interdigital skin folds.

Treatment of the disease is primarily aimed at weakening the immune system. This is done by administering injections of prednisone. Of course, side effects can be much worse than pemphigus (problems with the liver, kidneys, infection with other viruses against the background of weakening of the body), so the course should be carried out under strict medical supervision.
Skin diseases in dogs: types, symptoms and photos
Pictured: pemphigus on the dog’s nose
Skin diseases caused by parasites

Parasites can bring not only certain inconveniences to the pet and the owner. The main symptoms of fleas and other irritants are: severe itching, scabies, excess sulfur in the ears, dandruff, hair loss, the formation of bald spots and wounds (due to active scratching). As a rule, such problems are quickly eliminated with the help of external means (drops, suspensions, powders).

However, some of the insects are really dangerous for the dog. One of them is the Demodex tick, from which the most terrible parasitic disease – demodecosis-came. This parasite constantly lives under the skin of the dog and does not cause trouble as long as the immune system is able to “keep it in check”. When the pet weakens, the Demodex begins to actively reproduce. Because of this, unpleasant but vivid symptoms appear:

hair Loss, noticeable baldness around the eyes and nose of the animal;
Severe persistent itching;
Dirty appearance of the skin;
Oedemata.

As a rule, treatment is not required. Demodex is destroyed when the pet’s immunity is restored. However, aversectin ointment is suitable for accelerated therapy. Hospitals use x-ray therapy.

Read a detailed article on this topic: “Demodecosis (Demodex canis, injai, mange) – a malicious tick in dogs”.

Fungal pathologies

Fungal diseases are one of the most difficult to treat. They multiply by spores, affecting skin cells. All pathologies are United by a single name-dermatomycosis.

The most common hoe-type diseases: dermatophytosis (ringworm) and microspores. Distinctive feature: lichen is dangerous to humans and is simply transmitted to them. Symptoms of diseases: certain areas of the skin become bald, localized in circles, the skin on them flakes off and dies; itching and crusting; delamination of claws. A special feature of microsporia is its green glow under ultraviolet light.

Treatment is reduced to removing the fungus. Initially, you should seek a recommendation from a veterinarian (while observing the rules of personal hygiene, you can not touch the infected animal with bare skin). Your doctor may prescribe a drug vacterl or ointment pits. Microspores treated with shampoos (nizoral), or drugs: of tomical, vaginal, ciples.

In case of a fungal disease, it is important to take all precautions. Disinfect all rooms where the pet was located, wash its toys, pillows, and clothes.

A bacterial disease

Bacterial pathologies – diseases caused by harmful bacteria, they are similar in symptoms and are treated from the inside (antibiotics and antibacterial agents). The most common disease is pyoderma.

Pyoderma is a disease that occurs when the skin is exposed to dangerous microbes: pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci. The accelerated course of the disease is affected by personal diseases of the immune system: diabetes, blood diseases, intestinal problems, and a General decrease in immunity. In addition, pyoderma is often found in animals infected with worms, improperly fed and inactive.

There are 3 variants of the disease: superficial (shallow lesions and loss of hair); shallow (damage to the entire epidermis and hair follicles); deep (muscle tissue is affected). There are also 2 forms of pyoderma: acute (wounds with an unpleasant smell and secretions) and puppy (small pink blisters on the skin of babies).

The main symptoms of pyoderma and other immune skin pathologies:

  • Itching, ulcers, spots;
  • Lethargy, apathy, lack of appetite;
  • The appearance of papules, calluses, lesions of the skin layers;
  • Suppuration of wounds;
  • Stench;
  • Dandruff, hair loss in the affected areas;
  • The sensitivity of the skin;
  • Fervescence.

Treatment of pyoderma

Pyoderma is contagious to humans, so all procedures should be carried out in sterile places, using protective clothing and gloves pre-treated with alcohol.

Treatment is gradual, it begins with the elimination of itching. This is done with the help of certain medications, for example, fucicort (cream), tavegil (solution), suprastin (injection), Devis (shampoo). Before using any product, you need to consult a veterinarian.
Then the pet’s skin is prepared for processing: cut the remaining wool, remove the crusts and scabs with tweezers (pre-soaked with peroxide), remove the pus. After that, the cover need to treat a wound-healing remedy: streptocid, vaginal, allspray.
If the skin is deeply affected and the infection continues to spread through the body, antibiotics are prescribed: tylosin, lincomycin, cephalexin. Before starting the course, it is important to pass a survey to identify personal intolerance to a certain component of drugs. In chronic processes, detoxification is performed.

To prevent further occurrence of the disease, it is important to carry out procedures that restore and strengthen the immune system.

Basics of prevention: treatment of wounds, reducing the frequency of contact with stray animals, a measured seasoned diet, strengthening the immune system with medication, regular examinations at the veterinarian, carrying out hygiene procedures with the help of antibacterial shampoos.

Consequences of diseases: wounds, scars and scars; reduced productivity of the immune system; relapses (in the case of non-treatment, lack of measures to restore immunity).

Allergic pathologies

Read a detailed article on this topic: “Symptoms and manifestations of allergies in dogs: we understand what happens and what to treat”.

Allergic reactions are the most common causes of skin pathologies. They can appear with various external stimuli: plant pollen, food, hygiene products, dust, insect bites, medications. Identifying a specific allergen can be difficult, although the symptoms of such a disease are vivid:

  • Increased salivation;
  • Rash on the stomach or all over the body;
  • Runny nose, cough;
  • Oedemata;
  • Scabies and ulcers;
  • Epileptic seizure.

If you notice any of the symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian for help in identifying the allergen. After that, the treatment will be aimed at blocking the allergic reaction itself and eliminating itching.

Dermatitis of various origins

Dermatitis of various origins can be divided into 2 subgroups:

Traumatic pathology (development due to the constant influence of negative factors on the skin);
Inflammatory processes in the skin folds that are characteristic of certain breeds (Sharpei, Bulldogs, Chow Chow).

Detailed article on the topic: Alopecia (hair loss in dogs): symptoms, causes, treatment

To prevent such “mechanical” problems is simple-do not allow irritating substances to come into contact with the dog and follow the rules of hygiene (in particular, washing skin formations). Otherwise, the folds will start to rot, rot, swell due to the multiplication of bacteria. In this situation, the pet is urgently hospitalized and prescribed treatment with antibiotics and external anti-inflammatory drugs.

Treatment of skin diseases in dogs

Of course, depending on the type of skin pathology, treatment will be selected individually. The direction of action of drugs is determined by the course of the disease. However, for all skin dermatitis, there is a standard scheme (excluding immune pathologies): an antibacterial agent, an antibiotic (in case of complications and the spread of infection through the body) that regulates the immune system and restores it.
Tests and diagnostics

First of all, at the very beginning of treatment, the pet needs to pass a number of tests that will help determine the nature of the disease and the stage of its development. To do this, the animal can take blood, urine, feces, samples of keratinized skin, swabs from the vagina and other parts of the body. Ultraviolet radiation is often used to detect fungal diseases.
Prevention

The principal measures of prophylaxis and prevention of re-emergence of the disease:

  1. Correct diet and drinking regime;
  2. Clean dishes and personal items (combs, sunbed, toys);
  3. No contact with stray animals;
  4. Timely vaccination and treatment against external parasites;
  5. Complete treatment of all bacterial and infectious diseases;
  6. Periodic checkups with a veterinarian;
  7. Frequent home inspections of the skin;
  8. Compliance with hygiene rules (bathing, combing).
  9. Restoration and maintenance of immunity.

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