What ailments do dogs have? Types of skin diseases in dogs

Skin diseases in dogs occupy a leading place in veterinary medicine today. Almost every pet has suffered from dermatitis or allergies at least once in its life.

There are many factors that provoke the development of skin disease: poor ecology, not always competent breeding work, poor quality care for the animal, and much more. Symptoms of skin diseases cause great discomfort to the dog, so treatment should be started without delay.

Causes of the disease

The main causes of skin pathologies include:

• changes in hormonal levels;
• deficiency of vitamins in the body;
• disruption of the activity of internal organs and systems;
• poor care and maintenance;
• poor quality food;
• genetic predisposition.

The list of skin diseases is very extensive, let’s look at the most common of them:

There is no single treatment for skin diseases. The doctor prescribes it after making a specific diagnosis.

Which breeds are more susceptible

The skin disease can be diagnosed in any dog, regardless of gender or age. However, there is a natural predisposition, according to which various skin pathologies can be found in representatives of certain breeds much more often than in other dogs.

For example, acanthosis nigricans is diagnosed primarily in short-haired breeds, most often in dachshunds. Poodles, pinschers, dachshunds, and whippets suffer from hypotrichosis. In these dogs, hairless areas are located on the dewlap, on the outside of the ears.

Bulldogs, St. Bernards, Chow Chows, Spaniels, Pekingese, and Pugs are characterized by inflammation of the skin folds. Samoyeds, Dalmatians, Retrievers, and Dobermans most often suffer from pigmentation disorders. Seborrhea is mainly observed in German shepherds, Dobermans, spaniels, schnauzers, atopic dermatitis - in bulldogs, boxers, pugs, sharpeis, setters, and labradors.

Main symptoms

Each skin disease has its own symptoms, but there are also common symptoms that indicate the presence of skin pathology in a pet. These signs include:

1. Severe itching. The dog is constantly itching, literally tearing its body with its claws. As a result, wounds, abrasions and other damage form on the skin.
2. Shedding not associated with seasonal changes, alopecia.
3. Dandruff, seborrhea.
4. Spots, redness, pigmentation on the skin.
5. Ulcers, abscesses, swelling, acute weeping eczema.

Fungal diseases, as a rule, are not accompanied by itching, burning, or redness of the skin. A characteristic sign is the appearance of bald patches.

With mycosis caused by yeast fungi, the dog experiences baldness, inflamed areas of the skin, and changes in hair growth.

If a dog is bitten by blood-sucking insects, it experiences severe itching and itching. Scratching causes secondary infection and provokes the development of infected dermatitis.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

Diagnosis of skin diseases is associated with certain difficulties, since pathologies have many similar signs. To make an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian needs to conduct a visual examination of the animal, collect anamnesis and perform a number of necessary diagnostic tests.

If allergic dermatitis is suspected, the doctor interviews the owner to identify the etiology of the allergen. In particular, he is interested in the symptoms of the disease, the frequency of relapses, information about the parents, feeding and maintenance features, walking, previous illnesses, etc.

The diagnostic approach depends on a detailed medical history in conjunction with physical and dermatological examination. Mandatory diagnostic methods include:

• blood tests (general, biochemical);
• stool and urine analysis;
• skin scraping;
• trichogramma;
• cytology;
• mycological studies;
• PCR diagnostics of pathogens.

The presence of lichen is determined by using a UV lamp. If cancer is suspected, a skin biopsy is performed.

Treatment and prognosis

There is no single treatment regimen for skin pathologies. For each disease, certain principles of therapy have been developed, which are actually based on eliminating the problem. If the disease is caused by a fungal infection, a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics (Tsiprovet, Cephalen, Xiclav, etc.) is prescribed.

In addition, general treatment procedures are carried out, the purpose of which is to affect the affected areas of the skin. For this, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic solutions, ointments, creams (Migstim, Diclorex, Phytoelita, etc.) are used.

To cleanse and moisturize the skin, therapeutic and prophylactic shampoos (Geksovet, Ketovet, Meladerm) are used.

Since many skin pathologies, in particular allergies, arise due to a weakened immune system and a decrease in the body's protective functions, the principles of therapy are based on increasing the immune response and getting rid of allergens. So, if a dog has a food allergy, a strict hypoallergenic diet with the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements is recommended (only after consulting a veterinarian).

For itching, antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Lominal, Telfast, Gismanal, Trexil) and antipruritic ointments are prescribed. Often itching is accompanied by eczema. For weeping skin lesions, drying ointments and creams are indicated, for dry ones - moisturizing ones.

: corticosteroids (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.), which suppress the inflammatory process and eliminate characteristic symptoms.

As for the prognosis, most skin diseases respond well to treatment, provided that it is started in a timely manner. Chronic diseases are much more difficult to treat. You need to understand that, most likely, skin pathologies such as allergies and chronic dermatitis will haunt your pet throughout his life with periods of exacerbations and remissions.

However, in some cases, when the itching becomes resistant to treatment, or in case of skin cancer, the only humane way to save the animal from suffering is euthanasia.

What to do at home

The owner is required to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. You cannot self-medicate, otherwise irreparable harm will be caused to your pet’s health. Do not exceed the dosage, as this will lead to side effects and complications. You can alleviate the dog’s suffering using traditional methods, but replacing conservative therapy with them is not only ineffective, but also dangerous.

Medicinal plants such as calendula, chamomile, and echinacea are widely used to treat skin diseases. Herbal decoctions and teas are used as lotions and compresses that eliminate symptoms and accelerate skin regeneration.

The use of aloe, which can be called a unique plant, is very effective for treating wounds, rashes, eliminating pain, discomfort and itching. Aloe leaf should be scrolled through a meat grinder or crushed in a blender, squeeze out the juice and soak gauze with it. A compress with aloe is applied to the damaged areas and left for several hours.

During treatment, the dog should be provided with the most comfortable living conditions. In the room where it is kept, it is necessary to wash the floor every day and ventilate it frequently.

Prevention measures

It is impossible to protect your dog from skin diseases, but owners can reduce the risk of infection. To do this, you need to adhere to certain preventive measures:

If your pet’s behavior has changed, he has become lethargic, apathetic, itches constantly, spots, blisters, scratches, and bald spots have appeared on his body, do not delay a visit to the veterinary clinic. Remember that some skin diseases, such as lichen, are also dangerous for humans.

Skin diseases in dogs are becoming more common today. The reason lies in many aspects: improper and inadequate nutrition, deterioration of the ecological atmosphere of the air, a sedentary lifestyle, crossing with infected individuals. Often skin diseases in animals manifest themselves as hereditary predispositions to skin diseases.

Types of skin diseases in dogs

If there is the slightest change in the dog’s hair, contact a veterinary clinic to carry out the necessary tests and make an accurate diagnosis of the disease. Here are some common skin diseases in dogs. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms of the disease

If skin diseases appear in dogs , symptoms are divided into 3 groups.

1. Excruciating itching, in which the dog scratches the body until there are abrasions and scratches.
2. The appearance of new growths on the skin: plaques of different sizes and colors, warts, blisters. On the damaged body of the dog, peeling and redness of the skin develops, which turns into baldness.
3. If the damaged areas of the skin get infected or get microbes, the dog’s skin becomes inflamed, swollen and festers.

Skin diseases in dogs are dangerous for animals and humans. It is important to provide timely medical care to your pet.

Treatment of skin diseases

Selected simple diseases of dogs and skin diseases can be cured at home.

The home flower, aloe, has healing properties. Aloe juice applied to the dog's damaged skin will relieve itching, discomfort and burning sensation. It’s easy to squeeze aloe juice yourself or buy a ready-made product at the pharmacy.

Herbal decoctions have similar effects: chamomile, calendula, echinacea. The drugs reduce pain in the dog, relieve inflammation and eliminate microbial suppuration on the skin.

These drugs are used exclusively in the initial stages of the disease. If complex skin diseases are observed in dogs, treatment is carried out in a veterinary clinic. Before prescribing medications, the doctor is obliged to conduct a full diagnosis of the suspected disease, take appropriate skin tests and blood tests, and remove scrapings from the dog’s skin. After determining the exact diagnosis of the disease, effective treatment is prescribed.

An accurate diagnosis of the disease cannot be made solely by visual examination. It will be necessary to conduct laboratory tests on the dog's hair.

If a doctor, after looking at a dog, immediately prescribes medications, the dog cannot be treated under the guidance of such a doctor. Remember, improper treatment can lead to the death of the animal.

Preventive measures

Dog diseases are often associated with improper maintenance and care. It is necessary to fulfill simple conditions so that the pet remains healthy and alert.

Don't let your four-legged friend suffer, remain a responsible owner.

Skin diseases are quite common in dogs. They can be caused by poor nutrition, heart disease, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal problems and a number of other health problems. Let's look at the main skin ailments of dogs.

Fungal skin diseases

Microsporia occurs mainly in dogs. It is not difficult to detect some pathogens of the disease; to do this, you need to expose your pet to ultraviolet rays, and then the fungal microorganisms will glow green. In some cases, laboratory tests are required to make an accurate diagnosis. It should be remembered that the fungus is also dangerous for humans. It is treated with medications, combined with baths and skin treatments. Dogs with long hair are cut before treatment. To avoid secondary infection, all rooms and places where the dog was are disinfected, and old toys and bedding are thrown away.

Bacterial skin diseases

It is not easy to completely cure pyoderma, even if you turn to professionals. Antiseptics, medicated bathing and antibiotics are used. The disease in its advanced form can cause the pet to develop anemia.

Allergic skin diseases in dogs

An allergy is an antibody response to allergens. The causes of the disease may be different. Let's list the most popular among them.

To eliminate allergies in dogs, you first need to eliminate contact with the allergen. Antihistamines are also prescribed to suppress the reaction, external therapy is carried out with ointments and lotions, and vaccines are used.

Hormonal skin diseases in dogs

Animals are often allergic to the presence of one or another hormone. It will be indicated by such signs as the appearance of dark pigment spots on the pet’s skin, symmetrical hair loss, an unpleasant odor from a sick dog and oily skin. If the problem is associated with excess estrogen, then the pet may develop tumors on the testes. Finally, with excess adrenaline, the dog develops diseases, which result in hair loss and spots on the body.

Some of the most common skin diseases in dogs

This group of diseases includes seborrhea. Signs of the disease are oily skin with an unpleasant odor, the appearance of scales and itching. To treat seborrhea, vitamins, corticosteroids, amino acid agents and estrogens are prescribed. You can also restore the skin by using special soap.

Separately, it should be noted wet eczema, which spreads very quickly. Usually a bacterial infection is added to it. An animal suffering from wet eczema actively chews and tears the skin. Symptoms of the disease also include high fever, vomiting and inflammation of the lymph nodes. Wet, yellow bald spots appear on the skin. Wet eczema should be treated as soon as possible with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Lick granuloma– This is one of the most complex skin diseases in dogs. This is nothing more than chronic dermatitis, spreading mainly to the paws and back area of ​​​​the animal. This disease is not easy to treat; corticosteroids and radiation are used as therapy, the latter method being more effective.

Granulomas occur due to objects getting under the animal’s skin. They get rid of them through surgery, and after it antibiotics are used to prevent the development of bacterial diseases.

Content:

Skin diseases are common pathologies in dogs. This is due to the unfavorable effects of the environment, adynamia, and a predisposition to allergic conditions formed as a result of uncontrolled breeding. When the dog’s immunity is weakened, the dog’s skin becomes vulnerable to microorganisms that are permanent inhabitants of the fur surface.

Dog skin diseases are difficult to treat due to the variety of causes that cause them, as well as the combined effect of several pathogenic agents.

Causes

Dermatitis is caused by the following factors:

It is caused by the saliva of fleas and develops as an allergy. The dog feels severe itching, and multiple wounds appear on its skin as a result of scratching and biting. Hair falls out and bald patches appear. Appetite is lost, aggression occurs, manifested by whining, irritability, and constant barking.

Treatment consists of killing fleas with insecticidal preparations. Anti-flea collars can only have a preventive effect.

Dermatitis caused by subcutaneous mites

Subcutaneous mites are characterized by microscopic sizes, no more than 0.5 mm in length. A distinction is made between demodicosis and scabies. Both diseases develop against the background of immune failure. Demodectic mange, colloquially called iron mange, is caused by an excessively multiplied Demodex canis mite. The insect lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, eating their contents.

Scabies is caused by the mites Notoedrosis and Sarcoptes. They, like Demodex, occur against the background of a malfunction of the immune system. Itching begins immediately when no visible changes are observed on the skin. This is explained by the fact that itches live in the deep layers of the dermis, characterized by intense innervation.

Pruritic scabies is diagnosed at earlier stages than demodicosis, so it is easier to treat. The same drugs are used as for Demodex canis infections in dogs. Seasonal exacerbations of pruritic scabies are not observed, because they live in the deep layers of the skin at a constantly high temperature.

Otodectosis is caused by itch mites. Unlike other types, only the inner surface of the auricle is affected. Before using medications, the dog's ears are cleaned. They use drugs that relieve inflammation and have acaricidal, antimycotic and anticoccal effects. The following products are in demand: Anandin, Aurikan, Tetra-delta, Mastiet-forte.

Effective agents that destroy subcutaneous mites are Ivermectin and Dectomax. Their use is carried out under strict veterinary supervision, because the drugs are toxic to dogs.

Dermatitis caused by microscopic fungi

Fungal infection of the skin (lichen) manifests itself as a second infection when infected with subcutaneous ticks or as an independent disease that occurs against the background of an immune failure. The scalp, ears, tail root and paws are affected. The skin thickens, turns red, eczema occurs, and the hairs stick together. A wide range of medications are used to treat lichen in dogs and cats:

• Mycozon.
• Clotrimazole.
• Fungin.
• Thermikon spray.
• Nizoral shampoo.
• Imaverol.
• Fucoricin.
• Griseofulvin.

Allergic dermatitis

An allergy occurs when the immune system perceives an incoming substance as harmful. In animals with healthy immunoreactivity, such compounds are expelled from the body. For allergy sufferers, they create a frantic inflammatory response.

A hypersensitive reaction appears in the presence of the following stimuli:

• Arthropod saliva.
• Nutrition components.
• Inhaled irritants (atopy):

1. Household chemicals, perfumes, tobacco.
2. Street dust, mold, beebread.
3. Insecticides for plant protection.

The main sign of a hypersensitive reaction is itchy skin. As a result of scratching, the skin is peeled off, exposing red hypodermal tissue. The irritant is determined by the doctor by exclusion. Treatment consists of inactivating histamine and antiseptic treatment of the affected skin.

Dermatitis caused by hormonal imbalances

Hair loss, seborrhea, dry skin, thickening, hyperpigmentation or symmetrical baldness are observed in dogs with hypofunction of the thyroid gland. The disease is diagnosed by the concentration of blood steroids. Mitotane, an adrenal suppressant, is used.

Similar symptoms are observed in male dogs with a testicular tumor. The organ begins to produce estrogens (female hormones). Baldness is accompanied by sagging of the prepuce and development of the mammary glands. Healthy males mistake sick ones for females. Baldness in females can be a consequence of ovarian tumors.

Age-related baldness is sometimes observed in older male dogs. In all cases, the therapeutic effect is achieved by removing the gonads.

Summer dermatitis

In hot weather, the skin of a dog, especially a long-haired one, is vulnerable to factors that can cause inflammation. The pathology develops according to an allergic scenario: the onset of heat turns on the mechanisms of a hypersensitive response to stimuli that arise in a similar situation. Every year, exacerbations of seasonal dermatitis occur in a more severe form.

Skin inflammation can begin with bathing a dog during the summer shedding. Dead hairs stick to the surface of the skin, creating conditions for the development of anaerobic bacteria. Their activity causes itching and the dog scratches itself. At high temperatures, the rate of reproduction of microbes and cold-blooded multicellular organisms increases significantly, and the pathological process develops rapidly.

Fleas join in. The dog loses hair on the croup, hips, and under the ear canal. Eczema develops. The exposed skin surface becomes ulcerated and becomes a convenient target for flies. Flying insects eat away the edges of the wounds and inject eggs into them. The developing larvae make the dog's suffering unbearable. She tears apart those lesions that she is able to reach.

An unbalanced diet of natural products with a predominance of carbohydrates leads to cracking of the skin. Dog owners often complain about flies eating away at the tips of their ears.

Prevention

Regular disinsection and deworming minimize the risk of developing diseases. When keeping dogs in groups in kennels or shelters, veterinary and sanitary regulations must be strictly observed.

Regular vaccination will protect the dog from infectious diseases and increase the ability of immunocompetent cells to resist non-infectious factors that provoke inflammation.

In recent years, skin diseases in dogs and cats occupy one of the leading places among the diseases found in these animal species. Changes in the nature of feeding, deterioration of the ecological characteristics of the environment, the sedentary lifestyle of most small domestic animals, and not always competent breeding work are increasingly making themselves felt. These factors contribute to the emergence and consolidation of various pathological conditions in the gene pool, many of which are accompanied by skin manifestations. Let's briefly talk about the properties and functions of skin:

Skin is an epithelial-connective tissue organ of the animal's body. It provides a barrier function, preventing the loss of water, electrolytes and macromolecules. In addition, the skin mechanically protects the animal from adverse environmental influences and, due to its elasticity, allows 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 the accumulation of vitamins, electrolytes, water, fats, carbohydrates and proteins. The surface of the skin has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, and this, in combination with its immune-regulatory function, helps prevent the development of infections. When exposed to sunlight, vitamin D is synthesized in the skin, and the pigment contained within melanocytes (pigment cells of the skin) prevents the damaging effects of solar radiation.
In practice, a veterinarian has to deal with skin diseases in more than 20% of cases. Moreover, only a small part of them are actually skin problems. Most cases are a skin symptom of an underlying disease of the body. To find out what problem we are talking about, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian, who has a wide range of diagnostic and laboratory research methods at his disposal (blood tests, smears, scrapings from affected areas of the skin, fluorescent diagnostics).

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

Feeding. Today, 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. The animal owner naturally decides which feeding to give preference to. But I would like to warn against unjustified mixing of these types of feeding by the majority of owners. Industrial feeds contain nutrients in a certain proportion according to the type, age and breed of the animal, and adding foods “from the table” to them not only upsets this balance, but also significantly harms the health of the animal. Also, you should not mix food from different manufacturers together, thus trying to diversify the animal’s diet. Food is selected individually for each animal according to the above requirements, provided there are no allergic reactions. Feeding with dry food provides free access to drinking water.
If we are talking about natural feeding, then 70% of the diet should be food of animal origin (beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products) and 30% cereals (rice, buckwheat). With this feeding, it is necessary to include vitamin and mineral supplements in the diet.
The skin primarily reacts to irrational feeding with itching, rash, hair loss, inflammation of the external auditory canals, etc.

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

In winter, avoid walking with your animal on streets treated with deicing agents - this can lead to the development of contact dermatitis of the paw pads. In order to limit the contact of paws with an 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 of short-haired animals are most sensitive).

Sedentary lifestyle Animal feeding often, in combination with improper feeding, leads to metabolic disorders (obesity, hormonal disorders). In such animals, thinning or hair loss may be observed on the skin. The presence of acne, pigment deposition, itching, subcutaneous hemorrhages. But this is only part of the signs indicating an animal disease. Only a veterinarian can determine the cause of their appearance.

Genetics and breeding . There is a breed predisposition to a number of skin diseases, such as acanthosis nigricans occurs primarily in short-haired dachshunds. Crossing with carriers of traits should be avoided. Hypotrichosis (hairlessness of the whole body) found in pinschers, poodles, dachshunds - hairless areas on the outside of the ears, in whippets - on the dewlap. Inflammation of skin folds- in bloodhounds, bulldogs, St. Bernards, chow-chows, spaniels, pugs, Pekingese. When selecting, you should pay attention to the quality of the skin. Seborrhea- schnauzers, spaniels, setters, Dobermans, German shepherds. Pigmentation disorders- Dobermans, retrievers, Afghans, Samoyeds, Dalmatians.

In addition to non-infectious causes of skin diseases, viruses, bacteria, and fungi can play a significant role in the occurrence of pathology. But in such cases, specialist help and adequate treatment are required to establish the cause.
Below we will briefly review the most common skin diseases, classified by clinical manifestations.

Diseases accompanied by peeling skin .

One of the common reasons why owners turn to a veterinarian is that their animals have dandruff. To successfully solve this problem, it 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 desquamation are usually divided into pruritic and non-pruritic. The former include pyoderma, allergic dermatitis from flea bites, atopy, scabies, and food allergies. As a rule, demodicosis, dermatophytosis, and endocrinopathies uncomplicated by secondary pyoderma occur without itching. Peeling without itching can also be a consequence of insufficient ambient humidity.
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 dysfunctions of either the keratinizing epithelium or the skin glands. Such disorders, as a rule, are hereditary and this must be brought to the attention of breeders so that sick animals are not allowed for breeding. This group of diseases includes:

• primary idiopathic seborrhea (predisposed breeds - American and English cocker spaniels, Dobermann, Irish setter);
• dystrophy of hair follicles (Doberman, Rottweiler, Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Setter, Chow Chow, Poodle, Great Dane);
• zinc-dependent dermatosis (some breeds of huskies);
• acne (bulldogs, boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, 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. Peeling associated with primary keratinization defects is much more difficult for reliable control and requires lifelong use of local and systemic treatment.

Diseases accompanied by rash .

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

Pyotraumatic dermatitis (acute weeping dermatitis)- a common skin disease in animals caused by self-trauma and complicated by secondary bacterial microflora. The basis of this disease is itching caused by allergies. Seasonality of the disease is often noted; most cases are recorded during the warm and humid seasons.
Pyotraumatic dermatitis develops quickly. In this case, clearly demarcated erythematous spots are noted, slightly rising above the surface of healthy skin, resulting from severe self-trauma (scratching, gnawing). There is no hair in these areas for the same reason. Occasionally, although rarely, multiple lesions may be observed. A constant phenomenon with pyotraumatic dermatitis is pain or itching. In most cases, the spots are localized in the lumbar region. Predisposed breeds include German Shepherd, Retriever, Collie, and St. Bernard. No gender or age predisposition was noted.

Intertrigo (skinfold pyoderma) develops as a consequence of anatomical defects, due to which conditions are created (humidity, heat) for the intensive reproduction of bacteria. There are intertrigos of labial, facial, perivulvar and caudal folds. Fungi of the genus may be found in lesions in some animals Malassezia which increase inflammation.
Intertrigo is characterized at the beginning by erythema and exudation, then erosions, ulcers and fistulous tracts develop. Frequent companions of this condition are itching and an unpleasant odor that occurs due to insufficient ventilation of the skin.
Cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, St. Bernards, and Irish setters are predisposed to intertrigo of the labial folds. Intertrigo of the facial fold is characteristic of brachiocephalic breeds (English bulldog, boxer). Pyoderma of the perivulvar fold is often observed in obese bitches with an underdeveloped vulva. Intertrigo of the caudal fold is observed in breeds with short, tightly curled tails, such as English and French bulldogs, and Boston terriers. The generalized form of the disease is most common in Shar-Peis.

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

• hypersensitivity (atopy, contact, feed, insect);
• endocrinopathies (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism);
• invasive diseases (demodex, scabies, helminthiasis);
• idiopathic disorder of skin immunity.

Impetigo (puppy pyoderma)- a benign condition in which a rash forms in the inguinal and axillary areas of immature dogs. These lesions may be accompanied by mild itching and are discovered incidentally during routine examination. Streptococci are most often responsible for the occurrence of impetigo. A predisposing factor is poor care of puppies, although impetigo can also occur in puppies that have proper care. As a secondary phenomenon, impetigo can occur with some viral diseases, such as canine distemper.

Folliculitis characterized by a deeper spread of inflammation of the hair follicle than with ostiofolliculitis. A common cause of folliculitis in the muzzle area (facial 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 may disappear without a trace, and in some cases (with the development of furunculosis) - with scarring. In cats, no breed, age or sex differences have been noted for this condition.

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

Diseases accompanied by the formation of “nodes”.

The formation of nodules on the skin of dogs and cats is a common reason for visiting a veterinarian. In this case, the main question that needs to be clarified is whether the node is a manifestation of a neoplastic process or is it a consequence of an inflammatory reaction of the skin. The answer to this question will allow you to make a decision on an adequate treatment method and determine the prognosis, which is very important for the animal owner both from the point of view of the opportunity to help the pet and from the point of view of saving money.
Some neoplastic diseases show a breed predisposition. Thus, 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 is more common in Boxers, Bull Terriers, Pekingese, Scotch Terriers, and Black Terriers than in other dog breeds. Beagles, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are prone to skin lymphoma.
The age of the animal is also an evaluative factor in the likelihood of a particular neoplasm. Age information can also sometimes help determine the type of tumor. For example, histiocytoma is typical for animals of younger (up to 2 years) age, while mastocytoma (mast cell tumor) occurs in older animals.
A very small number of skin diseases accompanied by the formation of nodules have a gender predisposition. These include metastases from breast tumors in females, as well as inflammatory nodes on the back in males with tubular adenoma of the testicle (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 progressing lymphoma, can be painful, which can also lead to self-injury.
The presence or absence of pigment changes indicates the presence or absence of an inflammatory component in the pathological process.
The pattern of changes in appearance and the rate at which the lesion increases in size can provide useful information regarding the biological behavior of the neoplastic mass. Mastocytomas that progress slowly over several months are not highly 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 hematogenously.

Pigmentation disorders.

Pigmentation of the skin and fur 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 “correctness” of the pigmentation of the animal’s skin and fur. Therefore, its violations often upset animal owners, even if the latter do not show any clinical signs of pathology.

Acromelanism. Some cat breeds (Siamese, Balinese, Himalayan and Burmese), which are characterized by the presence of hyperpigmented areas of the skin, were selected for this very trait. Kittens born with even color throughout the body develop pigmentation on the ears and legs in response to lower body temperature in these areas. For the same reason, pigment spots form in areas devoid of hair due to either baldness or preparation of the surgical field. Newly regrown hair is hyperpigmented for only one growth cycle, although it may remain so for a longer period of time.

Lentigo common in adult dogs. Hyperpigmented spots (single or grouped) 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 ginger cats, lentigo appears as hyperpigmented spots in the area of ​​the mucocutaneous junctions of the head. Lentigo is purely a cosmetic problem. No treatment has been developed.

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

Primary acanthosis nigricans. The disease affects dachshunds of both sexes under the age of 1 year. At the beginning, the lesions are limited to bilateral hyperpigmentation, alopecia and acanthosis of the skin of the axillary areas. Subsequently, in some dogs, the 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 acanthosis nigricans. Any inflammatory reaction of the skin in the ventral part of the body, accompanied by acanthosis and hyperpigmentation, can be described as acanthosis nigricans, although in this case the term is not very precise. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a better 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, fur and mucous membranes and lasts from several months to several years. The process may involve paw crumbs and claws. In dogs, lesions initially appear around the nasal planum and muzzle and are distributed symmetrically, whereas in cats there may be a more generalized pattern of distribution. Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, black schnauzers and Siamese cats, as well as their crosses, are predisposed to vitiligo. In animals, this condition is not associated with any systemic or neoplastic disease. In cats and dogs, areas of the skin that have previously been subject to traumatic injury are relatively often depigmented. The affected skin and hair appear structurally normal. Depigmented hairs can be located either in groups or singly throughout the coat. Vitiligo in animals is purely a cosmetic problem. No treatment has been developed.

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

Patchy baldness.

Patchy (focal) alopecia in animals is a common phenomenon in clinical practice. Baldness can be in the form of one round spot on any part of the body or multiple, giving the coat the appearance of “moth-eaten fur.” Diseases that manifest as focal alopecia may be pruritic, non-pruritic, or may become pruritic over time without being so at first. Among dermatoses that manifest a similar clinical picture, some are common, others less common. The described phenomenon is observed in particular in trichophytosis, microsporia, demodicosis, allergic diseases, folliculitis, alopecia areata, follicular dysplasia, color mutation alopecia, scabies, Malassezia dermatitis, dermatomyositis, zinc-dependent dermatosis.

Symmetrical baldness.

Dermatoses accompanied by non-pruritic baldness in animals are a fairly common reason for visiting a veterinarian. Currently, it is customary to classify diseases with such manifestations as various types of endocrinopathies. Such animals require hormonal examination and treatment.

Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi .

Malassezia dermatitis of dogs. Recently, a number of skin diseases in dogs (atopic dermatoses, otitis externa) have been complicated by yeast fungi of the genus Malassezia, especially Malassezia pachydermatis. Dogs of all breeds are susceptible to Malassezia dermatitis, but basset hounds are particularly susceptible. Skin lesions that are associated with Malassezia pachydermatis may be localized or generalized. Affected areas usually include the external auditory canal, muzzle, ventral neck, axillary cavities, groin area, and interdigital skin folds. Most often, the disease is characterized by erythema, alopecia, and dry or oily seborrhea. In chronic cases, lichenification and hyperpigmentation are observed. The itching varies from mild to extremely severe. Skin lesions are often accompanied by an unpleasant odor, especially in places such as the neck, axillary fossae, and ears.

Acarodermatoses.

Tick-borne dermatoses dogs and cats occupy a significant place among skin diseases in these types of domestic animals. Diseases caused by these arthropods are usually accompanied by severe itching, scratching, baldness, and 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 closest attention must be paid to the treatment of these dermatoses.
For veterinary dermatological practice, the most important are acarodermatoses such as notoedrosis, sarcoptic mange, otodectosis And demodicosis. These diseases affect both dogs and cats, but with varying frequencies. Thus, notoedrosis and otodectosis are more often recorded in cats, sarcoptic mange and demodicosis - in dogs.

Atopic dermatitis.

Atopy is called a hereditary predisposition to the formation of antibodies against allergens from the environment (pollen, poplar fluff, house dust, etc.). Since atopy is a polyetiological disease with a variety of clinical manifestations, its diagnosis and treatment pose 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. Food allergy, and in dogs also pyoderma, can also contribute to the complication of the disease. The clinical manifestations and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats are largely similar, but there are also differences.

In dogs, atopic dermatitis most often occurs between the ages of 1 and 3 years and affects from 3 to 15% of the entire population of animals of this species, regardless of gender. Breeds susceptible to this disease include terriers (WHWT, Scotch, Fox), golden and Labrador retrievers, boxer, cocker spaniels, 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 face, 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 than others to be affected by a yeast infection (Malassezia), which is facilitated by inflammation and oily seborrhea. In the interdigital spaces, ideal conditions for the proliferation of fungi are created due to increased humidity and relatively higher skin temperature in these areas.

Prokopenkova I.A., veterinarian

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