Traditional treatment for skin diseases in dogs. Skin diseases of dogs: symptoms and methods of treating diseases

Responsibility for illnesses and illnesses of pets lies entirely on the shoulders of the owners, because our smaller brothers do not know how to talk and will not be able to report unpleasant sensations.

In order not to neglect the treatment of the disease, you need to diagnose the disease in time and take appropriate measures, and even better - carry out constant prevention. There can be many, but the consequences can be different. This article will discuss skin diseases, diagnostic methods and treatment methods.

In order to identify a skin disease in a dog, you need to remember what skin is. It is an organ of the immune system that represents the primary barrier through which all foreign substances pass. Some of them pass inside (medicines, ointments, etc.), and some (viral life forms, infections) are rejected by antibodies.

Skin ailments are primarily a disorder of the immune system, which can be caused by poor nutrition, deficiency of vitamins or microelements.

Diseases of the endocrine system are in second place in terms of frequency of occurrence. Deficiency of certain hormones and enzymes can cause non-viral skin diseases and irritations, even with a normal balanced diet.

Another reason may be impaired function of the sebaceous glands. Hypertrophy of the sebaceous canals, hypofunction or hyperfunction. All these ailments disrupt the balance of sebum and interfere with the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Abscess

A situation where a foreign substance entering the body is wrapped in a film that should isolate the substance until the body produces antibodies. If the immunological response process is delayed or the virus is too strong, an abscess occurs. White blood cells that become trapped within the film are absorbed by the virus and increase the size of the abscess. Sooner or later, the film will not withstand the pressure and the pathogen will penetrate the bloodstream, which will lead to systemic infection and blood poisoning. To get rid of an abscess, you need to call a veterinarian, and while you wait for his arrival, apply a warm compress of celandine or an alcohol lotion.

lupus erythematosus

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune chronic disease in dogs. It provokes endocrine system disruption when the body is attacked by its own cells.

The incidence of the disease is high, predisposition plays a big role.

REFERENCE. Lupus is most often found in collies, poodles, Scottish and German shepherds.

This autoimmune disease most often affects females aged 2 to 8 years. The disease is hereditary, but inflammation and severe bacterial or viral infections can lead to infection.

Veterinarians also believe that lupus can progress due to certain pharmacological drugs or UV irradiation. Symptoms do not appear until the pet is 6 years old.

The course of the disease can be either gradual or acute.

The main symptom is bleeding from the nasal canal, which forms ulcers on the skin around the nose if left untreated. At this stage, active degradation of connective tissue already occurs. The integrity of the joints, and at the same time the bone tissue, is compromised. The result is polyarthritis. An increase in body temperature is often noted.

In some cases, disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system (epileptiform seizures) occur. Lupus is accompanied by anorexia and a malfunction of the urinary system.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis in dogs is accompanied by pustular lesions of the skin in the area of the hair follicles. The causes are staphylococcus, hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands.

Favorite places for folliculitis - areas of the forehead, cheeks, neck, nose.

IMPORTANT! Some muzzles or collars made of low-quality fabric can provoke this disease.

The infected area should be treated with brilliant green or formaldehyde. If there are a large number of pustules, treat with ultraviolet radiation. In special cases, the use of antibiotics and vitamin complexes is prescribed.

If a relapse or systemic damage to the skin is observed, the following procedures are performed:

autohemotherapy;
therapeutic tissue treatment;
ultraviolet irradiation;
blood filtration.

The veterinarian also diagnoses the presence of diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract, since they can also cause folliculitis in pets.

Specialized drugs are used to regulate intestinal microflora. If the disease worsens, you need to adjust your diet and include dietary supplements in your diet.

Phlegmon

Phlegmon is an acute purulent inflammation, which goes side by side with necrosis of loose tissue.

The reason for the occurrence of this disease in dogs is the penetration of purulent bacterial masses into the tissues. In addition to phlegmon, there may be a complication with purulent inflammation.

During the development of phlegmon in dogs, characteristic clinical symptoms are observed. So, at the first stage, swelling appears in the form of hot inflammatory edema, which has a rather dense and hard structure.

Important! At the same time, the skin is in a tense state, and its boundaries are smoothed. Upon palpation, it is diagnosed that the temperature of the areas around the inflammatory edema is significantly increased.

The animal experiences a sharp deterioration in its condition, depression, apathy, refusal to eat, rapid pulse and difficulty breathing. Increasing leukocytosis occurs in the blood with an increase in the number of neutrophils. In the future, the swelling is limited and necrosis begins.

At the same time, the amount of infiltrate increases, and intoxication of the body occurs. To make a diagnosis, a puncture is performed.

Boils

A boil on the skin of animals is formed due to inflammation of the sebaceous glands, hair follicles and loose fiber. The source is staphylococcus.

Factors contributing to the development of the disease:

various skin injuries (scratches, burns);
metabolic disorder;
polyhypovitaminosis;
acne;
seborrhea.

A furuncle is a dense swelling that has the shape of a cone. It hurts a lot and sometimes reaches the size of a walnut. As the boil matures, a yellowish-gray spot appears at its tip. This means that the purulent necrotic core of the boil is firmly established in the skin.

In the center of this rod there is a hair. If the boil opens on its own, the rod may come out along with the pus. However, the pus spreads to nearby areas of the skin and forms new boils.

Abscesses and ulcers

An abscess is a local lesion of the skin or subcutaneous tissues, accompanied by the formation of pus. Every responsible dog breeder eventually acquires the skills of a trainer, nutritionist and veterinarian in one bottle. Fights, brawls, damage are often quite common situations that pass without obvious consequences. But what to do if you find an abscess on your dog’s stomach, face, or paws?

An abscess is an inflammatory process that requires support, therapy and treatment. According to the advice of dog handlers and the norms for keeping pets, the dog must be examined by the owner after each walk. You need to look out for ticks, injuries, bites, scratches. The most common causes of suppuration are damage caused in a fight. Dogs use all their weapons - claws, paws, teeth. Dogs' claws are not as sharp as those of cats, but they leave wider cuts, which means there is a larger vulnerable area for infection.

Animals on range come into contact with soil, which contains many bacteria and infections. If the pet's immune system is weakened, foci of inflammation and purulent areas may appear in the dog's abdomen, chest, armpits, and groin.

Advice! It is necessary to treat the wounds with antiseptic preparations and ointments, peroxide, and you can apply a patch or bandage.

Frostbite

Occurs due to tissue hypothermia. A common mistake is rubbing the frostbitten area. This aggravates the situation, because liquid crystals scratch the skin and walls of blood vessels.

If the ears are frostbitten, you need to apply a warm, but not hot, compress to the ears, immobilize the dog, to prevent frozen liquid crystals from traveling through the bloodstream and damaging nearby tissue. If your paws are frostbitten, you can warm them up in a warm bath.

Other skin diseases

Seborrhea

This is an extremely common condition in dogs, especially those with long hair. The first symptom is an unpleasant odor. Seborrhea can be transmitted genetically and appears at an early age; as the animal ages, it constantly progresses. Also the causes of this disease are:

Seborrhea can be of three types: oily, dry and mixed.

With dry seborrhea, your pet's skin secretes excess sebum. It accumulates in the dog's armpits and ears, on the elbows, in the lower abdomen, and also near the ankle. Due to the strong fat content, an unpleasant odor occurs. The dog scratches the affected areas all the time, which leads to bleeding, irritation, hair loss, vulnerability to infections.

The following breeds are most susceptible to seborrhea:

West Highland White Terriers;
basset hounds;
American Cocker Spaniels;
English Springer Spaniels;
Labrador Retrievers;
German Shepherds;
golden retrievers;
Shar Pei.

For a detailed diagnosis, you need to carry out a list of studies in a veterinary clinic, to exclude the chance of primary diseases that can provoke seborrhea, such as an allergic reaction. To do this, skin samples are examined and blood and stool tests are taken.

Treatment

Independent

IMPORTANT! First of all, you need to consult a doctor so as not to develop complex diseases.

At the veterinary hospital

The doctor conducts a detailed analysis, possibly using a biopsy method (analysis of a sample of the affected area), after which he prescribes a course of medication, a list of physiotherapeutic procedures, as well as recommendations regarding diet and physical activity.

Which dogs are most susceptible?

Short-haired and smooth-haired breeds are at risk, who lack powerful protective hair. Exotic breeds brought to Russia from abroad are especially susceptible.

Follow a proper diet. Remember that the dog’s body was formed under certain nutritional conditions, which are not recommended to change. The basis of nutrition is raw meat and animal by-products, milk and cottage cheese, a minimum of cereals and vegetables, no sweets containing sugar. It is this diet that will allow you to get all the necessary nutrients and remain a healthy pet.

You also need to carry out hygiene procedures: brush the dog once a week and bathe it once a month with hypoallergenic shampoo.

Monitor your dog's health closely. Visit your veterinarian several times a year, even if there is no apparent reason. Sometimes it is better to prevent dangerous diseases at the initial stage than to spend a lot of money on treatment later.

Skin lesions differ from other dog diseases in that they are primarily visually detected by their owners. This especially applies to city dogs living in apartments, and of them, first of all, to short-haired and small ones.
Up to 3/4 of skin lesions in dogs are usually related in one way or another to fleas and, in particular, scratching and their infection. Many of these diseases are purely local and non-contagious and can be easily cured by the owners themselves in the usual way, like their own pimples.

Unfortunately, not everything is so simple, and it is unacceptable to treat all dog skin diseases in this way. It is better to be overly cautious and once again share your concerns with your doctor. This is necessary because the skin of dogs can be subject to specific and highly contagious infections for both humans and other animals.

To prevent your dog from becoming infected:

Do not use other people's care items and equipment.
Do not allow her contact with stray and domestic dogs that have visible baldness or any sores on the skin.
Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats.

However, owners themselves can bring some skin infections into the house with outdoor shoes.

The dog cannot tell about the location and nature of the ailments. It is the doctor’s task to understand and prescribe treatment. It is the dog’s owner’s responsibility to immediately collect as much information about the dog’s physical condition as possible after detecting symptoms of damage to its skin and contact a doctor. Please keep in mind that, despite all the obviousness of the manifestations and the fairly early detection of skin diseases, many of them are quite difficult to diagnose, and treatment can take a long time.

At the slightest suspicion of a serious dog skin disease, you must:

Stop brushing your dog's fur immediately to avoid spreading infection.
Ban people from petting the dog.
Avoid contact between the dog and children.
Observe strict personal hygiene rules.
Do not allow your dog to sleep on your bed until fully recovered.

To avoid masking the symptoms of the disease, before visiting the veterinarian, it is forbidden to smear sore areas with iodine, brilliant green or any ointments. You are only allowed to wash the affected areas of the skin with salicylic alcohol and trim the hair on and around the affected area of skin.

Be prepared that your veterinarian may need to examine microscopic scrapings of your dog's skin and fur to diagnose the disease. You will need to ensure that material can be safely collected for analysis. In principle, this procedure is quite painless for the dog, but it can still cause some anxiety.

>For treatment, ointments, emulsions and solutions are widely used, which are clearly unpleasant for the dog. When used externally, they are safe and can only stain surrounding objects, but if they get into the mouth (by licking) they can cause poisoning. Therefore, to prevent licking and scratching of the treated areas and the spread of infection throughout the body, a sick dog should be wearing a muzzle.

Many experts prefer to use a more universal tool instead of a muzzle: the so-called “Elizabethan collar.” This homemade “collar” is a wide ring made of lightweight cardboard, cut along a radius. The internal diameter of such a ring should be 20 - 30% larger than the diameter of the dog’s neck, and the external diameter depends on its size and the desired degree of restriction of its freedom of movement. Along the radial cut, on both sides along oblique lines, a series of holes are drilled for lacing, through which the ring, after being put on the dog’s neck, should be pulled together into a more or less flattened cone.

It should be noted that such a “structure” is not always calmly perceived by the animal, which can make every effort to free itself from it and create a mess. Therefore, it is best after treating the dog to sit next to it for 30 - 40 minutes, stopping its attempts to lick the medicine and free itself from the restrictor.

Instead of the “Elizabethan collar,” similar structures can be used to restrict the dog’s movements, made from polyethylene flowerpots or buckets with the bottoms removed and cut lengthwise, tightening them around the dog’s neck in the manner described above. However, being too rigid, such structures are especially unpleasant for the dog and can even injure him. It is safer for the same purposes to use a boot cut lengthwise from old rubber boots, of course, provided that the bell of the boot is commensurate with your dog’s head.

To avoid scratching in case of skin diseases, the dog's hind legs should also be bandaged with cotton wool until the claws are hidden or wrapped in strips of thick material, and children's socks or mittens should be put on top. Let the dog show off around the apartment in these “shoes” for a while.

In a healthy dog, seborrhea is practically absent or invisible. If dandruff does occur, it is most often observed at the base of the tail and ears, on the face and chest, in the folds of the skin where they are present, and on the elbow and hock joints.
Dandruff with seborrhea can be very profuse and accompanied by itching. There are two types of seborrhea:

Dry.
Fat.

Seborrhea of the first type is characterized by dry, scaly, crumbling dandruff with obvious dry skin. Oily seborrhea, on the other hand, is characterized by excess sebum, brown patches on the skin, oily dandruff flakes clinging to the fur, and a rancid odor.

The appearance of any dandruff in a dog can be not only the initial symptom of contagious skin diseases, but also some serious internal diseases that require long-term treatment.

Dry dandruff is often just a consequence of too intensive degreasing of the dog's skin, which is important for small sofa dogs that are bathed too often with inappropriate detergents. Large dogs tend to not be bathed as often.

Dry dandruff can also be caused by a lack of fat in the dog's food. In this case, try feeding her a teaspoon or dessert spoon of vegetable oil (preferably olive or peach) daily for some time. If there is no improvement and the itching intensifies, consult a doctor. The causes of oily dandruff are always more serious, and if it is detected, you should consult a doctor immediately.

The veterinarian may also prescribe some internal remedies for the treatment of the underlying disease, the symptom of which is seborrhea.

Intense itching of the skin can be caused by insect bites: fleas and midges. If its source is clear, then the measures are as follows:

If it is vile, then it is enough to treat the scratches with iodine, brilliant green, alcohol, calendula tincture, etc.
If it is fleas, then an insecticidal bath is necessary.
After the washed dog has dried, the combs are disinfected with the same means.

If the itching continues even after removing the fleas, then a mandatory consultation with a veterinarian is required. To relieve your dog's itching, you can use your own sedatives and at the same time reduce his anxiety with an Elizabethan collar and bandaging his hind legs.

Such skin mites belong to different genera and species and, according to their generic names, diseases are distinguished, of which the most common in dogs are:

Pruritic scabies (sarcoptic mange, notoedrosis).
Ear scabies (otodectosis).
Ironwort (demodectic mange).

All these diseases at the everyday level are united under the name scabies. Some forms of such scabies are contagious to humans, but, fortunately, they heal themselves quite quickly. These diseases are quite widespread in cities due to stray dogs and cats, of which approximately 20-30% are affected by ticks of various forms. Dogs become infected either from each other or through cats whose owners allow them to roam wherever they please.

The disease is usually very serious and is not limited to the surface of the skin. Itching mites not only injure the dog’s skin and mechanically irritate the nerve endings in it. This causes itching and varying degrees of inflammation. The dog's metabolism is disrupted and exhaustion develops. In advanced severe cases, everything ends in the death of the animal.

With ear scabies, the lesions are localized in the auricle, but with the development of general intoxication, the inflammation spreads to the middle and inner ear and further to the meninges.

Treatment of scabies is usually comprehensive, aimed at destroying mites and calming itching, and at the same time, strengthening the immune system and improving skin regeneration processes. It should be noted that in some animals complete recovery and freedom from ticks does not occur, and the disease subsequently recurs from time to time.

After successful intensive treatment and complete hair restoration, sometimes the dog gets sick again. A variety of factors can contribute to this: stress, changes in hormonal state (estrus, whelping), etc. This is especially true for demodicosis, in which intrauterine infection is also possible. Therefore, you should not get puppies from a bitch who has had demodicosis and take puppies from her.

Ringworm in dogs includes a set of infectious diseases that affect the skin, hair follicles and the hair itself of all domestic animals and humans. The causative agent of these diseases are various types of dermatophyte fungi, colloquially called ringworm, and one of the least attractive forms of this ringworm is commonly called scab. Different forms of ringworm are named according to the generic affiliation of the fungi that cause them: trichophytosis, microsporosis, favus (scab).

Damp weather during the warm season favors the spread of the disease. The literature describes cases of ringworm transmission by blood-sucking insects. But the main distributors of disease pathogens are sick stray animals. Some forms of ringworm are highly contagious to people. Self-medication and delaying a visit to the veterinarian are unacceptable in this case, as it risks the possibility of subsequent treatment with the dog and all members of your family. Dogs with ringworm are successfully treated.

The disease is characterized by the appearance on the skin of clearly defined spots of a round or oval shape, devoid of hair and outlined by a reddish or brownish border. Sometimes such spots appear at the base of the claws, between the toes and on the flesh of the paws. Such spots quickly increase in size, the skin on them has a flaky surface, covered with scales or crusts. It may be reddish! Within the spots, the skin may also have a clearly convex surface covered with a dark brown or gray crust. At a certain stage, the skin of hairless spots becomes inflamed and covered with small pustules. With fungal diseases, unlike scabies, itching is either slight or completely absent. Treatment should begin at the very first suspicion of ringworm!

The most important thing in the treatment of ringworm is the strictest compliance with all medical instructions and procedures. Treatment can be lengthy and requires patience and perseverance, since the prescribed procedures will need to be performed for a long time, sometimes up to 3 - 4 weeks, and sometimes several times a day. It is important to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene!

Human dermatologists now have powerful broad-spectrum fungicidal agents available for both external (eg, clotrimazole) and internal use. These funds are also applicable in veterinary practice. Their only drawback is their high cost, but they can cure fungal skin lesions quite quickly.

Hygiene rules for a dog with ringworm:

Old brushes, combs and all grooming items should be destroyed and replaced with new ones, and new ones should be periodically disinfected.
The bedding of a sick dog should be changed regularly, washed with boiling water.
It is advisable to periodically treat all surfaces around the dog's bed with a chloramine solution.
Both the dog's collar and leash should be treated with chloramine or formaldehyde, and it is better to replace them with new ones.

Skin inflammations with various causes. In some cases, they are associated with the age of the dogs or are confined to certain areas of their body.
In puppies and dogs in the first years of life, there are purple and purulent pustules and blisters on the chin and lips, as well as on the hairless part of the abdomen and in the groins.
Dogs of any age have acne, pustules and papules along the back and in the area of the knee joints.

Your help for your dog with dermatitis may consist of washing the painful areas with bactericidal soap, followed by daily treatment of the pustules with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. If this is not enough, you should contact your veterinarian. He may prescribe antibiotic ointments or even oral antibiotics for your dog. Puppies 2 - 6 months (up to 1 year) may have a cutaneous form of distemper.

For dogs, allergens can be the same substances as for people:

House dust.
Mold.
Plant pollen.
Insect bites
Certain food products, especially those with all sorts of “environmentally friendly” chemical improvers of their quality and appearance.
Medicines, in particular penicillin or syntomycin.
Household chemicals (insecticides, washing powders, shampoos), etc.

Especially often, allergies in dogs are the result of too diligent removal of fleas, even with the use of the safest insecticides from the pyrethroid group.

Just like in people, allergic reactions in dogs can occur either immediately after contact with an allergen, or after some, sometimes quite long, time.

Immediate allergic reactions are expressed by the following symptoms:

Sudden cough.
Runny nose.
Drooling.
Edema.
Nettle fever.

Nettle fever is characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy skin blisters on the face, inside the ears, groin and armpits. Hives usually appear within a few tens of minutes after a single contact with the allergen and disappear spontaneously after about a day. However, completely similar phenomena in a gentle indoor dog can occur without any contact with allergens as a purely neurological reaction to some kind of owner’s punishment or even cruel verbal scolding.

Despite the transience of nettle fever, it is necessary to treat it to prevent scratching and subsequent suppuration. For oral treatment, give the dog diphenhydramine, tavegil or suprastin 3 times a day, and wipe the inflamed areas of the skin with salicylic alcohol or just vodka.

The causes of immediate allergic reactions are usually the easiest to identify. To identify and eliminate the cause, you only need to conduct a thorough investigation.

It is much more difficult to identify and eliminate the causes of delayed allergic reactions, which can sometimes appear even several weeks after the first contact with the allergen. Such reactions, in addition to sneezing and coughing, can be expressed in the form of spontaneous vomiting, diarrhea and allergic dermatitis, sometimes with severe itching, debilitating the dog. In dogs, asthma and bronchitis have even been described as a consequence of such allergic reactions. But similar reactions can also manifest themselves in changes in coat color, especially in light-colored dogs: patches of “rusty-colored” fur appear around the eyes, in the corners of the lips, in the spaces between the fingers, at the root of the tail and in the genital area.

In case of delayed reactions, in order to identify the allergen, a long-term investigation will need to be carried out together with the veterinarian and in parallel with the treatment of the dog prescribed by him. At the same time, first of all, exclude an insecticidal collar or medallion if you still decide to make your dog happy with it. Then remove from your dog's environment all plastic and rubber products (“toys”) that she chews and gnaws. Try to change something else in her life, in particular, try to reconsider all the foods you feed her. If you use branded dog food, then either give it up altogether or change the company and brand.

If you have no reason to attribute your dog’s allergy to any of the branded foods, then think about the products that you systematically feed him. Try making radical changes to your dog's generally monotonous diet.

All detected neoplasms cannot be ignored, even if they do not bother the dog at all. They may be the beginning of a serious illness. Just don’t overdo it in your worries, mistaking an extra unpaired nipple on the dog’s chest or belly for some kind of tumor - this has happened!

In case of inflammation and pain of any new growths, as well as a noticeable increase in their size, contact your veterinarian immediately. Any solid tumors in the soft tissues of the mouth or on the bones of the skeleton can be very dangerous.

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.

Unfortunately, skin diseases in dogs are not uncommon today. There can be many reasons for this problem, ranging from poor nutrition to poor environmental conditions. Skin diseases in dogs - symptoms and treatment with photos, as well as preventive measures are described below.

Types of skin diseases in dogs

If you notice any changes in your pet's coat, the first thing you should do is ask a doctor for help. Only a specialist will be able to correctly take the necessary tests and accurately diagnose the disease. To begin with, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most common skin problems. The skin conditions in dogs described below will help you determine what is wrong with your pet.

Skin diseases in dogs and their signs are given below.

It should be noted that the above ailments pose a danger not only to the pet, but also to the breeder. So if you notice symptoms or even a slight manifestation of them, then the dog needs help as quickly as possible. Of course, the best option would be to consult a veterinarian, but there are certain rules that every dog owner should know.

Treatment of skin diseases

It is quite possible to rid your pet of some ailments, if they are uncomplicated, on your own. As practice shows, the flower, which is found in almost every home, has excellent healing properties. We are talking about aloe, which can be used for treatment. The healing juice of this plant must be applied to damaged areas of the skin. This treatment will relieve your pet of itching and burning, as well as discomfort in general - you can prepare the juice yourself or purchase it at the pharmacy.

It should also be noted that other herbal decoctions are characterized by almost similar properties. For example, you can use echinacea, calendula or medicinal chamomile for treatment. In addition to the fact that these herbs significantly reduce the pain of your pet, they also help relieve the inflammatory process. Also, medicinal herbs can eliminate microbial suppuration. Treatment with herbs is possible only as an auxiliary therapy, which will not cause harm (although in case of eczema it can do so) (author of the video - dog-channel.tv).

Before prescribing medications and prescribing treatment, the veterinarian must:

carry out diagnostics of the animal’s body;
take a blood test;
do the necessary skin tests;
scrape the pet's skin.

When all these manipulations are completed, the specialist will be able to make a final diagnosis. As a result, the veterinarian will be able to prescribe the necessary treatment. Do not forget that a specialist will never be able to make a correct diagnosis by examining the dog externally. In this case, one way or another, the dog will have to undergo a laboratory examination. However, if the dog is infested with fleas, then taking scrapings and looking for another cause of the itching does not make sense, so sometimes a visual diagnosis is enough for the doctor.

Always remember that incorrect treatment can cause serious problems. Sometimes it even leads to death.

Preventive measures

In fact, most of the diseases of pets are associated with errors in maintenance and care.

As a dog owner, you need to do everything in your power to protect your pet from disease. Always monitor the health of your four-legged friend and take preventive measures on time. And if you identify any symptoms, do not hesitate to contact a specialist.

Video “All about skin diseases of dogs”

Find out everything a pet dog owner needs to know about skin diseases from the video (video author: GuberniaTV).

In veterinary medicine, skin diseases in dogs occupy one of the leading places in the number of diagnosed cases. The most common of them include pustulosis, hypothyroidism, folliculitis and ichthyosis. Calcification, dipigmentation, myiases, and lymphangiectatic edema are also common. Before prescribing therapy, laboratory tests are performed, in some cases a skin biopsy and cytological studies.

You can view photos of symptoms of skin diseases in dogs and learn about methods of treating them by reading this material.

Main skin diseases in dogs (with photos)

Aseptic eosinophilic pustulosis.

Aseptic eosinophilic pustulosis is a disease caused by a disruption of the immune system. There is no age, breed or gender predisposition.

Follicular and non-follicular papules and pustules form on the affected areas of the skin of dogs with this skin disease. Ring-shaped erosions are often observed. Papules and pustules can be located on any part of the animal’s body. No systemic violations are observed.

Glucocorticoids are used as drug therapy. Prednisolone is indicated at a dosage of 3 mg/kg daily for 7-10 days. Then you can reduce the dose and use the drug every other day.

Bacterial hypersensitivity.

Bacterial hypersensitivity is a pruritic pustular dermatitis that results from a hypersensitive reaction to staphylococcal antigens.

As shown in the photo, this skin disease causes pustules to form on your dog's skin. Severe itching occurs, which is expressed in the dog’s restless behavior and its desire to scratch periodically. In addition, dogs often develop concomitant diseases: hypothyroidism, atony, dermatitis due to flea allergy. For a more accurate diagnosis, a skin biopsy is recommended.

It is necessary to treat the identified underlying disease. For this, antibiotics are used (for example, cephalexin at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 2 times a day). The duration of treatment is 10-14 days.

The course of treatment is long, relapses of the disease are possible.

Bacterial folliculitis.

This infectious disease is characterized by the formation of follicular pustules in the place of an intact hair follicle.

The main symptom of this disease in short-haired dog breeds is the presence of small tufts of hair, which subsequently leads to alopecia.

In dogs with long-haired breeds, seborrhea is observed, as a result of which hair loss increases. As a result, alopecia also occurs.

The first signs of the disease are follicular pustules and papules. Then crusts form. The coat becomes more raised. Alopecia occurs. The lesions are most noticeable on hairless skin.

With confirmed symptoms, antibiotics (clindamycin, sulfonamides, cephalexcin) are used to treat this skin disease in dogs at a dosage of 20 mg/kg. The minimum course of antibiotic treatment is 3 weeks.

Bullous pemphigoid.

Bullous pemphigoid is a vesiculobullous ulcerative disease of the skin and mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

There are two forms of the disease: spontaneously occurring bullous pemphigoid and pemphigoid, which appears as a result of the use of drugs, especially after the use of sulfonamide drugs.

There is no age or gender predisposition. Doberman Pinschers and Collies are most susceptible to this disease.

The dog's oral cavity is mainly affected. In the area of the mucocutaneous border, vesicles and bullae appear on the skin, especially in the axillary and groin areas. Ulcers form on the soft tissues of the paws. The disease is accompanied by itching, which is expressed in the dog's restless behavior. Often pyoderma is secondary.

There are not only skin, but also systemic manifestations of this disease. They are expressed in the form of anorexia and hyperthermia.

When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude systemic lupus erythematosus, pustular dermatosis and demodicosis.

In severe cases of spontaneously occurring bullous pemphigoid, the prognosis is favorable, but only if the diagnosis is made in a timely manner and treatment is initiated. Long-term treatment with high doses of drugs is required. This often causes unwanted side effects.

For this skin disease of dogs, a combination treatment using prednisolone and azathioprine is recommended. For treatment, prednisolone is used at a dosage of 4-6 mg/kg orally once a day, azathioprine at a dosage of 1-2 mg/kg orally once a day.

It should be noted that both drugs must be given only together to achieve an effect, and then the dose of the drugs can be reduced to the minimum effective, prescribing them every other day. Long-term monitoring is important during treatment.

When a secondary infection occurs, antibiotics must be used (for example, cephalexin at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 2 times a day). The duration of treatment is 10-14 days.

If the disease is caused by medications, then a homemade diet is indicated before treatment.

Vasculitis.

Vasculitis is characterized by a hypersensitive reaction that leads to damage to blood vessels. The causes of this disease can be infections, malignant tumors, connective tissue diseases, and the use of medications.

There is no age or gender predisposition. Rottweilers and dachshunds are most susceptible to this disease.

Pay attention to the photo - with this skin disease in dogs, the appearance of a hemorrhagic rash, bleeding bullae and ulcers is observed:

Sometimes the resulting lesions cause pain to the animal, this is expressed in its depressed state.

There are not only skin, but also systemic manifestations of this disease. They are expressed in the form of anorexia, hyperthermia and edema. When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude systemic dermatomyositis and frostbite.

It is necessary to promptly identify the cause of the disease and eliminate it, and then begin treatment.

For treatment, prednisolone is used at a dosage of 2-4 mg/kg orally once a day. In addition, dapsone is indicated at a dosage of 1 mg/kg orally 3 times daily. The duration of treatment is at least 3 weeks. Long-term maintenance therapy is often required.

Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is one of the main endocrine skin diseases in dogs. There are three types of hypothyroidism. Primary acquired hypothyroidism is characterized by a decrease in the ability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones. In secondary hypothyroidism, there is insufficient production of hormones. Tertiary hypothyroidism is also characterized by receptor disorders.

This disease affects dogs aged 6 to 10 years. Retrievers, Labradors, etc. are most often affected.

The dog becomes apathetic, obesity, lameness, and disorders of the visual and genitourinary systems are noted. Skin symptoms are especially pronounced. Bilateral symmetrical alopecia is observed. The dog's fur becomes dull. The skin becomes cold and swollen. Changes in skin and coat pigmentation occur. Seborrhea and excessive formation of earwax are observed. Bacterial and yeast infections are common. The itching is generally moderate, except in cases where there is a secondary infection. Wounds heal slowly. There is also poor hair regrowth after cutting.

In all cases, lifelong treatment is required. The most commonly prescribed dose is levothyroxine at a dosage of 0.01-0.02 mg/kg orally 1-2 times a day. If the dog has heart disease, the drug should be prescribed, starting with a lower dose (0.005 mg/kg once a day) and increasing by 0.005 mg/kg every 2 weeks until the maintenance dose. Side effects are rare.

Depigmentation in the nose area.

Depigmentation in the nasal area is a form of vitiligo that is limited to this area of the body. In common parlance, the disease is called “body nose.” Labradors, poodles and Dobermans are most susceptible to the disease.

The pigment intensity in the nose area varies from black or brown to chocolate or white. Such changes occur even in puppies.

There is no need for a biopsy unless crusts and ulcers form. With such manifestations, it is recommended to use this method to exclude other diseases.

No treatment has been developed.

Ichthyosis.

Ichthyosis is a common disease that is often called "fish scale" due to the formation of scales on the animal's skin. Terriers are most susceptible to ichthyosis.

The formation of gray scales is observed throughout the dog’s body, and the skin becomes rough. Seborrhea appears with a foul odor. Large keratomas are formed on the crumbs of the paws.

See how the symptoms of this skin disease appear in dogs in these photos:

Ichthyosis is incurable, as it requires aggressive long-term therapy.

For local treatment, use 5% lactic acid in the form of a spray or ointment. For systemic treatment, isotretinoin is used at a dosage of 1-2 mg/kg 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 2-3 weeks. Many dogs have to be euthanized.

Calcinosis of the skin.

Calcification of the skin is a disease that is manifested by calcification (formation of calcium salt deposits) of the skin. In limited calcification, a small area of calcification is formed due to inflammatory lesions, foreign body penetration, wounds, etc.

With widespread calcification, a large area of calcification is formed due to diabetes mellitus and other diseases.

In chronic renal failure, lesions are found in the area of the paws.

Symptoms of this disease include the formation of numerous skin nodules on the skin of dogs.

Surgical removal is performed.

If the course is benign, treatment should not be carried out.

Skin cysts.

Skin cysts are pouch-like structures with epithelial borders.

Most often, follicular cysts are formed, filled with yellow-brown contents.

Surgical removal of the cysts is performed.

If the course is benign, treatment should not be carried out.

Urticaria and angioedema.

This disease occurs against the background of an allergic reaction of the dog’s body to medications, chemicals, etc.

In addition, the causes of urticaria can be various physical influences (pressure, sunlight, heat) and genetic disorders.

With urticaria, blisters appear on the dog’s skin, itching is noted, which is expressed in the animal’s restless behavior. Tufts of hair form over the area of swelling. Angioedema is characterized by swelling of the skin and itching. It can be fatal, especially if the area of edema spreads to the pharynx and larynx.

For prevention, it is necessary to eliminate and avoid factors that cause an allergic reaction.

Symptomatic treatment is indicated: adrenaline (in a ratio of 1:1000) at a dosage of 0.1-0.5 ml subcutaneously, prednisolone at a dosage of 2 mg/kg orally, intravenously or intramuscularly.

In order to make a subcutaneous injection, it is necessary to insert the needle deep enough (2 cm) under the base of the fold towards the armpit at an angle of approximately 45". Inject the medicine. Having removed the needle, massage the injection site with a cotton swab. If necessary, you can fill the syringe with more than one drug , but several times. In this case, there is no need to remove the needle. It is enough to disconnect the syringe from it, draw the medicine through the new needle, and then remove it and connect the syringe to the needle that is under the skin.

The photo shows how this skin disease in dogs is treated:

In acute cases, it is necessary to give the dog antihistamines: for example, hydroxyzine at a dosage of 25-50 mg 2 times a day or chlorpheniramine at a dosage of 5 mg 2-3 times a day until symptoms subside.

Lymphangiectatic edema.

The primary disease is a disorder in the development of the lymphatic system.

Secondary disease occurs after obstruction of the lymphatic system due to inflammation, trauma, or neoplasm. The primary disease occurs in young animals up to 3 months of age. There is no breed predisposition.

With this disease, the skin in dogs in the area of the hind limbs thickens and presses in when pressed. In addition, the forelimbs, abdomen, tail and ears are often affected. A secondary infection may occur.

When making the diagnosis, it is important to rule out edema due to obstruction.

Mild cases of the disease often do not require treatment. In moderate to severe cases, bandaging should be done to reduce the swelling. Surgery is possible to restore lymphatic vessels.

In addition, sometimes it is necessary to remove the affected area.

Miaz.

With this disease, legless fly larvae penetrate the skin. These insects are attracted to warm, moist skin, especially in areas soiled with urine or feces, as well as wounds with discharge.

Predisposing factors include poor hygiene, exhaustion of the dog due to age or illness, and urinary or fecal incontinence.

Symptoms of this skin disease in dogs include lesions in the eye area, around the nose, mouth, anus or genitals. Gaping holes are formed with tissue necrosis and larvae inside them.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to trim the hair in the affected areas. Then the affected areas should be disinfected using antibacterial liquid agents (chlorhexidine, etc.). If necessary, surgical treatment of the affected areas of the dog's skin can be performed.

It is important to remove all larvae. After this, it is recommended to use insecticidal liquid products (permethrin, etc.) to treat the surface of the affected skin and the remaining part of the coat.

If necessary, antibiotics can be used (for example, cephalexin at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 2 times a day). The duration of treatment is 10-14 days.

Calluses.

The lesions form where the skin over the bones is compressed, especially in the elbow and knee joints, as a protective reaction to pressure. As a result, inflammation occurs. Calluses form due to the dog being on a hard bedding made of wood or concrete.

Large breeds of dogs are most susceptible to this disease.

Damage in the form of oval plaques and alopecia are noted.

Pay attention to the photo - with this disease, the lesions on the skin of dogs look like large keratomas:

Nasodigital hyperkeratosis.

Nasodigital hyperkeratosis can occur as an independent disease or as a component of other diseases (ichthyosis, leishmaniasis, pemphigus foliaceus, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatosis or cutaneous lymphoma).

Hard, cracking large keratomas form on the crumbs of the paws. Due to their pain when walking, dogs limp. For a more accurate diagnosis, a skin biopsy is recommended.

It is necessary to trim the area of excessive growth of the keratoma. It is also recommended to apply water compresses to the affected areas.

A good effect is achieved by daily application of a 50% propylene glycol solution to problem areas. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

These photos show signs of the main skin diseases in dogs, described above:

Other skin diseases in dogs (with photos)

Neuroma of the docked tail.

This disease is characterized by the resumption of nerve growth after relief. Cocker spaniels are most often affected.

A compacted nodule is formed, fused with the skin in the cupping area.

The only treatment for this skin disease in dogs is surgical removal of the neuroma.

Burns.

The types and extent of burn injuries depend on the initial exposure.

The most common are chemical and sunburns.

Burns occur with partial damage. After they heal, scars do not remain. With deep burns, damage to all skin structures occurs and extensive scarring is observed.

Often, lesions on a dog's skin do not appear for 48 hours. Then the skin becomes hard and dry. Hair may hide the full extent of the lesions. After a couple of weeks, an infection occurs, which leads to suppuration.

With this disease, not only skin, but also systemic manifestations are observed. They most often occur when more than 25% of the body is affected. Septicemia, renal failure and anemia are noted.

In severe cases, it is very important to conduct a kidney examination. Treat skin damage with antiseptic agents. Surgical treatment of the wound is necessary. Antibacterial ointments are used locally. Glucocorticoids are contraindicated.

Frostbite.

Frostbite occurs during prolonged exposure to low temperatures or after contact with frozen objects. Specific lesions depend on the exposure to the skin.

The fingers, ear area and tip of the tail are mainly affected. The skin becomes pale.

The affected area is cold, and when warmed, erythema forms and tissue death begins. In severe cases, the dead areas are rejected.

When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude vasculitis.

Avoid exposure to cold. Quickly warm frostbitten tissue with warm water. The lesions may heal spontaneously. Surgical removal of dead tissue may be necessary.

Focal scleroderma (ring-shaped).

Focal scleroderma is a rare skin disease that occurs due to vascular damage, abnormal collagen metabolism, or an autoimmune disease.

There is no age, gender or breed predisposition.

With this disease, shiny sclerotic plaques with alopecia form on the dog’s skin, which are located mainly in the body and limbs. No systemic violations are observed.

The main manifestations of this canine skin disease are shown in the pictures:

This disease is considered harmless. Spontaneous recovery is often observed, so no special therapy is required.

Pediculosis.

Pediculosis is a skin disease that is caused by lice and is accompanied by itching. There are two types of lice: biting and sucking. Biting lice cause more skin irritation than sucking lice. This disease occurs more often in winter.

When describing this skin disease in dogs, it is worth noting that lice are mainly localized on the tips of the ears and in matted tufts of fur. Sucking lice can cause anemia and exhaustion of the animal. Papular rashes often form, which lead to scratching. Predisposing factors are poor hygiene, unbalanced nutrition, and crowded housing of animals.

To make a correct diagnosis, you need to know the characteristic signs of lice. These are small wingless insects 2-3 mm long. They have 6 legs and a wide head. Sucking lice move slowly, so they are quite easy to catch, while biting lice are active.

If there are confirmed symptoms of head lice, before treatment for this skin disease in dogs, it is necessary to trim the hair to remove thick crusts and matted hair and facilitate access to the affected areas. For treatment, you should use special insecticidal shampoos or a 1% solution of selenium sulfide daily for 7 days. It is recommended to conduct 3 courses with a 10-day interval. You can also use a 1% permethrin solution to wash your dog daily. In addition, it is necessary to disinfest the place where the animal is kept and its care items.

Cushing's syndrome.

As a result of Cushing's syndrome in dogs, the concentration of cortisol circulating in the blood increases. A distinction is made between a naturally occurring syndrome and one acquired as a result of long-term excessive use of steroid drugs in the form of injections, tablets or local application (in the eyes, ears or skin). Middle-aged animals of any gender and any breed are susceptible to this disease, but boxers, poodles and dachshunds are most often affected.

Dogs experience lethargy, low endurance during training, changes in behavior, sagging belly, and shortness of breath. There is a change in the color of the coat and its condition. After cutting, the hair grows back very slowly.

Alopecia is observed, usually bilaterally symmetrical on the sides, but not affecting the distal areas of the body.

As shown in the photographs, with this disease the skin in dogs becomes thinner and loses elasticity:

The dog's body bruises easily and wounds do not heal well. Seborrhea is noted. Bacterial, yeast, and mite infections may occur.

Before starting treatment for Cushing's syndrome, it is necessary to treat other diseases (if any): diabetes and urinary tract infection. Surgery and radiation therapy may be required.

There are also conservative treatment methods. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride is prescribed at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg per day orally and bromocriptine mesylate at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg per day. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

In addition, selegiline hydrochloride at a dosage of 2 mg/kg orally is indicated. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks. It can then be extended to 6 weeks.

Ketoconazole can be used at a dosage of 10-30 mg/kg per day orally until a positive response to treatment occurs.

Schnauzer blackhead syndrome.

This rare disease occurs only in miniature schnauzers. It occurs due to the development of hair follicles.

The formation of black “heads” in the back area is observed. A bacterial infection may occur secondarily. Itching is mild.

Long-term observation is required.

As a local treatment, antiseborrheic shampoos should be used, especially those containing sulfur, salicylic acid, tar and benzoyl peroxide.

For the treatment of secondary infections, isotretinoin is used at a dosage of 1 mg/kg 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 14-20 days.

Systemic histiocytosis.

Systemic histiocytosis is a rare disease caused by excessively rapid growth of cells in the internal organs and skin. Most often, dogs aged 2 to 8 years are affected. There is no gender or breed predisposition.

This disease causes plaques, nodules and ulcers to form throughout the dog's body, especially in the area of the face, eyelids and scrotum. Not only skin, but also systemic manifestations of the disease are noted. The dog becomes exhausted, and dysfunction of the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems is noted.

Before treating this skin condition in a dog, it is recommended to perform a skin biopsy and laboratory testing of the contents of the lesions and lymph nodes.

Poor effect during chemotherapy. Treatment with 5 courses of the bovine fork fraction of the spectacle gland can be successful.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is characterized by a severe immunological skin reaction that may be caused by infections, systemic diseases, various neoplasms, or the use of medications.

Lesions on a dog's skin can be found in any part of the body, but more often they are found in the mouth, mucocutaneous border and on the limbs. Erosion and ulcers form on the skin, vesicles and bullae appear. There are not only skin, but also systemic manifestations of this disease. They are expressed in the form of anorexia and hyperthermia. The animal's condition becomes depressed. When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude systemic lupus erythematosus, erythema multiforme, lymphoma and burns.

The prognosis is most often unfavorable. It is important to promptly identify the cause of the disease and eliminate it, and then begin treatment.

Follicular dystrophy of black/dark hair.

Dark hair follicular dystrophy is a familial condition that occurs in bicolor or tricolor puppies. In this case, only black or dark hair is damaged. It is assumed that the defect in hair growth is associated with a violation of pigment transfer.

The most susceptible to this disease are collies, dachshunds, pointers, and crossbreeds.

There is a progressive loss of black hair due to fragility of the hair shafts. This process occurs from 4 weeks of age on puppies. It appears as alopecia or looks like short-cropped hair.

When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude demodicosis and dermatophytosis.

For secondary infection, treatment with antibiotics is indicated (for example, cephalexin at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 2 times a day). The duration of treatment is 10-14 days.

The symptoms of this skin disease in dogs are shown in the photo:

Furunculosis.

This skin disease occurs in dogs when deeply infected follicles rupture within the dermis.

Symptoms depend on the severity of the disease. Initially, scattered papules appear, subsequently progressing to ulcerated pustules with the formation of crusts. In the most severe cases, red, purple papules form on the affected areas of the skin, forming a fistula from which fluid is released. Then crusts form.

To treat furunculosis, antibiotics are used (for example, cephalexin at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 2 times a day). The duration of treatment is 10-14 days.

It is necessary to cut the hair on the affected areas and disinfect the skin. In addition, antibacterial compresses and baths are indicated. You can use calamine lotion. Glucocorticoids are contraindicated.

It is important to treat the underlying diseases that cause furunculosis.

Aseptic panniculitis.

Aseptic panniculitis can occur in the form of single lesions that are associated with trauma or foreign bodies. In other cases, multiple lesions may be observed, which are associated with disruption of the immune system, various diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, pancreatic dysfunction, etc.).

Pay attention to the photographs - with this skin disease in dogs, single lesions appear in the form of deep-lying nodules, in place of which ulcers with yellow oily or bloody discharge subsequently form:

Such lesions are most often observed in the neck, abdomen and sides.

In other cases, there are multiple lesions on the dog's skin.

They are the same in structure as single lesions, but usually occur on the trimmed areas of the back and sides.

Not only skin, but also systemic manifestations of this disease are noted. The animal has no appetite, the dog becomes apathetic. When the pancreas is damaged, vomiting is observed.

When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude aseptic pyogranulomatous disease and neoplasms.

Blood tests for antibodies that control the functioning of the pancreas are also indicated.

For single lesions, surgical intervention is indicated. For multiple lesions, prednisolone is used at a dosage of 2 mg/kg once a day for 2-3 weeks. Then the dosage must be reduced and the drug used for another 1 month.

Relapses often occur and longer treatment is required. Vitamin E is prescribed for maintenance.

Cheyletiosis.

This disease is transmitted to humans: papules appear in places of contact with the animal, which are accompanied by itching.

Most often, peeling occurs in the animal's back with increasing itching, which leads to scratching. Sometimes specific symptoms may not appear.

In addition, disinfestation with insecticidal sprays of the environment at the location of the sick animal is indicated. To do this, you need to use permethrin and cyromazine.

The photo shows what medications are used to treat this skin disease in dogs:

Acanthosis nigricans.

Acanthosis nigricans is associated with allergies, chronic skin itching and endocrine diseases. Acanthosis of this origin is considered secondary. Dogs of all breeds are susceptible to this disease.

Primary acanthosis nigricans is genetic. Dachshunds are susceptible to it.

This disease is observed in young dogs under the age of 1 year.

The main symptom of primary acanthosis nigricans is hyperpigmentation of the axillary region of dogs. In the chronic form of this disease, seborrhea is observed. Lesions may spread to involve larger areas. Secondary infection often occurs. Secondary acanthosis nigricans has similar manifestations.

A skin biopsy for acanthosis nigricans is not informative.

Treatment of the underlying disease must be carried out for secondary acanthosis nigricans. Local therapy is indicated. To do this, use a cream with steroid drugs. It can only be used for a short period. Antiseborrheic shampoos have a good effect.

Also in veterinary medicine, melatonin and prednisolone are used to treat this skin disease in dogs. Melatonin should be given at a dosage of 2 mg daily for a week, and then once a week or once a month as maintenance therapy. Prednisolone is indicated at a dosage of 1 mg/kg 1 time per day daily for 7-10 days, then at the minimum effective dose when used every other day. Vitamin E is also prescribed.

Scabies.

Sources of infection for dogs are often sick foxes.

With scabies, papules with crusts and scales form. Lesions are most often noted in the ears, abdomen and knee joint. As the disease progresses, papules appear on the entire surface of the dog's body.

Scratching often occurs due to itching. Often the dog tries to scratch, which indicates irritation of the edge of the ear.

Before starting treatment for this skin disease, the dog's fur in the affected areas must be cut short. To make the grooming process easier, the dog can be sedated with sedatives. Then you should wash the dog with antiseborrheic shampoo. In addition, the dog should be bathed in water with the addition of a 5% amitraz solution (in a ratio of 1:200). The course of treatment is 5 days.

Treatment procedures should be applied once a week for 6 weeks. Mil-bemycin oxime is also prescribed at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg orally 3 times every 7 days. During treatment, it is allowed to use glucocorticoids (prednisolone at a dosage of 1 mg/kg once a day). The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

Eosinophilic granuloma.

Eosinophilic granuloma is a genetically determined disease that occurs as a result of a reaction to environmental allergens. Siberian Huskies are most susceptible to this disease. Most often, dogs under 3 years of age are affected.

Eosinophilic granuloma is characterized by the formation of plaques, nodules, which often develop into ulcers, especially in the oral cavity, on the surface of the abdomen and on the sides.

No systemic violations are observed.

When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude infectious and aseptic granulomas and neoplasms.

To treat this skin disease in dogs, prednisolone is used at a dosage of 1-2 mg/kg once a day every day for 2-3 weeks.

In most cases, this therapy is sufficient and no further treatment is required.

Necrolytic migratory erythema (hepatocutaneous disease).

Necrolytic migratory erythema is a rare cutaneous manifestation of internal disease, usually of the pancreas or liver. Most dogs with this disease have severe liver damage, often with pancreatic disease. Deficiencies in biotin, essential fatty acids, or zinc are also thought to contribute to the development of the disease.

Old dogs are mostly susceptible to this disease. There is no breed predisposition.

Erythema occurs mainly on the knee and elbow joints, the mucocutaneous border in the muzzle area and the crumbs of the paws. Crusts, erosions and ulcers form.

With this disease, not only skin, but also systemic manifestations are observed. Dogs become lethargic and exhausted.

When making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude systemic lupus erythematosus, zinc deficiency, pemphigus foliaceus and general canine dermatosis for food components.

Treatment and prevention

The prognosis is unfavorable. In most cases, the dogs die or are euthanized.

In some cases, surgery is possible.

Conservative treatment has seen variable success with short-term corticosteroid therapy.

In these photos you can see signs of skin diseases in dogs, the description of which is presented in this material: