Skin diseases of dogs and their treatment. Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs with descriptions and photos, treatment
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.
If 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 noted. 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:
One of the most common pathologies in dogs is skin diseases. The causes and characteristics of the manifestation of these diseases are varied.
However, despite the fact that skin diseases in dogs are much easier to notice with the naked eye than, for example, damage to internal organs, many owners ignore the symptoms, and then learn from the veterinarian that a timely visit to the clinic could save them from struggling with complications.
- This is an inflammation of the dermis (the second layer of skin), located under the top layer - the epidermis. With dermatitis, all skin functions are disrupted, and this can lead to systemic disorders.
Invisible Enemy
This group of skin diseases in dogs includes:
- dermtophytosis (superficial infectious mycosis), or. The disease is characterized by the appearance of rounded alopecia (bald patches). Moreover, the hair in the affected areas seems to have been cut. Itching with dermatophytosis is not pronounced. Peeling of the affected areas (seborrhea) is possible.
- infection with the Malassezia fungus (pitarospora). Often appears in the area of the ear canals (), lip folds, and chin. Characterized by seborrhea, chronic wet discharge.
Insects in dogs
Sarcoptic mange is caused by microscopic intradermal mites and is characterized by severe itching. With demodicosis, the itching is moderate, and alopecia appears on the skin.
Dangerous reaction
Allergic skin diseases in dogs are manifested by itching, alopecia, which appears when the animal scratches a certain place for a long time, and weeping eczema is often observed. There are:
Skin pathology manifests itself when the body produces any hormone in excess or deficiency. The cause of this skin disease in dogs may be dysfunction of the thyroid gland, adrenal cortex, or gonads. The main signs of such disorders are the appearance of symmetrical hair, thinning hair, and skin pigmentation. There is no itching.
When food kills...
These skin diseases in dogs occur due to improper feeding of pets. It happens very often when they give cheap ones for food. Deficiency of zinc, essential fatty acids or too much calcium in food lead to skin lesions. Symptoms vary: from changes in skin and coat color to the appearance of weeping eczema.
Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs
Autoimmune diseases are manifested by itching, rash, and inflammation is noticeable in certain areas. After analyzing the most common skin diseases in dogs, we can identify the main symptoms.
Now it’s time to figure out what skin diseases exist in dogs, what their symptoms are and how to treat them!
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Fungal
In addition, there is some tendency to fungal diseases in Yorkshire Terriers. Dermatophytosis is a contagious disease, it is transmitted from dog to dog, as well as through their contact with fungal spores. Which, by the way, even you and I can bring into the house without knowing it.
Symptoms
The main symptom of fungal infections is spontaneous alopecia (baldness). Moreover, concomitant lesions are almost never observed on bare areas of the skin and itching is rarely present. Sometimes with trichophytosis, onychomycosis can be observed - damage to the claw and periungual bed. At the same time, the claw turns yellow and splits.
Quite rarely, dermatophytosis occurs in the form of kerion - a nodular skin lesion. In this case, purulent exudate may be released from the kerion. With severe fungal infections in animals, microsporic lesions of the paw pads may be observed.
Treatment
Treatment of fungal infections involves external treatment and bathing in special antifungal shampoos such as Nizoral or Dermazol. You can also use the veterinary drug Imaverol. In addition, dermatophytosis is treated with systemic antifungal drugs Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Terbinafine.
Please note that the treatment of fungal infections is not complete without measures aimed at cleaning the dog’s habitat. It is imperative to treat their bedding or bed to destroy all fungal spores.
Symptoms
Symptoms of otodectosis and sarcoptic mange are often severe itching. At the same time, with otodectosis, ear lesions and a symptom of excessive accumulation of sulfur in them can be observed. Sarcoptic mange is characterized by a symptom such as severe itching on the paws, head and neck. Scratching can cause wounds and skin inflammation. And also the so-called self-induced baldness, when the dog combs its own hair.
Allergic reactions
Allergies are the most difficult to diagnose, because isolating a specific irritating component—the allergen—is always very difficult. The very nature of the origin of allergies is not fully understood.
Allergies in dogs are usually divided into:
- food;
- allergies to environmental components (dust, pollen, fluff, feathers).
Diagnosis of allergic reactions has the following standard algorithm:
However, blood allergy diagnosis is carried out in only a few European laboratories. At the same time, it is advisable to carry out it if it is possible to carry out exclusive expensive treatment - allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).
Symptoms
Allergies always manifest as severe itching. Since allergies reduce the protective properties of the skin, this creates favorable conditions for the development of various bacterial processes on the skin. Therefore, redness, pustules or rashes are almost always integral symptoms of allergies. Due to strong scratching, bald spots naturally appear.
Treatment
If your dog has a food allergy, to treat it, she will be prescribed a specific diet that will eliminate allergenic foods. However, veterinarians say that food allergies are rare; allergies to environmental components are much more common.
Skin cancer
Many owners mistakenly believe that any tumor in their pet is cancer. While cancer is just one type of tumor process. And as such, skin cancer is uncommon in dogs, unlike other skin tumors. Cancer is a tumor of epithelial cells and can only be malignant. Much more often than cancer, the type of tumor that veterinarians see in their patients is mastocytoma or mast cell tumor.
Symptoms
Cancer often manifests itself as skin lesions on the fingers or head. These lesions look like non-healing extensive ulcerative skin lesions. These lesions are quite painful and in order to make a disappointing diagnosis - cancer, you need to carry out a smear-imprint followed by microscopy. More common than cancer, mastocytoma appears as cutaneous and subcutaneous swellings and is often malignant.
Click to open image
Treatment
Cancer treatment is always only surgical intervention. After surgical removal, the veterinarian decides on further treatment: this may include radiation or chemotherapy.
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The request returned an empty result.Video “Skin diseases of dogs”
The video below will help you learn more about what skin diseases exist in dogs!
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Among all dog diseases, the most common are skin diseases, which most often occur due to allergic reactions, inflammation, infections, and genetic predispositions. Unlike other ailments, skin diseases in a pet can be noticed with the naked eye and promptly consult a doctor, who will determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Types of skin diseases in dogs - photos
Depending on the cause of occurrence, skin diseases in dogs are divided into several types:
Having discovered skin lesions, the owner must immediately show the dog to the doctor. At the same time, despite the obvious symptoms and manifestations of the disease, it can be quite difficult to make an accurate diagnosis, and treatment can take a long time.
As soon as you suspect that your pet has a skin disease, you should urgently take the following actions:
- Stop petting your pet.
- Observe personal hygiene rules.
- Do not allow the dog to sleep on the owner's bed.
- Avoid contact between your pet and children.
- To avoid spreading infection, stop brushing your dog's fur.
Before visiting a doctor, you should not lubricate the affected areas with any ointments, brilliant green or iodine. You can cut the hair and treat the skin with salicylic alcohol.
With the help of fungal spores, dermatophytosis is easily transmitted from animal to animal. Yorkshire Terriers are most prone to it.
Symptoms of fungal skin diseases:
- Alopecia, which is rarely itchy and never has associated lesions.
- Damage to the ulnar bed and claw, which exfoliates and turns yellow.
- Rarely, nodular skin lesions from which pus may ooze.
- In severe forms of the disease, microspores may affect the paw pads.
For fungal infections, the veterinarian most often prescribes treatment of the pet with special shampoos, which include Dermazol and Nizoral. A special drug for animals, Imaverol, is also used. A course of treatment with special antifungal drugs Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Ketonazole is prescribed.
The specialist must prompt the owner of the sick dog that in order to destroy fungal spores, it is necessary to treat the pet’s bedding and wash all its habitats.
Allergies in dogs
It is not very easy to identify an allergen, so allergic skin diseases are quite difficult to diagnose. The most common dog allergens are:
- food products;
- house dust;
- insect bites;
- plant pollen;
- mold;
- household chemicals;
- medications.
A fairly common allergen is frequently used flea removal products. Even the most harmless ones, they belong to the group of pyrethroids, and therefore quite often cause allergic reactions.
To the main symptoms of allergies in dogs include:
- severe itching;
- salivation;
- runny nose;
- sudden cough;
- nettle fever;
- edema.
Due to the fact that the protective properties of the skin during allergies are reduced, various rashes, redness, and pustules appear on it over time. As the pet begins to itch a lot, it develops bald patches.
An allergic reaction that occurs quickly is the easiest to identify. By conducting a thorough investigation, the cause of the allergy can be quickly identified and eliminated. Most often, such reactions are characterized by the sudden onset of a runny nose, cough and hives, which manifests itself itchy blisters on the face, under the arms and in the groin. Hives disappear quite quickly, but to prevent the pet from scratching the blisters and causing infection, the inflamed areas of the skin are wiped with vodka or salicylic alcohol. In addition, the dog should take suprastin, tavegil or diphenhydramine 3 times a day.
The causes and sources of delayed allergic reactions are identified in stages:
Food allergies in dogs are not common, but if your pet has an allergic reaction to certain foods, they should be excluded from the diet.
Scabies or aranchnosis
- Zheleznitsa.
- Ear scabies.
- Pruritic scabies.
Some forms of these diseases are contagious to humans, but can be quickly cured without the use of any drugs.
The symptom of mange is localized itching, which occurs most often in the ears, hocks and elbow joints. Since over time, mites affect not only the surface of the skin, but also begin to irritate the nerve endings, the itching becomes unbearable. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of scabies, it must be treated immediately. Otherwise, your pet's metabolism may be disrupted and exhaustion may begin. In severe cases, if scabies is not treated, the animal may die.
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive. First of all, the itching is calmed and mites are destroyed. At the same time, it is necessary to improve skin regeneration processes and increase immunity. In some dogs, complete recovery does not occur, and as soon as immunity decreases, the hormonal state of the animal changes, or the pet becomes stressed, the disease recurs.
Seborrhea
If the dog is healthy, then there is no dandruff on its skin or it is almost invisible. Seborrhea can develop as a result of a disruption of the endocrine system, or be a consequence of sarcoptic mange. With seborrhea, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is disrupted, the skin becomes oily and many scales appear on it.
The first foci of the disease appear in the lower abdomen and on the paws. The dandruff then spreads to the ears and tail, hocks and elbows, muzzle and chest.
There are two types of seborrhea:
- Dry. This type is characterized by dry skin, on which scaly, dry, crumbling dandruff forms.
- Fat. The disease is characterized by excess sebum, greasy scales clinging to the fur, brown patches on the skin and a rancid odor.
Dry seborrhea most often affects small sofa dogs, which are often bathed using various detergents. As a result, their skin becomes dehydrated and dry dandruff appears.
In some cases, the cause of dry seborrhea may be a lack of fat in the animal's diet. To get rid of dandruff, you can try including a teaspoon or dessert spoon of vegetable oil in your dog's diet, which it should eat daily. If after some time the dandruff does not disappear and the itching intensifies, then you need to consult a specialist.
Since in some cases seborrhea is a consequence of a disease, the doctor prescribes medications to treat the underlying disease.
Dermatitis in dogs
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. The causes of this disease can be very diverse. According to them, all dermatitis in dogs have conditional qualifications:
In some cases, the diseases are related to the age of the dogs. In pets during the first years of life, dermatitis manifests itself as purulent and purple blisters and pustules on the lips, chin, groin and hairless part of the abdomen. In older dogs, the disease manifests itself in the area of the knee joints and along the back, where papules, pustules or acne-like rashes are found.
For any dermatitis, painful places treated with bactericidal soap and 3% hydrogen peroxide. If this doesn't help, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
To cure a pet, it must be correctly diagnosed, which can only be done in a clinic. Specialists will conduct an examination, take the necessary tests and, based on them, prescribe adequate treatment. It must be remembered that it is almost impossible to cure skin diseases in dogs on your own. You should not postpone a visit to the veterinarian, since missed time can lead to the animal’s suffering, and in some cases, its death.
Skin diseases in dogs
Skin diseases are common in dogs. They cause suffering to animals and deteriorate their health, and therefore require treatment. Information about the types of these diseases, symptoms, their treatment and prevention of occurrence will be useful for any dog owner.
Types and their descriptions with photos
Many skin diseases in dogs are of infectious origin, although this is not always the case. According to this criterion, they can be divided into groups according to the source of infection or other reasons for their appearance. For example, the causative agents of diseases can be fungi or bacteria, skin lesions can be of an allergic nature or arise for other reasons.
Fungal
Mycoses affect the skin, fur and claws of dogs, as well as internal organs. They can become ill after contact with an infected animal or simply after walking in areas where pathogens may be present. We recommend reading more about the treatment and prevention of mycoses
ATTENTION! Even pets who have never left the house can get sick - in this case, fungi enter the home on people’s shoes or clothes.
In addition to pathogenic fungi, there are also opportunistic fungi. They are constantly on the skin of animals, but their numbers are adjusted by a healthy immune system, so diseases do not develop. But as soon as the dogs’ immunity sharply decreases, the fungi become more active and begin to multiply.
Errors in caring for the pet, made by the owner, also contribute to the development of dermatomycosis. For example, Dogs often suffer from fungal diseases for the following reasons:
- poor nutrition, which reduces the body's defenses;
- dirty, greasy and matted fur, to which oxygen does not penetrate;
- clean but dry coat due to too frequent washing.
In addition, ringworm may result from treatment of other diseases with drugs that suppress the immune system.
Mycoses are divided into:
- superficial (the fungus does not penetrate deeper than the skin and mucous membranes) - microsporia, malassezia, candidiasis, pityrosporosis;
- subcutaneous - sporotrichosis, eumycosis;
- systemic - coccidioidomycosis, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis.
A common disease of this group in dogs and cats is microsporia and trichophytosis (ringworm), caused by the fungi microsporum and trichophyton. A person can also become infected from an animal.
Bacterial
Common diseases:
- eczema (you can read about ear eczema in);
- tick-borne borreliosis;
- yersiniosis;
- tularemia.
We invite you to watch a video about eczema in animals:
Dogs of any breed and age can become infected with a bacterial infection. But puppies, weakened adults and old animals get sick especially often. Infection occurs through contact (communication with a sick individual, use of someone else's dog equipment and grooming items), nutritional (after eating contaminated food) and airborne transmission. The risk group includes animals living in poor conditions, receiving insufficient nutrition, and kept together in large groups.
Allergic
Other cases
Skin lesions in dogs can also be caused by with pincers. Settling under the skin of animals, they cause diseases such as sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange, and otodectosis (ear scabies).
Hormonal imbalances resulting from endocrine pathologies or age-related can cause increased hair loss ( alopecia).
Symptoms
Symptoms of skin diseases in dogs are varied, but, first of all, these are changes in the skin, hair and claws in the form of:
- loss of shine and hair loss;
- redness or greying, swelling and peeling of the skin;
- rashes of various etiologies.
A common symptom of damage to the scalp, body, limbs, paws, and ears in dogs is severe itching, causing the animal to scratch constantly. Pets may refuse food and play, sleep most of the time, and react sluggishly to external stimuli. Their general body temperature may rise or the affected areas may become hot, serous or purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, anemia of the mucous membranes, and digestive disorders may occur.
Diagnostics
Skin diseases of dogs are diagnosed in veterinary clinics. A preliminary diagnosis can be made during an external examination, but it is possible to establish exactly what caused the disease only after laboratory tests and research:
- blood test;
- bacterial sowing;
- cytological analysis of biomaterials;
- allergy tests.
According to research data, patients are prescribed treatment.
Treatment
Therapy of skin lesions in dogs is carried out taking into account the characteristics of the diseases that caused them:
In addition to special medications, in all cases immunomodulators and vitamins are also prescribed to help the dog’s body cope with the disease.
Treatment of skin diseases is carried out mainly at home and only in special cases - in veterinary clinics. During therapy, the dog should be given rest and children and other pets should not be allowed near it. Carry out all treatments wearing medical gloves, do not touch the pet unless necessary, and immediately dispose of everything that was used for the procedure (cotton wool, sticks).
REFERENCE! For home remedies for external use, you can use aloe juice, infusion of chamomile, calendula, and echinacea to relieve itching, inflammation, swelling and redness.
Prevention
Skin diseases in dogs are often associated with poor maintenance and care, so every owner of a four-legged pet should necessary:
These simple preventive measures will help reduce the risk of infection or development of diseases that result in lesions on the skin of dogs and keep your friend healthy.
Useful video about symptoms and treatment of pathology
