What diseases do dogs have? Types of Skin Diseases in Dogs

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

There are many factors that provoke the development of skin diseases: this is a bad environment, and not always competent breeding work, and poor-quality animal care, and much more. Symptoms of skin ailments cause great discomfort to the dog, so treatment should be started without delay.

Causes of the disease

The main causes of skin pathologies include:

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

The list of skin diseases is very extensive, consider the most common of them:

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

Which breeds are more susceptible

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

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

Bulldogs, St. Bernards, Chow Chows, Spaniels, Pekingese, Pugs are characterized by inflammation of the skin folds. Samoyeds, Dalmatians, Retrievers, Dobermans are more likely to suffer from pigmentation disorders. Seborrhea is mainly observed in German Shepherds, Dobermans, Spaniels, Schnauzers, atopic dermatitis in Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Sharpeis, Setters, Labradors.

Main symptoms

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

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

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

With mycosis caused by yeast fungi, the dog has baldness, inflamed skin, changes in hairline.

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

Diagnostics in the veterinary clinic

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

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

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

• blood tests (general, biochemical);
• analysis of feces, urine;
• skin scraping;
• trichogram;
• cytology;
• mycological research;
• PCR diagnostics of pathogens.

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

Treatment and prognosis

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

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

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

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

When itching, antihistamines are prescribed (Zirtek, Claritin, Lominal, Telfast, Gismanal, Trexil), antipruritic ointments. Itching is often accompanied by eczema. With weeping skin lesions, drying ointments and creams are indicated, with dry ones - moisturizing.

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

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

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

What to do at home

The owner is required to strictly comply with the recommendations of the doctor. You can not self-medicate, otherwise the health of the pet will be irreparably harmed. Do not exceed the dosage, as this will lead to side effects and complications. It is possible to alleviate the suffering of a dog with the help of folk methods, but replacing conservative therapy with them is not only ineffective, but also dangerous.

For the treatment of skin diseases, medicinal plants are widely used - calendula, chamomile, echinacea. Herbal decoctions, teas are used as lotions and compresses that eliminate symptoms and accelerate the regeneration of the skin.

Very effective for the treatment of wounds, rashes, elimination of pain, discomfort and itching is the use of aloe, which can be called a unique plant. An aloe leaf must be scrolled through a meat grinder or chopped in a blender, squeezed out the juice and soaked gauze with it. A compress with aloe is applied to the damaged areas and left for several hours.

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

Prevention measures

It is impossible to protect your dog from skin diseases, but owners are quite capable of reducing the risks of infection. To do this, you need to follow certain preventive measures:

If your pet's behavior has changed, he has become lethargic, lethargic, constantly itches, spots, blisters, scratches, bald patches appear on his body, do not put off a visit to the veterinary clinic. Remember that some skin diseases, such as lichen, are also dangerous for humans.

Skin diseases in dogs are becoming more common these days. The reason is in many aspects: improper and malnutrition, deterioration of the ecological atmosphere of the air, sedentary lifestyle, crossing with infected individuals. Often skin diseases in animals manifest themselves as hereditary predispositions of the skin to disease.

Types of skin diseases in dogs

At the slightest change in the hairline of a dog, they turn to a veterinary clinic to conduct the necessary tests and make an accurate diagnosis of the disease. Here are some common skin conditions in dogs. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor.

Symptoms of the disease

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

1. Excruciating itching, in which the dog scratches the body to abrasions and scratches.
2. The appearance of neoplasms on the skin: plaques of different sizes and colors, warts, blisters. On the damaged body, the dog develops peeling, redness of the skin, turning into baldness.
3. If an infection or microbes gets on the damaged areas of the skin, the dog's skin becomes inflamed, swollen and festering.

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

Treatment of skin diseases

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

Healing properties has a home flower - aloe. Aloe juice applied to damaged dog skin will relieve itching, discomfort and burning sensation. Aloe juice is easy to squeeze out on your own or buy a ready-made remedy at a pharmacy.

Decoctions of herbs have similar actions: medicinal chamomile, calendula, echinacea. The drugs reduce pain in the dog, relieve inflammation and eliminate microbial suppuration on the skin.

These funds are used exclusively in the initial stages of the development of the disease. If complex skin diseases are observed in dogs, treatment is carried out in a veterinary clinic. The doctor, before prescribing drugs, is obliged to conduct a complete diagnosis of the alleged disease, take the appropriate skin tests and blood tests, remove a scraping from the dog's skin. After determining the exact diagnosis of the disease, an effective treatment is prescribed.

An accurate diagnosis of the disease cannot be made solely by visual examination. You will need to conduct laboratory studies of the dog's hairline.

If the doctor, after looking at the dog, immediately prescribes medication, you can not treat the dog under the guidance of such a doctor. Remember, improper treatment can lead to the death of the animal.

Preventive measures

Often dog diseases are associated with improper maintenance and care. It is necessary to fulfill simple conditions so that the pet remains healthy and cheerful.

Do not let your four-legged friend suffer, remain a responsible owner.

Skin diseases are quite common in dogs. They can be caused by poor nutrition, heart disease, vitamin deficiencies, hormone problems, and a number of other health problems. Consider the main skin ailments of dogs.

Fungal diseases of the skin

Mostly in dogs, microsporia occurs. It is not difficult to detect some pathogens of the disease, for this you need to bring the pet under ultraviolet rays, and then the fungal microorganisms will glow green. In some cases, laboratory tests are required for an accurate diagnosis. It should be remembered that the fungus is also dangerous for humans. It is treated with drugs, baths and skin treatment are used in the complex. Dogs with long hair are sheared before processing. To avoid secondary infection, all rooms and places where the dog was located are disinfected, and old toys and bedding are thrown away.

bacterial skin diseases

It is not easy to finally cure pyoderma, even if you turn to professionals. Antiseptics, bathing with medicines and antibiotics are used. An advanced disease can cause anemia in a pet.

Allergic skin diseases in dogs

Allergy is an antibody reaction to allergens. The causes of the disease can be different. We list the most popular among them.

To eliminate allergies in dogs, first of all, contact with the allergen must be avoided. Antihistamines are also prescribed to suppress the reaction, external therapy is carried out with the help of ointments and lotions, and vaccines are used.

Hormonal Skin Diseases in Dogs

Often, animals are allergic to the presence of a particular 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 related to excess estrogen, then the pet has tumors on the testes. Finally, with an excess of adrenaline, the dog develops diseases, the result of which is hair loss and spots on the body.

Some of the most common skin conditions in dogs

This group of diseases includes seborrhea. Signs of the disease are oily skin with an unpleasant odor, the appearance of scales on it and scabies. For the treatment of seborrhea, vitamins, corticosteroids, amino acids and estrogens are prescribed. You can also restore the skin by using a special soap.

Separately, it should be noted wet eczema which is spreading very fast. Usually bacterial infection is added to it. An animal suffering from wet eczema actively gnaws at the skin and tears it apart. Also among the symptoms of the disease are high fever, vomiting and inflammation of the lymph nodes. On the skin there are wet bald spots of a yellow tint. Wet eczema should be treated as soon as possible with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Licked 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 of the animal. It is not easy to treat this ailment, corticosteroids and radiation are used as therapy, and the latter method is more effective.

granulomas occur due to the fact that objects get under the skin of an animal. They are removed through surgery, and after it, antibiotics are used to prevent the development of bacterial diseases.

Content:

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

Skin diseases in dogs are difficult to treat due to the variety of causes that cause them, as well as the combined action of several pathogenic agents.

Causes

Dermatitis is caused by the following factors:

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

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

Dermatitis caused by subcutaneous mites

Subcutaneous mites are characterized by microscopic dimensions, no more than 0.5 mm in length. There are demodicosis and scabies. Both diseases develop against the background of an immune failure. Demodicosis, colloquially referred to as ironwort, is caused by an overprolific mite, Demodex canis. The insect lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, eating their contents.

Scabies is caused by the itch mites Notoedrosis and Sarcoptes. They also, like Demodex, arise against the backdrop of a failure of the immune system. Itching begins immediately when no visible changes in the skin are observed. This is due to the fact that itching live in the deep layers of the dermis, which are characterized by intense innervation.

Itchy scabies is diagnosed at an earlier stage than demodicosis, so it is easier to treat. The same preparations are used as for the defeat of Demodex canis dogs. Seasonal exacerbations with itchy scabies are not observed, because they live in the deep layers of the skin at a constantly high temperature.

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

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

Dermatitis caused by microscopic fungi

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

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

Allergic dermatitis

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

An oversensitive reaction appears in the presence of the following stimuli:

• Saliva of arthropods.
• Power components.
• Inhaled irritants (atopy):

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

The main symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction is pruritus. As a result of combing, the skin is peeled off, exposing red hypodermal tissues. The irritant is determined by the doctor by the method of elimination. Treatment consists of histamine inactivation and antiseptic treatment of the affected skin.

Dermatitis caused by hormonal disruptions

Hair loss, seborrhea, dry skin, thickening of the skin, hyperpigmentation or symmetrical alopecia are observed in dogs with hypofunction of the thyroid gland. The disease is diagnosed by the concentration of blood steroids. Apply mitotane, which depresses the adrenal glands.

Similar symptoms are observed in males with testicular tumors. The body begins to produce estrogens (female hormones). Baldness is accompanied by sagging of the prepuce and development of the mammary glands. Healthy males take diseased ones for bitches. Baldness in females may be due to ovarian tumors.

In older males, age-related baldness is sometimes observed. In all cases, the therapeutic effect is achieved by removing the sex glands.

Summer dermatitis

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

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

Fleas join. The dog loses hair on the croup, thighs, under the shell of the hearing organ. eczema develops. The exposed surface of the skin ulcerates and becomes a convenient target for flies. Flying insects eat away at the edges of wounds and inject eggs into them. The developing larvae make the dog's suffering unbearable. It tears apart those lesions that it can reach.

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

Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diseases accompanied by peeling of the skin .

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

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

With secondary peeling, the prognosis is usually favorable, subject to accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment. The desquamation associated with primary keratinization defects is much more difficult to reliably control and requires lifelong application of local and systemic treatment.

Diseases accompanied by a rash .

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

Pyotraumatic dermatitis (acute weeping dermatitis)- a common skin disease in animals, caused by self-injury and complicated by secondary bacterial microflora. The basis of this disease is itching due to allergies. The seasonality of the disease is often noted; most cases are recorded during the warm and humid season.
Pyotraumatic dermatitis develops rapidly. At the same time, clearly demarcated erythematous spots slightly rising above the surface of healthy skin are noted, which have arisen as a result of severe self-injury (scratching, gnawing). Hair in these areas is absent for the same reason. Occasionally, although rarely, multiple lesions may be seen. A constant phenomenon in pyotraumatic dermatitis is soreness or itching. In most cases, spots are localized in the lumbar region. Predisposed breeds include German Shepherd, Retriever, Collie, St. Bernard. No gender or age predisposition was noted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diseases accompanied by the formation of "nodes".

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

Pigmentation disorders.

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

Acromelanism. Some breeds of cats (Siamese, Balinese, Himalayan and Burmese), the feature of which is the presence of hyperpigmented areas of the skin, were selected precisely for this trait. Kittens that are born with an even color all over the body develop pigmentation on the ears and limbs in response to the lower body temperature in these areas. For the same reason, pigment spots form in places devoid of hair due to either baldness or preparation of the surgical field. Newly grown hairs are hyperpigmented for only one cycle of growth, although they may remain so for longer periods of time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Focal alopecia.

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

Symmetric baldness.

Dermatosis, accompanied by non-pruritic alopecia in animals, is a fairly common reason for visiting a veterinarian. Currently, it is customary to attribute diseases with such manifestations to various kinds of endocrinopathies. Such animals need hormonal examination and treatment.

Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi .

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

Acarodermatosis.

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

Atopic dermatitis.

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

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

Prokopenkova I.A., veterinarian

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