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Skin Disorders
Dog skin disorders are probably the most crucial disorders that dog
owners have to deal with. The dog's skin and coat is an indicator for
its general health. Skin disorders in dogs are indicated by itching,
skin rashes, or very dry skin, and fur loss. They can be caused by
parasites, allergies, bacterial and fungal infections. Skin disorders
can be long-lasting problems requiring persistent treatments by dog
owners. Scratch/Itch cycle
Parasites
Parasites are the most common source of skin problems and irritation.
Due to the scratching and rubbing a dog will do to relieve the itch,
many secondary problems may arise. Fleas and ticks are the easiest
parasites to see and if not eradicate, at least control. Mites on the
other hand are microscopic parasites that a veterinarian will need a
microscope to diagnosis. The two most common mites found on dogs are the
causes of demodex mange and sarcoptic mange. Mange is an irritation of
the skin, primarily resulting in hair loss and sometimes including
itching and inflammation. The mites embed themselves in the hair
follicles or skin, depending on the type. Both types of mange can be
treated with parasiticidal shampoo, topical or oral medication, or
injections, but it takes time and patience for repeated applications,
and almost always requires veterinary care. Demodectic/Demodex Mange
Demodectic mange is caused by an overpopulation of Demodex canis, a
mite that occurs naturally in the hair follicles of most dogs. In most
dogs, these mites never cause problems. However, in certain situations,
such as an impaired immune system, intense stress, or malnutrition, the
mites can reproduce too rapidly, causing anything from mild irritation
and hair loss on a tiny patch of skin to severe inflammation, infection,
and in rare cases a life-threatening condition. Small patches of demodicosis often correct themselves over time, although treatment is
usually recommended. Minor cases of demodectic mange usually do not
cause much itching but might cause pustules on the dog's skin, redness,
scaling, hair loss, or any combination of these. It most commonly
appears first on the face, around the eyes, or at the corners of the
mouth, and on the forelimbs. In the more severe form, which usually
develops in dogs who have previously suffered minor cases, hair loss can
occur in patches all over the body and might be accompanied by crusting,
pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and skin infections. This variety of mange
is not generally contagious; these mites thrive only on very specific
hosts (dogs) and transmission usually occurs only from the mother to
nursing puppies during the first few days after birth. Sarcoptic
Mange
Also known as Canine Scabies, sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious
infestation of Sarcoptes scabei canis, a burrowing mite. The canine
sarcoptic mite can also infest humans and cats, although usually not
severely, as its natural host is dogs. These mites dig into and through
the skin, causing intense itching and crusting that can quickly become
infected. Hair loss and crusting frequently appears first on elbows and
ears. Skin damage can occur from the dog's intense scratching and
biting. Affected dogs need to be isolated from other dogs and their
bedding, and places they have occupied must be thoroughly cleaned.
Shaving is sometimes warranted. Diagnosis of Mange
Veterinarians usually attempt diagnosis with a skin scraping, which
is then examined under a microscope for mites. Because they are
burrowing creatures, mites are not always present on or near the surface
of the skin when the scraping takes place. As a result, diagnosis is
often based on symptoms rather than actual confirmation of the presence
of mites. This also means that mange is occasionally misdiagnosed as
other medical conditions, and vice versa. Ear mites
Ear mites cause severe irritation in the ears. Often, an affected dog
will scratch the hair off the back of its ears. Ticks, lice and fleas
may transmit other diseases, in addition to causing irritation. Ear
mites, which are barely visible to the naked eye, appear as small white
objects. The black debris commonly seen in the ears of dogs with ear
mites is a combination of dried blood, normal ear wax and discharges
from inflammation. Ear mites can be readily treated. Initially, your
veterinarian may recommend a thorough cleaning of the dog’s ears while
the animal is sedated. This treatment can be followed up with home
treatments using special solutions or ointments to kill the mites and
prevent infections Allergies
Allergies are another common cause of skin problems. A dog, like a
human, can be allergic to almost anything. Dog allergies are also known
as several names, the most common are atopy, allergic skin disease, or
allergic inhalant dermatitis. Other common causes of allergies in dogs
are pollen, dust, mold, grass, food, shampoos to even carpet cleaners
and powder deodorizers. Canine dog skin allergy symptoms include rashes,
very itchy skin, scratching constantly, rubbing the face often and/or
frequently chewing on their paws Others will have red hot to the touch
ears, and/or frequent ear, bacterial and yeast infections may occur.
Owners wishing to know the exact causes of their dog’s allergies can
have their veterinarian do allergy testing. Once the nature of the
allergy is determined, the cause can possibly be removed from the dog’s
every day life. If the allergy is from things that are uncontrollable
such as pollen, grass and mould spores, the veterinarian can arrange to
have an antigen made up specifically for the dog. This will be
administered by injection and will usually show dramatic results.
Other Common Allergies Include: Flea allergies are seen on a regular
basis by veterinarians, this is caused by an allergic reaction to the
slavia produced by the flea. Food Allergies. According to veterinary
allergists, animal protein can be an allergen (cause of allergies). Some
of our pets are allergic to beef, some to chicken, turkey, and most to
horse meat. Some dog are also allergic to the preservatives that are
added into dog food. Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are often a secondary infection to another
conditions. A dog that has scratched or rubbed at an area and left
opened skin without proper cleansing or antibiotic treatment will often
have a bacterial infection set in. The infected area or wound becomes
red, swollen, warm to the touch and very painful. This infection can
worsen and cause a discharge of pus that will require a veterinarian to
treat. Hot spots are usually seen in dogs that have heavy, dense coats
like the Collie, Samoyed, German Shepherd and so on. Hot spots seem to
appear overnight and without warning. They worsen quickly as the dog
licks and chews at the skin to find relief from the pain caused by the
moist, swollen, foul smelling area. Hot Spots can cause incredible
amounts of surface damage within 12-48 hours. The initial irritant could
be anything that itches from an insect bite, an ear infection, a matted
coat, or anal gland irritation, and most commonly a local reaction to
fleas and ticks. Treatment includes thorough cleaning, topical and
systemic antibiotics, and anti- inflammatory agents. Pyoderma.
Pyodermas include a wide range of infections which result in the
formation of pus. Pyodermas vary in severity. All areas of a dog’s body
may be involved, but most cases are confined to the trunk. The chin is
one area commonly affected. Called chin acne, this condition is actually
a deep bacterial infection. Obese dogs and dogs of the pug-nosed breeds
are frequently affected by pyoderma in the skin folds on their face,
lips and vulva. Treatment is similar to that for hot spots, but
typically is longer term. Shampoos and rinses are also helpful.
Fungal Infections
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes inflammation, scaly
patches and hair loss. Ringworm is seen most commonly in young dogs. The
fungi live in dead skin tissues, hairs and nails. Hair loss, usually in
circular patches, may appear. If infected, the centre of the patches may
have a dry, crusty appearance. The head and legs are most commonly
affected by ringworm, although the disease may spread over other parts
of the dog’s body if not treated. Dogs may scratch the lesions.
Treatment may involve shampoo and creams available from your
veterinarian. In severe cases, oral drugs may be prescribed. Ringworm
can be passed to other animals and to humans. Infected dogs should be
kept away from children and other dogs and cats until the infection is
cures -- which can be as long as 2-3 months or more after the treatment
begins. Adults should be careful to wash their hands thoroughly after
handling an infected dog. If treated early, ringworm is readily controlled
in humans. Other household pets should also be examined for ringworm.
Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are extraordinarily powerful chemicals. Even tiny amounts
can have powerful effects. Pets that produce too much oestrogen may lose
fur along their flanks and belly, and their remaining fur may feel
greasy. High oestrogen levels are sometimes caused by ovarian cysts in
cats and testicular tumours in male dogs or cats. Conversely, spayed
females will occasionally produce too little oestrogen. This also causes
the fur to get thinner. In addition, the underlying skin may get thin
and fragile.
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