ANIMAL HEALTH
A
Skin Problems
wide variety of skin and coat conditions can cause your dog to itch and scratch, but pinpointing the problem can sometimes be difficult because many skin disorders cause similar outward signs. Following are four major categories of skin conditions seen in dogs.
Bacterial Skin Infections
The most common bacteria identified in bacterial skin diseases in dogs are Staphylococcus. Not contagious to people or other pets, these bacteria commonly cause a condition called “pyoderma” that results in itchy, yellow pustules; reddened skin; ulcerations; and/or hair loss. Bacterial skin infections are usually diagnosed based on the patient’s history as well as the location and appearance of the affected area. Your veterinarian may also perform blood tests and skin tests to determine the origin of the problem. Many bacterial skin infections have an underlying cause, such as parasite infestation, hormonal or immune system disorder, or allergy. If the underlying cause is not treated appropriately, the skin infection will likely return. Treatment involves an antibiotic shampoo followed by application of an antibiotic ointment and oral antibiotics.
Fungal Skin Infections
The most common fungal skin infection in dogs is ringworm, which causes circular patches of hair loss usually on the head and legs. Diagnosis is best made via a fungal culture, where your veterinarian will pluck a few hairs from the edge of the circular patch and grow the fungi to see exactly what it is. Treatment for ringworm involves bathing the dog in a special fungicidal shampoo and administering antibiotics. Complete eradication of the infection can take a month or longer. Ringworm is quite contagious to both people and other pets. Therefore, children and other household pets should be kept away from an infected dog during the treatment period. Anyone coming into contact with the affected dog should wash their hands regularly.
Allergic Skin Diseases
Allergies develop when your pet’s immune system overreacts to certain substances, causing tissue irritation. Skin conditions caused by allergy are challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat. Your veterinarian will first rule out all other types of 70 / Our City Weston / October 2021 / OurCityMedia.com
By Miguel E. Cordova, DV
skin irritation before making a diagnosis of extensive skin problems. allergy. Allergic dermatitis can be triggered Sarcoptic mites, also called “scabies” or by natural and artificial fibers, drugs, plants, “red mange,” inflame the skin and create dust, and food ingredients. numerous small scabs. Because they burrow under the skin, they are intensely Treatment of allergies in dogs varies uncomfortable for the dog but are often from ointments and sprays to injections difficult to diagnose. Demodex mites are and oral medication. A steroid called cortisone is sometimes used to ease the itching, commonly found in small numbers in all dogs, but a percentage of dogs can but it can cause other health problems if experience an extensive infestation that used long-term. Although there is no cure leads to skin problems. for allergies, they can be controlled. The best remedy is to avoid whatever it is that Help Is Available sparks the allergy. Most skin conditions can be controlled Parasitic Skin Diseases but not cured and therefore require There are a number of parasites that frequent, sometimes lifelong, treatment. can infest dogs, all of which irritate the dog No matter the cause of your dog’s skin and cause self-mutilation from excessive irritation, it is possible to ease his pain and scratching and biting. Fleas are one of the suffering. When you do, it will be a relief for biggest culprits. Repeated infiltration by both of you. fleas can cause an immediate skin reaction If you would like further information please feel to even one bite. If your dog is allergic, he free to contact us here at Animal Health Center will scratch excessively, causing redness, @ Weston (954)385-8389 or visit our website bumps, pustules, scabs, and hair loss in www.animalhealthcenteratweston.com the affected areas. Other small bugs such as chiggers, deer flies, and gnats can also bother dogs, but they don’t typically cause
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