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Skin diseases are common in dogs. Although seldom fatal, many are chronic -- they can be controlled but not cured. Therefore, many skin diseases require frequent, if not lifelong, treatment.
Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. The skin and hair coat in dogs have many functions and their condition can be used as an indicator of a dog's general health.
Because there are so many causes of skin diseases in dogs, diagnosis is often difficult and response to treatment may take time to evaluate. Allow your veterinarian to determine the cause by using careful case histories and modern diagnostic measures before deciding on a course of treatment. Many diseases cause similar clinical signs, making diagnosis even more difficult.
Bacterial, fungal, allergic, parasitic and hormonal skin diseases occur in dogs. Less commonly, numerous hereditary and immune-medicated forms of skin disease also affect dogs. many skin diseases cause intense itching and this leads to further skin damage from self-mutilation. Rare causes of skin disease include nutritional deficiencies, viruses and poisons. Skin tumors and cysts are common in older dogs. |
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Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic animals will usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch at their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss, and reddening and thickening of the skin. In some cases several skin problems can "add" together to cause an animal to itch where just the allergy alone would not be enough to cause itching.
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Demodicosis (Red Mange)
Demodicosis (red mange) is a skin disease caused by a small mite not visible to the naked eye. This mite lives down in the root of the hair. All normal dogs have a small population of mites, but only certain animals will get a disease from mite overgrowth. In some cases, the tendency to develop demodectic mange runs in families. ...more
Dust Mites: Minimizing Exposure
Dust mites feed off of skin scales and dander shed by humans and animals. mites love bedding, carpeting, and anywhere they can find a hiding place with the likelihood of skin dander being present. Dust mites also require a relatively high humidity in the home to truly thrive.
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Flea Control
Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! In order to help select the most appropriate products to achieve a flea-free existence for an allergic pet, learn about the life cycle of the flea. ....more
Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's Disease)
Healthy skin and a normal hair coat are the result of many factors, both external and internal. There are several glands in the body responsible for the production of hormones that are vital for the regulation of other body functions as well as a normal skin surface and hair coat. ....more
Hypothyroidism
Healthy skin and a normal hair coat are the same result of many factors, both external and internal. There are several glands in the body responsible for the production of hormones that are vital for the regulation of other body functions as well as a normal skin surface and hair coat. ....more
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the external ear canal. Bacteria, yeast, ear mites, and allergies can all cause it. Addressing this problem involves four steps. ....more
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Pruritus: A Diagnostic Approach
Graphics illustrate a diagnostic approach to working with pruritus in dogs and cats. ....more
Pyoderma
Pyoderma is caused by bacterial infection of the skin. The causative organism is almost always Staphylococcus intermedius. Bacteria will not usually cause disease on normal skin, but other underlying skin diseases cause some changes in the skin surface making it susceptible to infection, leading to pyoderma. ...more
Sarcoptic Mange
Sarcoptic mange is a very itchy disease caused by a small mite not visible to the naked eye. Areas where the mites tend to burrow under the skin include the tips of the ears, elbows, hocks, chest and belly. However, in a severe infestation, mites can cause problems on the animal's entire body. ...more
Seborrhoea
Seborrhoea is a clinical syndrome that has several different forms. It can be seen as excessive flaking and extremely dry skin,
odiferous greasy scale and yellow brown adherent oil deposits, or a combination of the two.
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From the Veterinary Partner site
By Carol S. Foil, DVM, MS, Diplomate A.C.V.D. |
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