5 Skin Diseases Pets Suffer From
One of the most common issues veterinarians see is skin issues with pets. Some are easy to treat and some may require long-term care. Here are five of the most common skin issues and give you some idea of how they can be diagnosed and treated.
Hot Spots
Hot spots can be found in dogs and cats. Pyotraumatic dermatitis is a sudden acute inflammation of the animal’s skin and can be quite painful. It can cause lesions that discharge and cause hair loss. They can occur in different areas but generally are found around the ears and flanks of your pet. Your pet may bite or itch, opening the lesions and spreading infection. Flea bite allergies, inhalant/contact allergies, and/or food allergies are the most likely cause. Clipping the hair around the lesions and cleaning a veterinarian-approved antiseptic pet shampoo or soap as well as injectable or oral steroids, topical antihistamines, or antibiotic sprays can treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)
Atopic dermatitis is a condition in dogs and cats caused by inhalant/contact allergies. Molds, grasses, trees, ragweed, and pollen, can cause your pet to itch and lick itself. Ears and feet are the most common areas that are affected and secondary may develop, leading to odor, discharge, scabbing, and crusting of these areas. Pets are more likely to develop hives and are generally seasonal. Many pets that have atopy also suffer from flea bite allergies and food allergies. Your veterinarian will perform blood and/or skin allergy testing to confirm the diagnosis and targeted immune or medical therapy may be prescribed.
Dry Skin
Dry skin can be caused by nutritional imbalances and deficiencies or allergic skin disorders such as atopy, food allergies, and flea bite allergies. Pets with digestive disorders or intestinal parasites may be more likely to develop dry skin and pets with diseases of the liver, kidneys, or even cancer can also experience dry skin including flaky skin or dandruff. Pets will exhibit more shedding and hair loss. Treatment is usually special shampoos and conditioners to help treat your pet's dry skin.
Hair Loss
Hair loss and excessive shedding can be caused by a wide range of agents including: diet and allergies (food allergies, inhalant/contact allergies, and/or flea bite allergies). Infectious agents such as mange, ringworm, and bacterial skin infections can also cause problems with your pet's coat. Additionally, metabolic imbalances associated with thyroid, liver, or kidney diseases, or pets with cancer may also be susceptible to developing problems with hair loss and excessive shedding. Initial signs and symptoms can start with patchy thinning of the coat or mass hair loss. Lesions including papules, pustules, crusting, scabbing, or discharge can also occur due to scratching and biting. Depending on the cause, you will need to work with your veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan. Treatment options include diet change, medicated shampoos, supplements, and medications.
Mange
Demodectic mange is most common due to the overgrowth of an external skin parasite. Pets may develop demodectic mange typically as puppies and kittens, or as senior pets, due to genetic, immune deficiency, immunosuppressive medical conditions, and various medications. Mange generally affects your pets in the hind legs, abdomen, front legs, and face. It can lead to crusting, scabbing, discharge, and infection. It’s usually diagnosed by skin scrape and microscopic exam.
Scabies mites are less common, but cause intense itching, especially around thinly haired areas of a dog's body, including the ear lobes, elbows, hocks, and abdomen. The mites are difficult to find and a targeted treatment plan is necessary for resolution. Demodectic mange isn’t contagious, but scabies (sarcoptic mange) is contagious to other pets and people. Much like with fleas, the environment needs to be treated as well as the pet.
Most pet skin conditions in Farmington, PA start with your pet scratching and chewing. It’s not abnormal for your pet to do so, but if they are scratching excessively in one area, there may be a condition that needs to be addressed. Give Woodlands Animal Care Center a call at (724) 329-2838, so we can get your pet evaluated, and on the right treatment plan for the problem!
