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Please note, this article is sourced from the
USA. It is intended as an information resource only. Please consult
your local veterinarian for advice and treatment.
 Dogs and cats suffer from many problems, which affect their skin. It
is important to understand that the skin is an organ, just as the
liver and kidneys are organs. The skin functions as a barrier to
protect the body from infection, caustic substances, ultra violet
light and dehydration. Good health and proper function of the skin
is dependent on the health and function of the other organs, which
make up our pets bodies.
Diseases, which affect the skin, can be placed into one of two
categories: primary and secondary skin disease. Primary skin
diseases are those that affect the skin directly, such as mange or
flea and tick hypersensitivities. Secondary diseases are those that
initially involve other organs and thereby affect the skin, such as
hypothyroidism.
The diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases can be difficult and
time consuming. The following are some of the common diseases and
conditions affecting the skin and a brief description of their
diagnosis and treatments.
Allergies
Humans with allergies usually react by sneezing, but your pet reacts
by scratching. Both you and your pet are reacting to an allergen,
which is a substance that causes sensitivity. Most allergens are
inhaled, but a few are the contact type, such as an allergy to wool.
Some allergens are found in food, most commonly corn, wheat, soy,
beef, and dairy products. The first signs of allergic reactions are
scratching, licking, biting, or rubbing the skin. This can lead to
infection characterized by red bumps and pimples. Because of the
discomfort, it is important to get professional help as soon as
possible.
Bacterial
Infection
A
bacterial infection is common, but is usually secondary to another
underlying disease such as an allergy. Treatment for bacterial
infections may include antibiotics; either given orally or
topically. It is important to seek professional help to treat the
bacterial infection while searching for the underlying disease.
Hot Spots or
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Hot spots are usually a result of self-trauma and resulting
infection that occurs as your pet tries to relieve itself from some
pain or itch. Treatment includes thorough cleaning, topical and
systemic antibiotics, and anti- inflammatory agents.
Pyoderma
Pyodermas include a wide range of infections that result in the
formation of pus. Pyodermas vary in severity. Treatment is similar
to that for hot spots, but typically is longer term. Shampoos and
rinses are also helpful.
Atopy or
Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis
Atopy is a very itchy skin disease which is the result of allergies
to microscopic particles in the air. Diagnosis is based on clinical
presentation and absence of other causes such as ectoparasites.
Treatment includes dietary supplements, antihistamines and steroids,
and is often long term. In very refractory cases skin allergen
testing and hypersensitization may be helpful. Shampoos and rinses
are also often helpful.
Ectoparasites
(external parasites) include mites, fleas, and ticks.
These parasites break the barrier formed by the skin and allow
bacterial infections to occur. They also may lead to allergic
conditions. Diagnosis is achieved with gross observation and
microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Treatment depends on the
parasites present and includes antiparasitic drugs and antiparasitic
shampoos and rinses.
Fungal
Infections include Malassezia sp., Dermatophytosis
(Ring Worm), and Dermal Coccidioidomycosis. Diagnosis is achieved
via culture of the organisms, microscopic examination of skin
scrapings and blood tests that identify antibodies to Coccidioides
immitis. Treatment includes topical and systemic antifungal drugs
and antifungal shampoos and rinses.
Food allergies
Food allergies often manifest themselves as skin problems. Food
allergies are usually diagnosed by ruling out other possible
conditions. Treatment is trial feeding of hypoallergenic diets for a
minimum of six weeks.
Irritant
Contact Dermatitis
Contact allergies are diagnosed based on history of contact and
clinical presentation. Treatment includes washing the exposed areas
to remove the irritant. Patients that are itchy are given steroids
for a short period of time. It is important to prevent re-exposure.
Autoimmune Skin
Diseases
There are several autoimmune skin diseases and the foundation of
diagnosis is surgical biopsy. Treatment includes combinations of
dietary supplementation, steroids, and immune modulation drugs.
Secondary Skin
Disease
Secondary skin diseases such as hypothyroidism are diagnosed via
clinical testing for the underlying disease. Diagnosis often
requires blood tests, biopsies, and X-rays. Treatment of the
underlying condition usually results in improvement of the skin
problems.
Diagnosis
and Treatment
Your pet's skin problems very often combine two or more of the above
diseases. For example, flea infestation hypersensitivity can lead to
pyoderma. Because of the complicated interactions between the skin
and other organs within the body and due to skin's varied response
to insult, diagnosis and treatment of skin disease may be difficult
and time consuming.
The skin scrape is the mainstay of diagnosis. Several small areas of
your pets skin are shaved to remove hair. A scalpel blade is used to
scrape up the top layers of skin. The resulting material is viewed
under a high-powered microscope. In addition to skin scrapes, blood
tests and surgical biopsies are necessary to diagnose some skin
diseases.
Treatment of skin disease may include steroids, antibiotics,
antihistamines, topical drugs, antifungal drugs, shampoos and rinses
and dietary supplementation or modification and surgical removal of
masses. In some cases, therapy must be continued for months and even
for life.
(Information provided by Dr. Brett Hinsch, Animal Health Hospital,
USA.)
source: healthypet.com
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