In recent years, skin diseases in dogs and cats occupy a leading place among the diseases that occur in these species. Increasingly being felt in the changing nature of nursing, environmental deterioration of the environment, sedentary lifestyle of most small animals are not always competent breeding. These factors contribute to the emergence and consolidation in the gene pool of various pathological conditions, many of which are accompanied by skin manifestations. Briefly talk about the properties and functions of the skin:
Leather - epithelial-connective tissue of the animal body. It provides a barrier function, preventing the loss of water, electrolytes and macromolecules. In addition, the skin mechanically protects the animal from adverse environmental effects and, thanks to its flexibility, provides the movement. However, despite the protective barrier, nerve receptors can sense heat, cold, pressure, pain and itching. Skin temperature is responsible for the regulation and accumulation of vitamins, electrolytes, water, fat, carbohydrates and proteins. The skin surface has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, and this, combined with its immune-regulatory function can prevent the development of infections. Exposure to sunlight in the skin synthesize vitamin D, a pigment, a prisoner inside melanocytes (pigment cells of the skin) to prevent the damaging effects of solar radiation.
In practice, the veterinarian has to deal with diseases of the skin in more than 20% of cases. Moreover, only a small part of them is actually a problem of the skin. Most cases of skin is a symptom of underlying disease of the body. To find out what kind of problem in question should consult a veterinarian in possession of a wide range of diagnostic and laboratory investigations (blood tests, swabs, scrapings from the affected skin, fluorescent diagnostics).
Now let's talk about what is necessary to pay attention to the owner of the animal and any errors in the care of the animals are most common:
Feeding. To date, there are two types of animal feed used by the owners: it is a natural feeding with the use of products of plant and animal origin, and industrial, using dry and canned food of different manufacturers. Which feeding naturally decides to give preference to the owner of the animal. But we want to caution against undue mixing of the majority of the owners of these types of lactation. Industrial foods contain nutrients in certain proportions according to the type, age and breed of animal, and adding products to them "off the table" not only violates this balance, but also greatly harms the health of the animal. You should not mix different food manufacturers together in an attempt to diversify the diet of the animal. Food is chosen individually to each animal according to the requirements listed above in the absence of allergic reactions. Feeding dry foods provides free access to drinking water.
If we talk about natural feeding, 70% of the diet must be food of animal origin (beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products) and 30% cereals (rice, buckwheat). Under such feeding should be included in the diet of vitamin-mineral supplements.
The inefficient feeding primarily responds to the presence of skin itching, rash, hair loss, inflammation of the ear canal, etc.
Environment. There are many problems, but some of them can be prevented by the very owner.
In winter, avoid walking through the streets of the animal treated with anti-icing agents - it can lead to contact dermatitis pads. In order to limit the contact pads with aggressive media, you can use special creams and footwear for animals that are sold in pet stores. Also avoid frostbite, resulting in long walks in the frost (the most sensitive ears shorthaired animals).
In summer, avoid a long stay with the animal in direct sunlight, as frequently develop photodermatosis - inflammation of the unpigmented and / or hairless areas of skin exposed to ultraviolet rays. Be sure to treat the animals from external parasites (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, black flies), as they may be carriers of infectious diseases, as well as to harass animals. For these purposes, sprays, drops on the withers, collars, shampoos, powders. Regularly, at least two times a year deworming. Still want to focus on the availability of veterinary vaccines for clinical dermatophytosis animals. Annual preventive vaccination of these vaccines will help the owners to insure their pets against fungal infections of the skin ("shearer" depriving).
Sedentary animals are often combined with improper feeding leads to metabolic disorders (obesity, hormonal disorders). In such animals from the skin, there may be thinning or hair loss. The presence of acne, pigment deposition, itching, bleeding under the skin. But this is only part of the signs that a disease of animals. The cause of their occurrence can only be a veterinarian.
Genetics and breeding. There is a breed predisposition to a variety of skin diseases, so black acanthosis occurs primarily in short-haired dachshunds. You should avoid mating with native features. Gipotrihoz (hairless body) occurs in pinschers, poodles, dachshunds - hairless places on the outside of the ears, the Whippets - on the dewlap. Inflammation of the skin folds - a Bloodhound, Bulldog, St. Bernard, Chow Chow, Spaniels, Pugs, Pekingese. In the selection should pay attention to the quality of the skin. Seborrhea - Schnauzer, Spaniels, Setters, Dobermans, German Shepherds.Pigmentation disorders - Dobermans, retrievers, Afghan, Samoyeds, Dalmatians.
In addition to non-infectious causes of skin diseases, an important role in the occurrence of disease may play a virus, bacteria, fungi. But in such cases to determine the cause you want professional help and proper treatment.
Below we will briefly discuss the most common skin disease, classified by clinical manifestations.
Diseases accompanied by peeling of the skin.
One of the most frequent causes of treatment for holders of the veterinarian is the presence of animal dander. To successfully solve this problem, it is important to determine whether a secondary or peeling it is associated with a primary keratinization disorders (keratinization), although it is believed that about 80% of the peeling of the skin, observed in practice, have a secondary character.
Dermatoses that cause secondary peeling, usually divided into itchy and itchy. The former include pyoderma, allergic dermatitis from flea bites, atopy, scabies, allergies feed. No itching, usually occur uncomplicated secondary pyoderma demodicosis, Dermatophytosis, endocrinopathies. Without peeling itching may also be a consequence of insufficient ambient humidity.
Primary disorders of keratinization - this dermatosis, which usually appear clinically excessive formation of horny scales. Major role in the pathophysiology of this process are impairment of function or keratinizing epithelium, or skin glands. Such disorders are usually hereditary and it should bring to the attention of breeders to sick animals were not allowed to breed. This group of diseases include:
primary idiopathic seborrhea (predisposed breeds - American and English cocker spaniels, Doberman, Irish Setter);
folllikulov hair dystrophy (Doberman, Rottweiler, Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Setter, Chow Chow, Poodle, dog);
zinc-dependent dermatosis (some breeds huskies);
Acne (Bulldog, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, Neapolitan, Schnauzer)
dysplasia of the epidermis and ichthyosis (West Highland White Terrier (WHWT)).
In secondary peeling prognosis is generally favorable, subject to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Peeling is associated with primary defects of keratinization is much more difficult to reliably control and requires lifelong use of topical and systemic treatment.
Diseases accompanied by a rash.
Miliary dermatitis Papulokrustozny cats - a very common side effect of many skin diseases. However, the most common cause of it - allergic dermatitis from flea bites.Young, old and sick animals are more susceptible to defeat by fleas than healthy and adult cats. The characteristic lesions in miliary dermatitis are strupovidnye papules, which are easier to palpate than to see. Many cases of dermatitis occur without krustoznogo effects itching. Wool can also be quite a normal appearance. In other animals with fur is oily to the touch. Some cats marked itching and scratching, which leads to the development of alopecia, irregular shapes, which is found mainly in the head, neck and other parts are available for scratching, at least - on the back. If pockets are found papulokrustoznogo dermatitis on the head and neck, in the calculation should also take the possibility of defeat ear mites, atopy and allergic feed.
Piotravmatichesky dermatitis (acute weeping dermatitis) - frequent skin disease of animals caused by samotravmirovaniem and complicated by secondary bacterial microflora. The basis of this disease is itching caused by allergies. Often there is seasonality of the disease, the majority of cases recorded in the warm and humid throughout the year.
Piotravmatichesky dermatitis develops quickly. It is noted clearly demarcated erythematous, slightly elevated above the surface of healthy skin spots that result from stronger samotravmirovaniya (scratching, razgryzanie). Hair in these areas are not available for the same reason. Sometimes, though rarely, there may be multiple lesions.Constant phenomenon in piotravmaticheskom dermatitis is a painful or itchy. In most cases the spots are located in the lumbar region. By predisposed breeds include the German Shepherd, Retrievers, Collies, St. Bernard. Age and sex predisposition has been noted.
Intertrigo (pyoderma skin folds) develops as a consequence of anatomical defects, due to which, the conditions (humidity, heat) for the intensive breeding of bacteria.Distinguish intertrigo lip, facial, and caudal folds perivulvarnyh. In the lesions may be detected in some animals fungi Malassezia, which increase inflammation.
Intertrigo is characterized by early erythema, exudation, then razviayutsya erosion, ulcers and fistulous passages. Frequent companions of this state - itching and unpleasant odor, which arises due to inadequate ventilation of the skin.
By intertrigo labial folds are prone cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, St. Bernards, Irish setters. Intertrigo facial folds characteristic of the brachiocephalic breeds (English bulldog, boxer). Pyoderma perivulvarnoy folds is often seen in obese females with underdeveloped vulva. Intertrigo tail folds observed in species with a short tail plotnozakruchennym such as English and French Bulldogs, Boston Terrier. Generalized form of the disease is most common in Shar-Pei.
Characterized by formation of pustules Ostiofollikulit of up to 2 mm, pierced hair, located on the hyperemic base. Pustule covered by a crust, which disappears after a few days, leaving no trace. The pustules can be single or multiple. Bacterial cause of ostiofollikulita, is usually the staphylococcal infection. Ostiofollikulit develops on the background conditions such as
hypersensitivity (atopy, contact, feeding, insect);
endocrinopathies (hypothyroidism, giperadrenokortitsizm);
parasitic diseases (demodicosis, scabies, helminthiasis);
idiopathic disturbance of cutaneous immunity.
Impetigo (Puppy Pyoderma) - a benign condition in which the rash is formed in the groin and axillary regions of immature dogs. These lesions may be accompanied by a slight itching, and detected incidentally during a routine inspection. Responsible for the occurrence of impetigo most often streptococci. Predisposing factor is the inadequate care of the puppies, although the phenomenon may have impetigo and puppies with proper care. As a secondary phenomenon of impetigo may occur in some viral diseases, such as the plague of carnivores.
Folliculitis is characterized by a deeper than ostiofollikulite, the spread of inflammation of the follicle. Common cause of folliculitis in the muzzle (facial abrasions) is a complication of acne (acne). Last is more common in young animals, usually male shorthaired breeds of dogs before puberty. Upon reaching sexual maturity age, this condition can have consequences, and in some cases (the development of furunculosis) - with scarring. Cats have not noted any breed, age or sexual function for this state.
Piotravmatichesky folliculitis appears as a continuation piotravmaticheskogo dermatitis due to penetration of infection into the deeper layers of skin. Localization, causes and rocks that make up the risk group are the same as that of piotravmaticheskom dermatitis. Has a more severe clinical signs, as well as the presence of multiple lesions.
Disease, accompanied by the formation of "nodes".
Nodules on the skin of dogs and cats - an important cause of a veterinarian. In this case the main question that needs to find out - whether a node is a manifestation of neoplastic process or a consequence of the inflammatory skin reaction. The answer to this question will decide on an adequate method of treatment and to determine the prognosis, which is very important for the owner of the animal both in terms of opportunities to help pet as well as in terms of cost savings.
Some neoplastic disease often breed predisposition. So histiocytoma is more common in boxers, dogs, Dachshunds and Shelties. By the development of melanoma tend cocker spaniel, Airedale Terrier, Scottish Terriers. Squamous cell carcinoma in boxers, bull terriers, Pekingese, Scottish Terrier, BRT is more common than in dogs of other breeds. Beagle, German shepherd, golden retriever, are prone to developing lymphoma of the skin.
Age of the animal also acts as a factor estimates the probability of a neoplasm. Data on age and can sometimes help determine the type of tumor. For example, a typical histiocytoma of the younger animals (up to 2 years) of age, whereas mastocytoma (tuchnokletochnaya tumor) occurs in older animals.
A very small number of skin diseases involving the formation of knots, have sexual predisposition. To those include metastases from breast tumors in females, as well as sites of an inflammatory nature in the back of a male with testicular tubular adenoma (tumor of the Sertoli cells.)
For nodes of inflammatory origin is often a characteristic sign is itching, but the latter may accompany and mast cells, particularly for its injury, due to the release of inflammatory mediators. Neoplasms such as aggressive type of lymphoma may be accompanied by tenderness, which also leads to samotravmirovaniyu.
The presence or absence of pigment change indicates the presence or absence of a pathological process of inflammatory component.
The character of changing the appearance of lesions and the rate of increase in size may provide useful information regarding the biological behavior of neoplastic masses.Mastocytoma with slow progression over several months in their biological behavior are not highly malignant. The appearance of multiple lesions in the same time may suggest a systemic disease that is characterized by, for example, the propagation of metastatic hematogenous route.
Pigmentation disorders.
Skin pigmentation and hair coat of mammals is essential for camouflage, sexual dimorphism, and hierarchical relationships. Pet pigmentation does not play a role, while for owners it may be of some importance. For example, success at trade shows to a large extent depends on the "correctness" of the pigmentation of skin and fur of the animal. Therefore, its violation often upset pet owners, even if the latter have no clinical signs of disease.
Akromelanizm. Some breeds of cats (Siamese, Balinese, Himalayan and Burmese), the feature is the presence of hyperpigmented skin, selektsionirovalis it is on this basis.Kittens that are born with an even color throughout the body, pigmentation develops on the ears and the limbs in response to lower body temperature in these areas. For this reason, dark spots are formed in places devoid of hair or hair loss as a result of, or preparation of the operative field. The newly regrown hair hyperpigmented only for one growth cycle, although they may remain there and for a longer time.
Lentigo is common in adult dogs. Hyperpigmented spots (single or in groups) are found on the trunk or limbs. With age, the number of sunspots and the intensity of pigmentation may increase. Lentigo affects many breeds of dogs, however, a hereditary form of the anomaly has been described in pugs. In cats, red color lentigo appears as hyperpigmented spots in the muco-cutaneous head joints. Lentigo - only a cosmetic problem. Treatment has not been developed.
Black acanthosis. It is important to distinguish the secondary black acanthosis, arising as a reaction in many inflammatory dermatoses and black primary acanthosis, a disease that occurs exclusively in Dachshunds.
Primary acanthosis black. The disease affects both sexes taxes under the age of 1 year. In early lesions confined to the bilateral hyperpigmentation, alopecia, and acanthosis of the skin axillary regions. In the future, some dogs grab defeat the whole ventral surface of the body, accompanied by extensive lichenification and secondary seborrhea. In certain parts of the dogs is a malignant acanthosis manifestation. In this case, symptomatic treatment is ineffective.
Secondary black acanthosis. Any inflammatory reaction of the skin in the ventral part of the body, accompanied by acanthosis and hyperpigmentation can be described as a black acanthosis, although in this case the term is not accurate enough. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - a better name for this condition. It does not require specific therapy, and disappears when the cures inflammatory dermatosis.
Vitiligo usually occurs in adult animals and shows a progressive depigmentation of the skin, hair and mucous membranes, and lasts from several months to several years.The process may involve crumbs paws and claws. In dogs, lesions first appear around the nose and face the mirror and arranged symmetrically, whereas in cats may be a more generalized distribution model. By vitiligo prone Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, Schnauzers black dog and a cat of Siamese breed, and their hybrids. In animals, this state is not associated with any systemic or neoplastic disease.Dogs and cats are relatively common depigmenting skin previously subjected to traumatic injury. The affected skin and hair look structurally normal. Depigmented hair may appear either in groups or singly throughout the coat. Vitiligo in animals - only a cosmetic problem. Treatment has not been developed.
Depigmentation of the nasal speculum is quite common in dogs some large and medium size breeds such as German shepherd, labrador, golden retriever, poodle, royal and other skin depigmented nose speculum normal thickness, appearance does not differ from the skin with normal pigmentation. Other clinical manifestations are not marked. Effective treatment has not been developed.
Patchy hair loss.
Focal (focal) alopecia in animals - a phenomenon not uncommon in clinical practice.Baldness can be in the form of a circular spots on any body part or multiple, giving the appearance of coat, "moth-eaten fur." Disease, manifesting focal alopecia, can be itchy, itchy not, and can become itchy over time when they are not in the beginning. Among dermatoses, manifested a similar clinical picture, some common, others - less. The described phenomenon is observed particularly at trihofitii, microsporia, demodicosis, allergic diseases, folliculitis, alopecia areata, follicular dysplasia, a color mutation of alopecia, scabies, dermatitis malassezioznom, dermatomyositis, zinc-dependent dermatosis.
Symmetrical alopecia.
Dermatitis, alopecia accompanied nezudyaschim animals are fairly common cause of treatment to the veterinarian. Currently, the disease usually referred to with such manifestations of various endocrinopathies. These animals need hormone testing and treatment.
Diseases caused by pathogenic fungi.
Dermatophytosis - a disease of the skin arising from parasitism of pathogenic fungi genera Microsporum and Tpichophiton, were called dermatophytosis (dermatomycoses). Dermatophytes have the ability to infect healthy hair or skin. The infected part of the hair is very fragile and often breaks off, so the hair in the affected area has shorn appearance (hence the old name "ringworm") up to complete baldness.In addition to the hair shaft also may be affected sites mezhfollikulyarnogo keratin, which is manifested peeling the skin surface. The degree of severity of inflammation varies.Infection with non-specific for a particular host species of fungi cause a stronger inflammatory response than adapted to the host species. Hyphae of some (not all) of Microsporum produce pteridin substance that can absorb ultraviolet light and fluoresce.This property is the basis of fluorescence diagnosis of microspores. However, the absence of fluorescence does not rule out Dermatophytosis.
It is believed that the cause of dermatophytosis in cats in 95% of a Microsporum canis. The remaining 5% of cases are caused mainly Microsporum gypseum and Trichophiton mentagrophites. Microsporum canis is well adapted to cats as hosts, so often the disease is asymptomatic. From healthy animals, not previously bolevshih mikrosporiya, identify the pathogen is very difficult, while the level of carriage in cats bolevshih dermatophytosis, up to 100%. Dermatophytosis is more common in cats and takes them to a more severe form. In adult cats the disease is more common for individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant or lactating. Sick cats are a danger to both humans and other animals.
Dermatophytosis in dogs is much rarer than in cats. In most cases, the appearance of dermatophytosis in animals of this species are responsible Trichophiton mentagrophites, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum.
Clinical signs of dermatophytosis are varied and not always confined to the classical picture of the disease. In most animals, the most typical manifestations are erythema, alopecia, education scales and crusts. The lesions are localized on the scalp and neck, at least at the base of the tail and limbs. The spots at first small and gradually expand and reach considerable size. Hair lose their normal pigment and become brittle and easily epiliruyutsya. The skin lesion focus in a dense, reddish-brown or grayish. Animals comb the affected areas, which often contributes to the transfer of disease from head to extremities. As a rule, expressed slightly itchy. An exception is an infection caused by Trichophiton mentagrophites. Dermatophytosis can occur with other diseases, mainly ectoparasitic: demodicosis (in dogs) and notoedrozom (cats).
Malasseziozny dermatitis dogs. Recently, a number of skin diseases in dogs (atopic dermatitis, otitis externa) is complicated by the yeast genus Malassezia, particularly Malassezia pachydermatis. By malassezioznomu dermatitis susceptible dogs of all breeds, but a special predisposition manifest basset hound. Skin lesions that are associated with Malassezia pachydermatis, may be localized or generalized. Affected areas usually include the ear canal, face, ventral neck, axillary cavity, groin, interdigital skin folds. Most often disease is characterized by erythema, alopecia, and dry or oily seborrhea. In chronic cases, watching lichenification and hyperpigmentation. Pruritus varies from mild to extremely severe. Skin lesions are often accompanied by an unpleasant odor, especially in places such as the neck, axillary fossa, the ears.
Akarodermatozy.
Clamp dermatoses of dogs and cats have a significant place among the diseases of the skin of these types of pets. Diseases caused by these arthropods, accompanied, as a rule, severe itching, scratching, hair loss, the phenomena of secondary pyoderma, which not only brings suffering to a sick animal, but also very frustrating his owners. In addition, patients are dogs and cats are a source of disease to other animals and humans. Therefore, treatment of these dermatoses should pay close attention.
For veterinary dermatological practice are the most important such as akarodermatozy notoedroz, sarcoptic mange, demodicosis and otodektoz. These diseases affect dogs and cats, but with varying frequency. So notoedroz otodektoz and often recorded in cats, sarcoptic mange and demodicosis - in dogs.
Atopic dermatitis.
Atopy is a genetic predisposition to the formation of antibodies against the allergens from the environment (pollen, poplar fluff, house dust, etc.). Because atopy - a disease poly etiology, with a variety of clinical manifestations, its diagnosis and treatment represent a challenge for veterinarians. Frequency of occurrence among all allergies atopic dermatitis is second only to allergic dermatitis from flea bites. Often accompanies the latter first, complicating and confusing the clinical picture of disease.Contribute to the complication of the disease can also make allergies and feeding, and even dogs and pyoderma. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats are similar in many respects, but there are some differences.
In dogs, atopic dermatitis usually occurs between the ages of 1 to 3 years and affects 3 to 15% of the entire animal population of this species, regardless of gender.Predisposed to the disease breeds are terriers (WHWT, tape, Fox), golden and Labrador retriever, boxer, cocker spaniels, German shepherd, shar-pei, Dalmatian, English Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Irish and English setters. The most common clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs are itching, alopecia, erythema, hyperpigmentation, lichenification, which are found on the muzzle, feet, chest, ears, belly and tail. Depending on the source of allergen atopy may show seasonal or causing trouble to its owner and the animal most of the year.
Patients with atopic dermatitis dogs most often affects the yeast infection (Malassezia), which contribute to inflammation and oily seborrhea. In the interdigital spaces of the ideal conditions for the proliferation of fungi are created by high humidity and relatively high temperature of the skin in these areas.
