“A dog is a man’s friend” is a saying with deep meaning. Many people love and have pets. But few people think about the fact that caring for them is very difficult. First of all, constant monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian is required.
When a child is born, parents watch him develop, grow, look for diseases that begin to bother the baby. Here's before you start pet you need to prepare yourself for the fact that you will become a mother for him. Observe very carefully, and especially try to notice the first symptoms of disease. There are few that pass without a trace, many more with a fatal outcome. Often animals are brought from other countries or cities, but no one thinks that the climate is different everywhere and dogs do not tolerate climate change well, this manifests itself in them in the form of various ailments. Infections, plague, tuberculosis, lichen, allergies - a small list of dog torments.
Periodically progressive itching and scratching of the animal's skin cause concern, and the owner goes to the veterinary clinic. Finding out the cause of this symptom is quite difficult even for a doctor. It can be characterized by many diseases. But most often, the doctor diagnoses atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Atopy– allergic diseases, the main cause of which is heredity. It may be caused by allergens different types. Atopic dermatitis is caused by hypersensitivity to an irritant. It is not contagious and is transmitted exclusively by inheritance. Heredity is 100 percent proven. Atopy in newly bred dog breeds is present from birth and cannot be fully cured.
Some breeds do not suffer from atopic dermatitis, but there are those that are prone to it: dachshund, chow chow, labrador, Scottish terrier, English bulldog and others. Atopy most often progresses between the ages of one and three years, but the first signs can be visible at six months. Atopy in dogs occurs more often in females than in males, although both sexes are predisposed. It gets worse with age and appears more and more often.
Types of allergic reactions
Atopic dermatitis in pets. At the present time it is a huge problem.
Causes
- Heredity is the main reason.
- Different types of allergens: dust, pollen, flea excrement, house dust mite.
- Temperature of the surrounding area. Depending on the temperature, it depends on how quickly the pathogen enters the body.
- Seasonal changes. Humidity and vegetation influence whether a dog will develop atopic dermatitis or not.
- The microclimate of the animal's habitat. For example, in the house where he lives there may be dust constantly, and if it acts as an allergen then the symptoms atopic dermatitis will appear frequently.
- Concomitant diseases that provoke atopic dermatitis in dogs. This may be a complication of some other disease.
- Flea dermatitis occurs in almost all types of dogs, and especially in those in which the owner does not attach much importance to fleas.
Video: Allergies in dogs - causes
Symptoms
Allergic dermatitis in dogs is manifested by main and additional symptoms.
Basic: constant itching, multiple lesions on the skin, face, fingers - suppuration, cracks, boils. When scratched vigorously, wounds appear. Change in fur color. Inflammation of the outer ear. Baldness.
Additional: dry skin, allergic otitis media, immediate reaction to an allergen, formation large quantity folds, bad smell, peeling, hair loss.
May appear all year round, and maybe in a certain season.
Areas that are most often affected by atopic dermatitis by reduction: ears (pinna), muzzle, neck, elbow joints, axillary area, groin, torso, paws, fingers, under the tail.
Diagnostics
Anamnesis: you need to remember everything down to the smallest detail, at what age you first encountered atopic dermatitis, find out whether someone of their kind suffered from atopy, seasonal occurrences or year-round, whether there were diseases of a different nature, how atopy manifests itself when changing place of residence, what kind of diet. Examination of the animal by a doctor: which parts of the body are most affected, what the rash looks like, color.
Laboratory research. It is determined whether there are diseases or associated infections. They take crops for mushrooms. Blood tests - clinical, biochemical. Blood serum is checked for hormones.
If a food allergy is suspected, a hypoallergenic menu is prescribed.
Differential diagnosis allergic diseases skin in dogs according to data clinical examination and anamnesis:
- dermatitis caused by an allergy to midge bites - develops in spring and summer; any age; on the lower back and base of the tail;
- feed intolerance – year-round; in any year, especially at six months; can be observed everywhere, most often on the front of the head, ears, perinatal area;
- atopic dermatitis – in spring, summer, sometimes year-round; young animals aged 1 – 3 months; facial part of the head, armpits, abdomen, distal parts of the limbs.
Video: Diagnosing allergies in dogs
Treatment
The first step is immunotherapy. Its percentage positive result with atopic dermatitis it becomes 70-80. The allergen is introduced gradually under the skin. It is carried out over three to six months. The itching is completely eliminated. If there is a side effect that manifests itself as increased itching, you need to change the vaccination method.
IN veterinary dermatology There are many drugs for itching in atopic dermatitis:
- prednisolone is not expensive and in all cases effective remedy, dosage 0.5-1 mg/kg, once a day;
- methylprednisolone – 0.4-0.8 mg/kg;
- dexamethasone – 0.05-0.1 mg/kg, once every two days;
- triamcinolone – 0.05-0.1 mg/kg, once every two or three days;
- antihistamines: chlorphenamine, promethazine, hydroxyzone, clemastine, cyproheptadine, amitriptyline, apply every 12 hours;
- polyunsaturated fatty acid: linoleic, eicosapentaenoic, safflower oil, sunflower, linseed oil every 24 hours;
- other anti-itch drugs: cyclosporine, misoprostol, pentoxifylline, fluoxetine.
Most by alternative means are:
- corticosteroids;
- antihistamines;
- tricyclic antidepressants.
Traditional methods of treatment
Treatment traditional methods must be intertwined with medication.
Very effective method Potato compresses are used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats. Take fresh raw potatoes and grate them on a fine grater. Place on gauze and squeeze. In the evening we apply compresses to damaged skin.
Making antipruritic ointments
Ingredients: crushed chamomile and fireweed flowers, two glasses of hay dust infusion, a liter of plain water, one tablespoon butter, glycerin. Preparation: pour 1 tablespoon of chamomile and fireweed with water and put on fire, let it heat until it boils, cover with a lid and let it boil for 5 minutes, then add the broth and oil, mix everything and cook until a homogeneous mass is formed. After all the action, mix with glycerin in a one to one ratio. The ointment is now ready for use. Be sure to store in the refrigerator. Apply four times a day for one month.
Lotions from pears
Recipe: one glass of crushed leaves from a young pear tree, half a liter of boiled water. We are preparing a decoction. We take the leaves, already crushed, pour in strong boiling water, and let it boil for five to seven minutes. We insist 12 hours. All is ready. We make lotions.
Allergic dermatitis in dogs is difficult to treat with traditional methods, but everything is real.
Prevention
When raising a family of pets, you need to learn about hereditary diseases kind.
Avoid contact of the animal with the allergen. Watch your diet. More to spend time outdoors.
Criteria for the severity of atopic dermatitis in dogs
- duration of exacerbation mild form appears 1 – 2 times a year for 2 – 3 weeks; moderately severe – 3-4 times a year, duration one to two months; severe – more than four months lasting more than two months;
- duration of remission: mild – six to eight months; moderately severe – two to three months; severe – one month or absent at all;
- prevalence (area of damage): mild – isolated limited spots; medium heavy – multiple lesions; severe - many lesions merging into continuous extensive lesions with the transition to erythroderma.
Skin cytology and skin staples
- skin staples→ demodicosis or scabies→ antimicrobial therapy→ lesions disappeared→ search for causes of itching;
- cytology skin tests→ microbial infections→ antimicrobial therapy→ insufficient effect→ depending on clinical symptoms: 1. assessment of the effectiveness of insect removal → remission → hypersensitivity to insect bites; 2. biopsy; 3. assessment of the effect of scabies treatment → no answer → biopsy;
- skin cytology skin scrapings → Wood's lamp, fungal cultivation → dermatophytosis.
Atopy is less common in cats than in dogs. And if it occurs, the treatment, symptoms, causes, prevention are the same as in dogs.
Disease control
The course of atopic dermatitis must be monitored, do not forget about examination by a doctor, this must be done every eight weeks. It is necessary to check the affected areas of the skin. When the animal has fully recovered, then it is necessary to be examined every twelve weeks. All tests must also be taken once every six months.
Forecast
Not dangerous to life, especially severe degrees use euthanasia. In such situations, it is impossible to do without treatment for atopic dermatitis. If you do not treat then, year after year, your pet’s condition becomes worse and worse, he will constantly walk and itch, scratch these rashes and imagine what kind of appearance he will have, just terrible. There is a small percentage that atopic dermatitis will go away on its own.
Video: Symptoms and treatment of flea dermatitis in pets
Usually, pathological process on the skin causes the action of various allergens.
Most Frequent
- dust mites,
- pollen,
- spores of microscopic fungi,
- epithelial cells of humans or animals,
- food allergens (usually of protein origin).
Atopy in dogs is clinical syndrome skin symptoms involving an abnormal (hypersensitive) response immune system at the time it comes into contact with substances predominantly of protein origin - allergens.
Essentially, it could be anything in the environment, but such substances do not cause skin allergies in animals that do not suffer from hypersensitivity.
Atopic dermatitis in dogs - photos of the long-term stage of the disease.
The list of allergens that can cause allergic dermatitis in a dog is quite extensive. This includes pollen from plants and trees, vegetable fibers, mold, household detergents, dust mites, various grains, insect bites, human dander, fertilizers, hair from other animals, feathers, etc.
With everything else, it should be noted that atopic dermatitis in dogs has a strongly pronounced hereditary component. The disease occurs more frequently in some breeds and within the same family line, but the exact mode of inheritance has not yet been discovered.
In addition, factors such as geographic location of the animal and seasonal variations may also contribute to the development of symptoms of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Prevention
As with other types of hypersensitivity, atopic reactions can be completely avoided by completely avoiding contact with the animal. Of course, this is quite difficult, especially since it is necessary to take into account that it is extremely rare to identify a specific allergen, or a combination of them, for a specific dog.
Help reduce the frequency of occurrence allergic reactions may be an attempt to minimize exposure to commonly known allergens, such as flea saliva or helminth waste products.
Special Notes
Most dogs suffer from allergic dermatitis to more than one allergen. Atopy cannot be cured in the traditional sense of the word.
However, it can be controlled with medications, diet, and changes in the pet's lifestyle. Fortunately, this disorder is not life-threatening for the dog, but requires constant attention from the owner.
Allergies in dogs, however, like other types of living organisms, are fraught with a chronic course, which means periodic exacerbations that develop seemingly for no apparent reason.
This disease most often occurs in individuals young(1-5 years) and is diagnosed in 10-15% of the entire dog population. There are breeds that are more susceptible to this disease than others:
- Labrador
- boxer
- German Shepherd
- Shar Pei
- Dalmatian
- fox terrier
- English bulldog
- american bulldog
- French Bulldog
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Golden retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- Irish and english setter s
- beagle
- dachshund
- miniature schnauzer
- chow chow
Clinical manifestations of the disease in dogs are usually as follows:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Lichenification (thickening of the skin)
- Erythema (redness of the skin)
- Alopecia (baldness)
Areas most commonly affected by atopic dermatitis 
Fleas on a dog can cause illness.
This disease first appears at 12 months of age. up to 3 years. The gender of the animal does not matter. The main provoking factors include:
- heredity;
- exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
- features of the microclimatic environment.
Allergen provocateurs include waste products of fleas, dust mites, house dust, pollen of flowering plants.
Atopic dermatitis, caused by fleas, is detected in almost every animal. Most often this happens due to insufficient care.
Main symptoms
Constant itching is the main symptom of the disease.
The main symptoms of this disease should be considered:
- constant painful itching;
- lichenification of the extensor side of the wrist;
- involvement of fingers in the process;
- muzzle lesion.
Damage area
She may be:
- Heavy.
- Medium-heavy.
- Easy.
Moderate area affected by atopic dermatitis.
In severe cases, multiple skin lesions are observed. Often they merge into one large area. The moderate stage is also characterized by the presence of multiple skin lesions. At mild degree single limited pathological areas are observed.
Additional symptoms
Upon examination, you can detect the external form of allergic otitis.
- The animal's skin is constantly dry.
- The pet's reaction to a stimulus manifests itself with lightning speed.
- During an examination by a veterinarian, it is revealed outer shape allergic otitis.
- The presence of superficial manifestations of infection with staphylococcus is detected.
Characteristics of relapses
If the animal has been diagnosed mild degree, then clinical signs appear twice in 12 months. They are observed for 20–30 days.
The severe stage of the disease lasts approximately two months.
For moderate damage skin atopic dermatitis occurs no more than 4 times/12 months. Symptoms last for 30–60 days.
The severe stage is characterized by the appearance of symptoms more than 4 times in 12 months. Symptoms are present for 60–80 days.
Duration of remission periods
The duration of remission is as follows:
- easy stage - 6–8 months;
- moderate stage - 2–4 months;
- severe - 1 month.
In complex cases, remission may be absent.
Sometimes, during a severe stage, there are no periods of remission.
Main classification
Flea dermatitis
But this is just the “tip of the iceberg”. In fact, there are many more types of dermatitis, and we will try to talk about them in this article.
It also occurs quite often, especially in dogs living in city apartments. It develops when the skin is exposed to some irritating factors (physical or chemical origin) for quite a long time.
These may include: detergents and disinfectants, cosmetics, permanent high temperature. In the latter case, dermatitis appears if the dog constantly prefers to sleep somewhere near the central heating radiators.
Because of this, this process often turns into a chronic, sluggish type.
Main features
With this form of dermatitis back side paws in the wrist area, thickenings or places of ulceration may be visible. Plaques can be found on the ankles and sometimes even between the toes.
Acral dermatitis on a dog's paw.
Acral dermatitis most often affects large dogs. Characteristic signs dermatitis:
The main symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in dogs:
- The characteristic dog smell emanating from stray animals may also be present in a pet when it develops seborrhea.
- Matte wool shade. Usually the coat is shiny, but with this disease it immediately becomes dull.
- The fur is brittle, which causes excessive hair loss.
- Dandruff in huge quantities, visible to the naked eye.
- Itching is accompanied by constant sniffing of the animal.
- Black spots on the skin.
Seborrhea in a dog.
Therapeutic measures
Used to improve the condition of skin and coat special shampoos containing tar, salicylic acid and sulfur. If the diagnosis reveals a lack of nutrients in the body, vitamin supplements are prescribed.
Antifungal (Fluconazole) and antimicrobial (Ceftriaxone) agents can also be prescribed. Treatment with corticosteroid medications can be used to relieve itching.
Fluconazole is an antifungal drug.
Particular attention should be paid to the dog's diet. The veterinarian can choose the diet. It must contain the necessary nutrients and not cause allergies in your pet.
Describing the symptoms of each type of dermatitis separately is a rather pointless exercise, since all these diseases manifest themselves approximately the same way.
So, when is it time to take your pet to the vet? Firstly, if for no apparent reason some suspicious red spots appear on your dog’s skin.
As a rule, the local body temperature in these places is significantly higher than normal. You can also find out that it is probably unpleasant for the dog to probe the areas of suspected dermatitis, since in many cases this is accompanied by a strong pain reaction.
It is very bad if a dog constantly licks the same place. This is often the manifestation of thermal damage or the consequences of contact with some chemicals.
Yes, saliva in dogs contains a lot of lysozyme, but natural behavior leads to the development of acral dermatitis, its transition to a weeping, purulent form. So, in this case, you obviously shouldn’t expect a “natural cure”, since the animal definitely won’t get any better.
There are acute, subacute forms, as well as periods of relapse.
Common symptoms of dermatitis - skin lesions are observed in the area around the eyes, lips, anus, on inside ear, groin (as in the photo below) and armpits, interdigital space.
At first the skin turns red, as the disease progresses, signs appear chronic inflammation. Hair falls out, hyperpigmentation or acanthosis nigricans is visible in areas of baldness. The situation is aggravated by secondary microflora, leading to even greater inflammation.
The most unpleasant symptom is unbearable itching, which makes the dog nervous. In addition, scratching injures the tissue, which in turn leads to the formation of wounds with the subsequent development of a purulent process (pyoderma).
Chronic dermatitis is characterized by sclerotization: the skin thickens, dries, and takes on a wrinkled, brownish appearance.
The photo shows a manifestation of atypical dermatitis on the stomach and groin of a dog.
Symptoms of dermatitis in dogs
Flea dermatitis is accompanied by hair loss.
- Dog biting the skin.
- Itching and scratch marks on the skin.
- Wounds due to injury to the skin by animals during scratching.
- Loss of appetite, vomiting, problems with stool and stomach.
- Balding areas of skin partial hair loss.
- Variable behavior: barking, occasional whining, irritability.
Dermatitis in dogs can be of several types, however, no matter which one is diagnosed this moment- there is something for everyone general symptoms, independent of the causes of development. These signs are:
- the animal experiences pain in the affected area of the dermis, itching;
- at the site of direct damage, the temperature of this part of the body rises;
- redness of the dermis in areas of scratching and injury;
- slight bleeding is possible, followed by the formation of thin, dried blood;
- the development of traumatic edema, followed by the inflammatory process and skin changes.
With absence timely treatment– the disease becomes chronic when subcutaneous tissue and the dermis itself will swell, the hair will fall out.
Dog dermatitis differs in its symptoms. The main ones include itching and scratching on the surface of the pet’s skin.
But these are only common signs. Each type of dermatitis has its own characteristics.
In general, dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that affects all layers of the skin. In this case, a rash does not form.
IN normal conditions, the skin perfectly performs its main function - protecting the body from bacteria and external damage. If something goes wrong, the skin becomes susceptible to disease and, of course, does not perform its role sufficiently. Among such diseases, dermatitis often occurs.
Today, more and more researchers are inclined to believe that allergic dermatitis in dogs is a genetic – hereditary disease. Atopy can manifest itself in varying degrees of complexity and with different symptoms, but there is one clinical sign that will always be present.
This is an itch.
This symptom can be mild or more severe, which often depends on the season of the year and the stage of the disease. In some cases, itching may be the only sign of an allergy in a dog, which may appear and disappear periodically.
However, if during an exacerbation the dog easily reaches the pathological lesion on the skin, strong scratching and licking cannot be avoided, which, as already noted, leads to very unfavorable results.
Development purulent infection in foci of atopic dermatitis, it further aggravates the course of the allergy itself, which has a very negative impact on the dog’s quality of life, causing it to itch almost around the clock.
Main clinical signs of atopy in dogs
Owners of sick dogs may notice one or more of the following symptoms atopic dermatitis. As a rule, more serious signs appear later, but may not exist at all:
- The animal constantly tries to reach certain areas on its body in an attempt to lick, bite and scratch them with its paw.
- Local change in coat color due to frequent exposure to saliva. This is especially noticeable in light-colored animals, when their fur takes on a brownish-red tint.
- Hair falls out where scratching occurs.
- The exposed skin shows deep, oozing scratches and round ulcers.
- Skin deprived of hair becomes rough, peels, turns black, and cracks.
- Dark, waxy exudate is often found in the ears in the form of discrete formations. When you try to remove it, dark spots are visible in the places where the fur grows.
- From ears Sometimes you can smell the smell of yeast dough.
- The appearance of so-called acral dermatitis, which develops on the convex areas of the dog’s body - the elbow and wrist joints. These are, as a rule, round, red or dark, hairless patches of rough skin that the animal constantly licks.
A small selection of photos of atopic dermatitis in dogs:
Atopic lesions can develop anywhere on a dog's body, but the limbs, muzzle, and abdominal area are most commonly affected. Also, symptoms of allergic dermatitis develop under the base of the tail, in the groin, on the sides, around the eyes, inside the ears, in armpits, interdigital spaces.
Dogs at high risk
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis do not depend on the sex or age of the animal, although they are somewhat more common in females and dogs 1 to 3 years old. The most susceptible breeds are the Chinese Shar-Pei, Cairn Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Scottish Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Fox Terrier, English and French Bulldog, Pug, Poodle, Dalmatian, Irish and English Setter, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Schnauzer.
Clinical picture, diagnosis
What symptoms can you see in a dog if it suffers from bacterial dermatitis? It all starts with a slight redness on the skin. The spot is noticeably hotter (compared to the temperature of the rest of the body).
Then ulcerations appear at this place, it becomes wet, the skin and hair are subjected to maceration (soaking). An unpleasant, putrid odor begins to emanate from the animal.
As a rule, the hair on the affected areas falls out completely or partially. Leftovers hairline They are not the most appetizing sight, since the fur turns out to be glued together with exudate released from the source of inflammation.
Typically in mild cases general state the animal remains unchanged; in severe cases, the body temperature rises, the pet becomes lethargic, apathetic, and refuses food.
For an accurate diagnosis, a combination of clinical signs and a blood test is sufficient. To identify a specific type of pathogen, the veterinarian may take a scraping from the affected area of the body for subsequent microscopic examination.
Quite a difficult and costly process. Often, Russian veterinary specialists do not have sufficient knowledge to accurately make a diagnosis. Most often it is done by eye based on the symptoms. But this approach is not ideal, since other diseases have similar symptoms.
Abroad, to confirm the diagnosis, the presence of immunoglobulin E in the dog’s blood, to which the allergen binds, is determined, and special intradermal allergy tests are also carried out.
Due to the impossibility of conducting special research methods, our specialists most often make a diagnosis based on medical history:
When establishing a diagnosis, the most important role is played by obtaining anamnesis.
It is important to understand the cause of the disease.
This will make it possible to clarify the allergic nature of the pathology. The probability of identifying the stimulus is quite high.
Pet owner interview
The veterinarian is required to determine whether the dog is prone to dermatological pathologies. The owner provides information about the manifestations of the disease and the frequency of exacerbations. The owner will also have to answer questions regarding:
You need to tell your veterinarian about your dog's diet.
The owner must clarify the dependence of the pathology on seasonality. He must also know exactly when exactly the pet showed the first signs of atopic dermatitis.
Second stage of diagnosis
It is important to differentiate atopic dermatitis from scabies.
It is important to differentiate this pathology from:
- Malassezia dermatitis;
- scabies;
- contact dermatitis;
- food allergies;
- allergic reaction to flea bites.
Third stage of diagnosis
At stage 3 of diagnosis, the veterinarian examines the dog and prescribes a laboratory examination.
A urine test will be required for diagnosis.
The specialist undertakes to carefully examine the skin scraping. Then the fungal microflora is determined and the concentration of hormones in the blood is determined. The following tests are prescribed:
- Kala.
- Urine.
- Blood.
How to treat
It is impossible to completely cure a dog, but the symptoms of atopic dermatitis have to be dealt with throughout the pet’s life.
First of all, they try to determine the allergen that causes the disease. They work by elimination:
- treat premises against fleas and ticks,
- replace care items,
- refuse to use detergents,
- Air filters are used to clean the air from dust and gases,
- an elimination diet is prescribed.
If the allergen is definitely known, then immunotherapy is performed: the introduction of microdoses of the irritant to achieve a state of immunity.
Traditional treatment for dermatitis involves the use of antihistamines and corticosteroids (diphenhydramine, tavegil, suprastin, dexafort, prednisolone, kenalog).
However, there is debate in the scientific community about antihistamines: many experts argue that their role in therapy is negligible.
Helps fight inflammation antimicrobials, but they should be used only after determining the causative agent of the secondary infection and sensitivity to antibiotics.
To prevent relapses, immunostimulants (Polyoxidonium, Immunofan, GamaVit, Immunofor, etc.) are periodically used.
To increase immunity, periodic injections of Polyoxidonium are indicated.
Reducing dryness and itching is achieved by using steroids and shampoos that contain antifungal and antibacterial ingredients (for example, Globalvet, Zoomikol, Imavrol, Fungin, Perfect Coat, etc.)
In the treatment of atopic dermatitis, restoration is important intestinal microflora and comprehensive cleansing of the body, which can be achieved by taking sorbents and bifido- or lactobacilli (Eubicor, Omega-10 - veterinary multibacterin, Enterosgel).
When the disease is on acute stage, the hair from the affected area on the dog’s body is cut off and the skin is treated antiseptics, remove dead tissue and regularly powder with complex antiseptic powders. Antiseptic ointments are also used.
In the case of atopic dermatitis, it is very important to find out the allergen and avoid contact with it. For contact dermatitis, treatment is not necessary at all; the main thing is to avoid contact with the cause of the disease. Then self-healing occurs.
The goal of treating atopic dermatitis in dogs is to try to eliminate or minimize the symptoms that appear. However, as mentioned above, the disease cannot be completely cured - after some time, regardless of the treatment undertaken at the moment, the symptoms of atopy will most likely reappear.
Treatment Options
Most animals are treated on an outpatient basis. The treatment regimen will be chosen taking into account the reasons for the specific dog, seasonality, complexity of alopecia and skin damage. In almost all cases of treatment, the owner’s solvency must be taken into account.
Atopy in dogs can be treated over a long period of time and in a complex manner. Considering that the disease is chronic, the pet necessary procedures recovery from the disease will accompany you throughout your life.
Medication
Very often found in “company” with the type described above, especially with inept treatment. So, if you “heartily” anoint the edges of a wound with iodine, you can easily cause skin inflammatory process, which, associated with inflammation in the wound itself, sharply worsens the already far from ideal condition of the animal.
However, the presence of a wound is not necessary for the development of this pathology. So, if for some reason an animal was given a bandage with some kind of ointment or liniment, which did not change for a couple of weeks, then it will definitely develop severe irritation skin.
If you do nothing, it will soon develop into dermatitis.
Atopic is chronic illness skin, bothering pets with itching and rashes on the body. It develops as a result of a pronounced reaction to allergens, which have a pathological effect on the animal’s body. That's why it's called atopy. According to numerous studies by veterinarians, the disease in four-legged friends is associated with a genetic predisposition.
Allergic dermatitis in dogs: risk group, causes and signs of pathology
The disease often affects young individuals between 1 and 5 years of age. According to the breed criterion, the main part of the risk group consists of:
- Shar Pei;
- pug;
- boxer;
- Cocker Spaniel;
- chow-chow;
- beagle;
- Labrador;
- German Shepherd;
- setters - English and Irish;
- bulldogs - American and French.
Regardless of its source, the allergen is introduced into the pet’s body as a foreign substance, which causes the immune system to actively produce antibodies that neutralize the irritant. The first manifestations of AD in dogs are observed at 6 months of age, and subsequently the disease periodically recurs throughout life.
Factors that provoke the development of atopy may include:
- seasonality or pet's habitat. Unusual air temperature, high humidity, features home environment and other conditions environment can affect the health of the animal.
- Microclimate of the habitat. Most allergens are concentrated in the yard, house or apartment, that is, where the animal is located. It may also suffer food allergies and reactions to household dust or houseplants. Lack of changes in the habitat threatens the pet with persistent dermatitis.
- Concomitant diseases as the cause of the development of atopy in dogs are hypothyroidism, giardiasis, urolithiasis disease, biliary dyskinesia, etc.
- Reception medications prescribed by a veterinarian for any purpose.
How do they manifest themselves? clinical symptoms dermatitis, shown in the photo.
The owner can recognize the disease by a number of signs:
When severe itching The dog is worried, licks problem areas, and tries to scratch itself. Pathological areas are easy to notice on the paws and between the toes, on the face, in the outer ear area, in the groin and under the limbs. The fur becomes greasy, the body becomes covered with scales and begins to peel off.
A clear sign of atopy in dogs is the frequent incidence of otitis media and pododermatitis. In the 2nd case, the pet’s paws are so affected that it develops lameness.
Basics of treating dogs for allergic dermatitis
A pet with signs of atopy should not be treated on its own; it should be shown to a specialist as soon as possible. At the first visit, the veterinarian will ask the owner about the characteristics of the disease and clarify the dog’s living conditions. Collection of anamnesis continues with examination of the animal. If there is a suspicion of the influence of a hereditary factor, samples of feces, blood, skin scrapings and bacterial cultures are taken from the pet.
If the doctor detects a connection between allergic dermatosis and the dog’s diet, he prescribes a diet that makes it easier to identify the food irritant. To ensure accuracy of the assessment, it will have to be observed for about 6 weeks. Subsequently, the dog is switched to hypoallergenic food.
The success of treating atopic dermatitis in dogs depends on how quickly it is removed from the environment. The owner can easily exclude a reliably identified and unique pathogen from the conditions of keeping the pet, so the problem is easily solved. If an animal is influenced by a whole group of stimuli, it will not be easy to cope with them. You can reduce the number of relapses by doing the following:
Treatment for AD in dogs may be prescribed as a long course of immunotherapy. In 70% of all cases, hyposensitization completely relieves the animal of itching sensations. Therapy is carried out by subcutaneous administration identified irritant with a gradual increase in concentration. In this case, the veterinarian must take into account the data from the medical history and allergy tests.
Drug therapy for atopic dermatitis in dogs
Symptomatic treatment of allergic dermatitis in dogs can be carried out as follows: initial stage immunotherapy, and after it, if the effect is not fully manifested. The specialist prescribes medications for internal use from different groups, he offers special shampoos to care for the dog’s body. The dosages of all drugs are calculated based on the pet’s body weight. They are given once every 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Of the glucocorticoids for atopy in dogs, the following are indicated:
- Dexamethasone;
- Prednisolone;
- Triamcinolone;
- Methylprednisolone.
Possible side effects of their use are: polyuria, skin calcification, drowsiness, shortness of breath, polyphagia.
From antihistamines prescribe:
Drugs in this group have a sedative effect. While taking them, the dog may develop polyuria or polydipsia.
Excellent antipruritic agents are:
- Fluoxetine;
- Misoprostol;
- Cyclosporine;
- Oxpentiphylline.
These medications may cause nausea, agitation, drowsiness, diarrhea, skin rashes, polydipsia and polyuria. They are given to the animal once every 12 hours or once a day.
For the treatment of interdigital dermatitis in dogs that has developed due to atopy, polyunsaturated fatty acids are prescribed.
These are:
- Linoleic acid;
- Eicosapentaenoic acid;
- Linseed oil;
- Safflower or sunflower oil.
Oils must be cold pressed. Acids are contained in fish oil or supplements with omega acids (3 and 6). Side effect their use may cause diarrhea. The dosage is determined taking into account body weight. The frequency of administration is once every 24 hours.
External treatment of atopy in dogs
How to treat dermatitis in a dog externally? Doctors recommend using cold herbal teas as lotions. To relieve itching and relieve pain, you can apply applications with echinacea infusion. To accelerate skin regeneration, decoctions of chamomile, famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, are used.
Dermatitis in dogs: what to do at the first suspicion?
Skin diseases- a real problem for the patient. Annoying and maddening itching is only small part the ensuing consequences. One example is dermatitis in dogs, which affects not only the outer skin, but also the inner layers of the dermis.
Let's figure out what causes the development of the disease, what the symptoms look like and how to properly provide first aid to your pet.
Causes, causing disease, classified according to the type of dermatitis:
In addition to these factors, dermatitis in dogs can be caused by genetic characteristics. The following breeds are at risk:
Also, the development of the disease can be triggered by a change in microclimate and weather conditions of residence. Some diseases also contribute to the appearance of dermatitis:
- giardiasis;
- hypothyroidism;
- biliary dyskinesia;
- ICD and others.
Dermatitis can be recognized by the following symptoms:
Pathological areas include poorly protected areas of the body:
- paws;
- interdigital zone;
- muzzle;
- outer ear;
- axillary area.
Each of the previously discussed dermatitis has characteristic symptomatic features:
Diagnosis and treatment
It is not advisable to treat a sick dog on your own. Accurate diagnosis Only a specialist can install it. If it is not possible to take your pet for examination in the near future, but you really want to alleviate his suffering, then you are allowed to:
This is where the owner's freedom of action ends. Excessive initiative can lead to:
- purulent processes;
- general intoxication of the whole body;
- chronic course of the disease.
IN veterinary clinic necessary:
- Answer all questions received from the doctor to create a general picture of the disease.
- Provide the pet for external examination.
- Collect bacteriological cultures or scrapings from the affected areas.
- Take all blood tests:
- biochemical;
- hormone;
- clinical.
- Go through diagnostics feces and urine.
Diagnostics will help to identify the cause of the disease and select the correct treatment.
At drug treatment prescribed use:
Treatment of allergic dermatitis is carried out using immunotherapy. The animal is injected with small doses of the identified allergen subcutaneously, followed by an increase in dose. If the irritant is in food, then it is prescribed special diet, excluding dangerous products from the diet.
Dermatitis in dogs in 90 cases out of 100 has a positive prognosis if treatment is provided in a timely manner.
Prevention
To minimize the risk of developing dermatitis, you should take preventive measures:
Dermatitis in dogs is not as bad as it looks. Carefully caring for your beloved pet will quickly get him back on his feet, and observance preventive measures and will completely reduce the likelihood of the disease occurring.
Be vigilant and contact medical assistance for any suspicions. The health of your beloved dog directly depends on the speed of your reaction.
Watch also the video
Dermatitis in dogs – unpleasant illness skin due to complications and duration of treatment. Our article will discuss the types and causes of inflammation, as well as methods of getting rid of such a scourge.
Types of canine dermatitis
As mentioned above, dermatitis is considered to be inflammation of the skin. Depending on the causes of occurrence, the disease is divided into the following types:Symptoms of dermatitis in dogs
Common symptoms of dermatitis in dogs are:- Attempts to scratch the wound with claws or teeth;
- Redness of the skin;
- Coarsening or thinning of the skin;
- Skin affected by dermatitis is hot to the touch;
- Edema;
- Thinning or hair loss in affected areas;
Is it really impossible to help your dog without a visit to the doctor? Unfortunately, a trip to the clinic is required. However, you can alleviate the animal’s condition at home. This is what treatment at home will look like until the doctor prescribes special medications:
- The fur on the inflamed area should be cut;
- Treat the dog's problem skin with hydrogen peroxide, then apply an antiseptic cream (Levomekol, Salicylic, Zinc, Ichthyol ointments or other antimicrobial agents);
- The dog can be given antihistamines internally in drops, tablets or ampoules (Suprastin, Zodak, Allervet, Tavegil). These tools will help not only with allergic dermatitis, but also with its other varieties, if there is itching;
- If inflammation brings pain to the dog (especially when the affected area is large), it makes sense to administer a 0.5% solution of novocaine in accordance with the instructions for the drug;
- Vitamins (especially A, B, E, PP) will help strengthen the dog’s body. You can choose the following drugs: “8 in 1 Excel”, “Gimborn”, “Doctor-ZOO” or others;
- Immunotherapy drugs (“Glycopin”, “Azoksivet”, etc.) can improve the animal’s condition;
- To relieve swelling, reduce pain and relieve inflammation, you can give your dog Rikarfa tablets;
- Furosemide tablets will help relieve swelling and reduce the likelihood of intoxication;
- If a dog’s dermatitis is definitely caused by an allergy, it is appropriate to bathe the animal with an anti-allergenic shampoo (for example, brands “Synergy Labs”, “Beaphar” or others);
- An animal accustomed to ready-made feed, it is reasonable to temporarily switch to a special hypoallergenic diet (for example, Royal Canin, Yarra, Akana, or others). Dogs accustomed to a natural diet should stop feeding eggs, fish, red vegetables, and any sweets. You need to leave boiled dietary meat (rabbit, turkey, veal), green vegetables (cabbage, zucchini), water porridge, and low-fat sour milk on the menu.
Loading...