What are skin diseases?

Skin diseases can be seen in animals of all ages, but are most common in young animals and prefer long-term exposure to moisture and immunocompromised animals. animal. Dog skin lesions can range from acute to chronic. Skin diseases do not distinguish between age, gender and breed. Itching is variable.

Most infected animals recover spontaneously within 3 weeks of initial infection (provided there is no chronic maceration of the skin). Generally speaking, dry weather causes skin conditions to begin to heal faster. Uncomplicated skin lesions can heal without scarring. These infections usually have little impact on overall health. Animals with severe systemic infection may have health concerns, and movement and scratching may be difficult if the feet, lips, and muzzle are severely affected.

Possible causes of skin diseases

1. Excessive cortisone: It is one of the skin conditions in puppies and dogs that causes hair loss all over the body. Swelling may also occur in the abdomen - a condition sometimes associated with Cushing's disease.

2. Hypothyroidism: Skin lesions are characterized by reduced hair growth and bilateral symmetrical alopecia. The skin is dry, scaly, thickened, and sometimes cool to the touch. Pyoderma and seborrhea may occur. Excessive scale may occur at the edge of the auricle. In rare cases, cutaneous myxedema develops.

3. Excess estrogen: This is one of the dog skin conditions that can affect both men and women causing hair loss around the genitals and perineum. The vulva and clitoris may also become swollen.

4. Too little estrogen and too much estrogen: It occurs when the body does not secrete enough estrogen. This condition usually occurs in older women who have been neutered. The hair will become very thin, especially around the vulva, and the skin will appear smooth and silky to the touch.

5. Growth hormone-responsive alopecia: will result in severe hair loss, which usually affects male dogs and begins around puberty. Some breeds are more susceptible to the disease, including boxers, poodles, Keeshonds, Pomeranians, etc.

6. Dog hair follicle dysplasia: Hair follicle dysfunction caused by structural abnormalities also causes hair loss

7. Skin diseases caused by autoimmunity

a. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is one of the most painful skin diseases in dogs. Ulcers will begin to affect the foot pads and mucous membranes. The skin will also start to peel off.

b. Systemic lupus erythematosus can cause lameness and ulcers on the footpads.

c. Nodular panniculitis can form hard lumps under the skin on the back and sides. The lump will then burst and discharge, and the lump will heal as it begins to scar.

d. Pemphigus is a skin disease that causes red patches of skin that rapidly develop into pustules, which then dry and form yellow crusts. This skin condition affects the entire body, and the skin may also be lighter in color. The feet may also begin to thicken or even crack.

e. Pemphigus vulgaris (Pemphigus vulgaris) is a condition in which vesicles and bullae begin to develop ulcers and become scleroderma. Although this disease can affect any part of a dog's body, it usually affects areas around the mouth and lips. Nails may also peel off, and sores may begin to appear on the pads of the feet.

f. Erythema multiforme, which causes eruptions of the skin and mucus membranes - is another condition of dog skin disease that may be caused by certain medications.

h. Discoid lupus erythematosus usually affects the flat area on the nose, causing ulcers and color changes

i. Bullous pemphigoid is a skin condition very similar to pemphigoid vulgaris that usually develops at the junction of the skin and mucous membranes. One of the most common areas affected is around the mouth.