Diagnosing Skin Issues in Pets

Skin conditions, disorders, and problems are common among pets. The reason is that the skin is the representative of your pet’s overall health. Both internal and external factors manifest their influence in and on the body through the skin’s appearance. By thoroughly examining the skin, you can diagnose some skin issues your pet may have.

 

Bacterial Infections

The pet’s skin is home to some bacteria species that typically do not cause any problems throughout the pet’s life. However, a cut or a wound creates a way for bacteria to get inside the body and cause infection. Most bacterial infections in pets are secondary infections because bacteria flourish in a moist environment brought by parasitic attachment, an underlying disease, or an allergic reaction. You will know your pet has a bacterial infection when you see red itchy patches in the skin folds or broken skin. The irritations may be seeping pus or blood when the pet scratches the itch. When the infection is so severe, the pet could develop boils and ulcerations as well.

 

Skin Sensitivity

Some pets have very sensitive skin, and without keen observation, one may mistake sensitivity for a disease or parasitic attach. Common signs of sensitive skin include hair loss, dry skin patches, or excessive scratching. If the pet is scratching more than the usual, its skin could be having an allergic reaction or another skin issue. Some causes of skin sensitivity among pets include ringworm, allergic dermatitis, yeast infection, and impetigo.

 

Albinism

Albinism among pets is rare but not impossible to find. Albinism is a genetic condition brought by the absence of pigmentation on the animal’s skin, eyes, and coat. The iris also tends to be pale, and the colored parts of the eyes are pink. Pets with albinism have visual defects also. Exposure to the sun may irritate the skin, and vision worsens.

 

Acute Moist Dermatitis

The disease is commonly referred to as “hot spots.” It manifests as some “hot” and sore spots on the pet’s skin brought by constant intense licking. As the pet continues to rub on the itchy areas, sores begin to develop beneath its coat. Acute moist dermatitis is common among dogs that have long and dense furs. The dog continually scratches, licks, and bites the affected area, further irritating the inflamed skin. You will notice some inflamed, raw, and hairless spots on the pet’s head, chest area, and hip increasing dramatically. Most often, the lesions develop during warm weather when the air is hot and humid.
 

Common causes are mite infestation, reaction to an allergen, food allergies, poor grooming, ear infections, and arthritis. The disease is not long-term, and the lesions disappear after only a week’s treatment.

 

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Dogs, especially, develop this skin disease. The dog’s skin becomes itchy when it reacts with the chemicals in the flea’s saliva. Pets with flea allergy dermatitis will have pimples, bumps, scabs, and redness on their skin. When severe, the disease causes hair loss in the affected area. To check if your dog has the flea allergy dermatitis, check for eczematous skin and hair loss on its neck, lower back, upper tail, and at the back of the legs.

 

Autoimmune Diseases

Like humans, the body will have an abnormal internal response to something, and the effect appears on the skin. The most common autoimmune disease is pemphigus foliaceus. Blisters start to form and rapidly break on the pet’s epidermis, and as they heal, they form crusts and erosions. The blisters begin to form on the ears and face before spreading to the rest of the body. The infection may cause paw pads to thicken with scale, a condition called hyperkeratosis. Treatment for pemphigus foliaceus and other autoimmune diseases is by administering immunosuppressive agents like azathioprine and steroids.

 

If your pet is suffering from a skin issue, see a veterinarian for further testing and treatment. Visit the Liberty Animal Clinic in Hinesville, Georgia. You can also call 912-368-4080 to book your appointment.