Dermatitis in animals: causes, symptoms, and diagnosis

Dermatitis is an inflammatory process of the skin. In most cases, the disease develops in animals during the colonization of microbes such as fungi and cocci. The skin under normal conditions in the body serves as a protective barrier, the surface is covered with malassesias and bacteria, which are normal components of the integument. Normally, their number is small. If there is a change in the microclimate or the integrity of the skin is disrupted, microbes begin to multiply actively, which contributes to the appearance of microbial dermatitis. If there are scratches, scratch marks, and bald spots on the pet's skin, there is a high risk that this area is infected with bacteria and yeast. Microbial dermatitis is a secondary phenomenon in relation to the primary pathology. It is not transmitted to other animals or humans. Various factors can provoke a change in the cover and the proliferation of microbes. Allergic reactions are the cause of allergic dermatitis in pets. The body begins to react to flea saliva, dietary protein, or carbohydrate. Hypersensitivity to any component of the environment can also develop – pollen, house dust mites, human epithelium, etc. This leads to atopic dermatitis. Demodicosis and various parasitic pathologies. Endocrine diseases. Pathological processes can disrupt the natural protective function of the skin or become a predisposing factor for the appearance of yeast or bacterial infections.

Symptoms of dermatitis in pets can manifest themselves in different ways. The clinical picture depends on the cause of the disease. In most cases, the pathology is accompanied by erythema, alopecia, scabs, crusts, rash, hyperpigmentation, thickening of the skin, etc. The affected area exudes an unpleasant odor, sometimes accompanied by exudation. Some rashes occur against the background of moisture accumulation in the skin folds or interdigital area. Diagnosis of dermatitis During the diagnosis, specialists prescribe cytology, smear prints from the affected area, followed by their examination. However, seeding is not always valuable, since in the normal state of the body, microbes should also be present on the skin. The method of treating dermatitis in pets is selected by a doctor in a veterinary clinic after a thorough diagnosis. Self-medication is not recommended. The specialist usually prescribes topical treatment of the affected area of the skin, and adds medications if necessary. Treatment should reduce the number of microbes to normal levels. Only a veterinarian can cancel therapy, its premature termination is fraught with relapses. To make an appointment at our clinic, contact our specialists by phone numbers. They will advise you and help you choose a convenient date and time for your visit.