The dog is itchy, but no fleas

Treatment of demodecosis

Diagnosis is made by analysing a scraping of the deep layers of the skin. Samples are taken from all affected areas.

Local or focal demodecosis is treated with antiparasitic medicines for external use. The prognosis is favourable, the animal recovers in 4-8 weeks. Without treatment, there is a risk of progression of the pathology to a severe form.

Generalised demodecosis is difficult to treat. Therapy is complex and includes:

- shampoos from seborrhoea;

- acaricidal agents (medications from mites);

- wound-healing and antibacterial ointments;

- immunomodulators.

Preference is given to drugs based on ivermectin, isoxalines. Additionally, drugs are used to combat secondary infection, in the case of suppuration of the skin or the development of fungus.
It is important not to start demodecosis, as even complex therapy does not guarantee successful recovery in the generalised form of pathology.

Sarcoptosis

The second most common parasitic body lesion in dogs. Sarcoptosis is caused by a mite of the genus Sarcoptes canis. As in the case of demodecosis, the presence of the parasite can go undetected for a long time due to the lack of symptoms.


The causative agent of the disease is transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one, a person also acts as a carrier.

First the head and paws are affected, then sarcoptosis spreads throughout the body.

Clinical picture:

- red spots on the skin;

- hair loss;

- scaling of the affected areas;

- severe desquamation and itching.

The characteristic symptom is severe itching, which deprives the dog of rest. The animal scratches and chews the skin, wounds and thick crusts form at the site of trauma, and the risk of skin infection is high.

Diagnosis requires scrapings from all affected areas.

Treatment of sarcoptosis

The treatment uses preparations with the active substances:

- fipronil;

- amitraz;

- selamectin;

- ivermectin.

Medications are selected by a veterinarian for a particular animal. The basis of therapy is treatment with acaricidal agents, in addition, local preparations are used to prevent suppuration of wounds due to infection.

The prognosis is favourable, treatment quickly gives results. To prevent re-infection, disinfection of living quarters is necessary.

Shingles in dogs

The medical name of the disease is trichophytosis or microsporia, depending on the type of pathogen. In common usage, the name ‘ringworm’ is accepted. It is a disease of fungal nature, it is provoked by dermatophytes - Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It can affect both dogs and humans, the pathology is very contagious.

The pathogen is transmitted by contact with sick animals or people, often observed in stray dogs. The risk group includes immunocompromised pets, puppies and elderly dogs.

The paws and head are more often affected. Foci of a round shape are formed, which quickly increase in size. Without treatment, the fungus spreads to the entire body.

Symptoms:

- rapidly growing round foci;

- hair loss in the affected area;

- reddening of the skin, flaking;

- severe itching and scratching.

The animal behaves restlessly, constantly scratching and chewing the affected areas. In these areas, the skin is damaged, as a result, the fungi multiply faster. Secondary infection may occur due to bacteria entering the wounds.

To make a diagnosis, the affected areas are examined with a Wood's lamp. In addition, scrapings are taken for analysis and culture.

Treatment

Scheme of therapy of shingles in dogs:

- topical use of antifungal agents;

- trimming of the hair around the centres of infection;

- treatment of wounds with iodine-based preparations;

- administration of systemic antimycotics (ketoconazole, itraconazole);

- use of immunostimulants and administration of vitamins.

Long-haired dogs are additionally prescribed antifungal shampoos to prevent the fungus from spreading throughout the body. Shingles can be successfully treated in a few weeks.

The third cause is endocrine diseases

Dermatological diseases are not the only cause of itching and scratching in pets. A separate group are disorders in the endocrine system. They are more difficult to diagnose, because of which treatment is often difficult.

The reason - in the change in the work of the thyroid gland, it can be hyperfunction, hypofunction or dysfunction. Three common problems in pets are distinguished:

- Cushing's syndrome;

- hypothyroidism;

- diabetes mellitus.

The clinical picture is similar in many ways, which complicates diagnosis. Common symptoms of endocrine disorders are obesity, strong thirst and appetite, skin flaking, changes in the structure of the coat. The type of alopecia depends on the type of pathology. The pet often itches, traumatising the body. If frightening symptoms appear, it is necessary to show the dog to a specialist as soon as possible, since endocrine diseases have severe consequences.

Cushing's syndrome

The second name of the disease is hyperadrenocorticism. Its essence boils down to an increase in the secretion of cortisol - a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. Probable causes:

- pituitary tumours;

- hyperfunction of the adrenal glands due to congenital features;

- pituitary dysfunction;

- adrenal tumours.

The disease occurs at any age and affects all breeds. Dachshunds, poodles, boxers and beagles are highly susceptible to Cushing's syndrome.

Pathology requires complex and timely therapy, since high levels of cortisol negatively affect the work of all organs and systems.

If the following symptoms appear, it is necessary to show the pet to a doctor:

- severe thirst;

- increased appetite;

- frequent urination;

- saggy and rounded abdomen;

- patches of baldness;

- pigmentation on the body.

The last symptom is not easy to spot in animals with a thick coat. Pigmented areas are visible on the abdomen in smooth-haired breeds.

Treatment

To make a diagnosis, a number of analyses and ultrasound of the adrenal glands are carried out. Therapy is medication or surgery. The second option is indicated for adrenal tumours. Conservative therapy is reduced to the prescription of drugs that reduce the production of steroids by the adrenal glands.

Hypothyroidism

Decreased thyroid function is how this disease manifests itself. Causes of hypothyroidism:

- autoimmune damage to the gland;

- thyroid tumours;

- infectious diseases;

- iodine deficiency in the diet.

Hypothyroidism is encountered predominantly in older animals. Genetic predisposition is observed in Labradors, dachshunds, setters, poodles, dogs, etc.

Lack of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland leads to disorders of all body systems. The dog develops lameness, bradycardia, the eyes are affected (keratoconjunctivitis), the genitourinary system suffers. The pet's facial nerve may be affected.

Early symptoms are behavioural changes and lack of vitality. The dog is lethargic, apathetic, sleeps a lot and moves little. Over time, the skin is affected, there are foci of alopecia on the body. Most often observed ‘rat tail’ - a complete loss of hair on the tail of the dog. There is a moderate itching, possible combing of the skin. If the resulting wounds become infected, the itching is repeatedly intensified. On hairless areas, pigment spots can be seen, the animal quickly gains weight, with time obesity is diagnosed.

Treatment

Lifelong replacement therapy with drugs to increase hormone production is prescribed. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is carried out, aimed at restoring and maintaining the function of organs affected by hypothyroidism.

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is another common endocrine disorder in dogs. It occurs in older animals that are prone to obesity. Skin lesions are secondary and are a complication of diabetes. With competent therapy, itching, scratching and alopecia are absent.

Psychogenic factors

Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to stress and boredom. Lack of attention, lack of training and motion are psychogenic causes of itching. The disorder has the following manifestations:

- constant licking;

- biting oneself;

- obsessive ‘chasing’ his own tail.

As a result, the family pet is constantly itching and gnawing itself. Often with psychogenic disorders face poodles and Dobermans.

A state of severe stress and other psychogenic factors can be a consequence of hidden diseases. Therapy consists in the treatment of the underlying disease or in the prescription of antidepressants.

Other causes of itching

One of the non-pathological causes of scratching is heavy shedding. The pet itches because the loose hair prickles and irritates the skin. It is enough to comb the dog, and he will feel better. However, excessive shedding, dandruff, dullness of the coat can be a symptom of a disease of the digestive system, liver or kidneys.

Only a specialist can deal with the causes of itching. Self-treatment blurs the clinical picture and complicates diagnosis, but itching is far from harmless and can be a sign of a dangerous disease.
Be attentive to the health of your pets and let them never get sick.