Our skin is the first line of defence against the environment. Have you ever wondered what you should do when your pet’s skin is looking under the weather? Well, there are many causes of skin ailments, so consulting with one of our veterinarians is the best option to pinpoint the cause and begin treatment.
What are the causes, symptoms and diagnosis of bacterial skin infections?
Many bacterias inhabit the skin. An infection will start if the skin becomes the right environment for a specific organism to thrive. Some signs of a bacterial infection are redness, swelling, moist discharge, pus, itchiness and hair loss. Most bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics using topical, oral or injectable methods.
What are the causes, symptoms, and treatment for ringworms?
Did you know that ringworm is a fungus that is highly contagious between mammals. All you have to do to catch it is to touch an active lesion or an object with the live fungus on it. It usually presents as a circular lesion which is red and dry with crusts around the edges. You will also see hair loss and experience itchiness. Ringworm is treated with anti-fungal medications.
What are the causes and treatment of allergic skin diseases?
Allergies and their symptoms are caused by an exaggerated response from the immune system. Histamines are released and cause symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions on the skin may show symptoms such as hives or bumps, dry flakiness, hair loss, redness and itchiness.
Allergies can often lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections due to a compromised immune system. These are often seen in the ears or between the toes of your pets. Treatment usually involves treating the secondary infection and then the primary cause of the allergies. Food trials can also be done. Various medications work in different ways.
What are the causes and treatment for parasitic skin diseases?
Parasitic skin infestations can be due to many organisms such as mites, fleas, lice or ticks. A sign of an infestation resembles many of the symptoms mentioned above. Once diagnosed, most parasites can be easily treated with the proper anti-parasitic medications. Treatments come in different forms including topical and oral. Some parasites need to the treated multiple times to avoid re-infection due to their long life stages.
What are the causes and treatment for hormonal skin diseases?
Some common hormone-based illnesses that can cause skin changes are hypo-thyroidism and hypo-adrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease). Less common diseases are hyper-thyroidism, hyper-adrenocortiscism (Addison’s disease), alopecia and supracaudal gland hyperplasia (stud tail). There are specific tests and treatments available depending on the diagnosis.