Skin problems can range from mild to severe and can include recurring ear problems, skin infections, skin sores, anal sac problems, itching, and/or abscesses/sores on the paws. Regardless of the symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and seek veterinary care when they occur.
Causes of Skin Problems
There are various causes of skin problems in dogs and cats. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to choosing the right treatment method. Here are some common causes:
Parasites
Fleas and mites are common causes of itching and skin problems. Fleas can cause itching, hair loss and reddened skin, while mites such as demodex and scabies can lead to severe itching and skin changes.
Allergies:
Allergies, including flea allergies, environmental allergies, and food allergies, can trigger skin problems. Animals can overreact to substances such as pollen, food, or flea bites and develop itching and skin irritation as a result.
Stress:
Stress, boredom, and anxiety can also affect an animal's skin health. Some animals may develop excessive licking or scratching as a way to cope with stress-related problems.
Endocrine disorders:
Endocrine system disorders, including problems with the thyroid or adrenal glands, can affect skin and coat quality and lead to itching and hair loss.
Secondary infections:
If the skin is damaged by scratching or licking, bacteria and yeast can invade and cause secondary infections.
Skin Examination and Diagnostics
To identify the underlying cause of skin problems, a thorough examination is essential. The skin examination may vary depending on the animal's symptoms, but it typically includes the following steps:
Medical history:
The vet will start by taking a detailed medical history, including how long the skin problem has been going on, whether it is better or worse at different times, whether other animals in the family have similar problems, and details about the animal's dietary habits.
Clinical examination:
The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of the animal's skin, including the ears and paws.
Samples:
To rule out different possible causes of the skin problems, various samples are taken from the skin. This may include scrapings, pressure samples, tape samples and/or ear swabs. In some cases, bacterial cultures and blood tests may also be necessary.
Elimination diet:
If it is suspected that the skin problems may be food-related, an elimination diet may be part of the investigation. The animal is given a special diet food to see if the skin problems decrease.
Allergy investigation:
If an allergy is suspected, the veterinarian can perform blood tests or skin prick tests to identify allergens and develop a treatment plan.
Treatment and follow-up
Treatment of skin problems depends on the underlying cause. After the veterinarian has performed examinations and taken samples, a diagnosis or a preliminary diagnosis can be established. The treatment plan may include medications, special diets, or allergy shots, depending on the individual case. If your pet is suffering from skin problems, early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential to ensure their well-being and quality of life.
We can help with problems such as:
- Itching
- Rash
- Tuber
- Wound
- Boils
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