Canine Dermatological Diseases

Dogs are susceptible to a wide variety of skin diseases. Some skin conditions are genetic, passed from parents to their offspring. Others stem from allergies, bacteria or fungal infections. Although many skin diseases are isolated conditions, a skin disorder can also be a symptom of a more serious illness.

  1. Canine Atopic Dermatitis

    • Canine Atopic Dermatitis, or atopy, is essentially dog skin allergies. The dog's immune system overreacts to an allergen in the environment. This causes intense itching. The dog scratches and bites at its skin, which causes redness, irritation and hair loss. Dr. Carol Foil, a board-certified veterinary specialist, claims that most dogs begin to demonstrate symptoms of allergies between 1 and 3 years of age. She also indicates that some breeds, such as terriers and bulldogs, are more likely than other breeds to suffer from allergies. Antihistamines and steroids help control the symptoms, but the most effective method of treating allergies is to avoid the allergen.

    Malassezia

    • Malassezia is a fungal yeast infection that causes severe itching. Pet Education explains that the symptoms of malassezia are a darkening of the skin, or hyperpigmentation, as well as hair loss, skin inflammation and oily, foul-smelling scales. Dogs with malassezia infection in their ears scratch or shake their heads and paw at their ears. Dogs also lick their feet, scratch or rub their faces depending upon the location of the infection. Poodles, chihuahuas and German shepherds are more likely to develop a malassezia infection than some other breeds. Malassezia is treated with topical micronazole ointment or oral antifungal medications such as ketoconazole or itraconazole.

    Seborrhea

    • Seborrhea is a term for flaky skin. The dog's body turns skin cells into dead scales at a faster pace than normal, and since the body does not have time to slough off the dead skin before more of it builds up, scales develop on the dog's body. Pet Education explains that seborrhea is either a primary condition caused by heredity or a symptom of a secondary condition such as thyroid imbalance or parasites, depending upon the dog. The site also explains that there are two types of seborrhea. Seborrhea sicca is dry scaling, while scales as well as excessive oil production characterize seborrhea oleosa. Medicated shampoos and vitamin supplements help treat these conditions.

    Pyoderma

    • According to Dog Health by Lowchens Australia, pyoderma is a skin infection caused by the staphylococci bacterium. Pyoderma has two types. One variety infects the surface of the skin, while the other type infects the area below the skin's surface. The symptoms of pyoderma include crusted open sores on the dog's skin that drain yellowish liquid and pus. Treatments for pyoderma include medicated shampoo and antibiotics.