What is weeping eczema in dogs, causes and diagnosis

Dermatological diseases are common problems in pets; the diseases are accompanied by itching, deterioration of the coat, rashes and ulcers. Eczema in dogs can have different origins, most often the pathology is diagnosed in animals of advanced age, or with a large number of folds on the skin, or a thick undercoat.

Types of eczema in dogs

Experts divide the disease into several types, each of which has its own characteristics and characteristics. A veterinarian can determine the type of eczema after examining the animal and taking a medical history.

• Neuropathic form. It is a reaction of the skin to any vegetative disorder. It is rarely of the congenital type and most often occurs after a serious illness in the dog. With this type of dermatological pathology, spots appear symmetrically, they are located along the spine or on the outside of the limbs. As soon as an animal experiences stress, its psychological background changes, the spots become larger and itchy;
• Traumatic form. An undesirable reaction occurs due to irritation and disruption of the integrity of the skin. Even an excessively pressing collar can provoke the disease. Often this type of eczema is caused by low or high temperatures. The occurrence of the disease due to insect bites on the skin cannot be ruled out;

  

  Owners of dogs prone to eczema are advised to choose soft fabric collars

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• Reflex type. It is provoked by parasites, hormonal imbalance, allergic reaction and the development of other disorders in the functioning of organs. Often, the reflex type of eczema occurs due to exposure to dirt or other chemical and organic substances that irritate the skin.

Attention! Despite the fact that eczema in dogs looks quite scary and can cause severe inflammatory processes in the skin, the disorder is not transmitted to humans even through direct contact. The pathology is not contagious to other animals.

Eczema is not transmitted to people or animals around the sick dog.

Treatment of necrosis, ulcers, eczema, dermatitis in animals

The main primary causes of skin diseases are: fungi (trichophytia, microsporia, candidomycosis); parasites of animal origin (lice, fleas, ticks); physical, chemical, mechanical and biological factors.

Secondary causes are diseases of internal organs, disruption of the endocrine system, allergic reactions, violation of mineral and vitamin feeding (lack of zinc, sulfur, vitamin A, etc.).

The most common rut diseases are eczema and dermatitis.

Eczema

- inflammation of the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin), characterized by hyperemia, swelling of the skin, the formation of papules, pustules, blisters, crusts, which subsequently flake off and lead to itching. The occurrence of eczema is caused by increased sensitivity of the skin under the influence of nonspecific allergens. Predisposing factors are: exogenous - insect bites, scratching, friction, keeping animals on a dirty floor without bedding, skin contamination; exposure of the skin to certain chemicals (rubbing into the skin

irritating ointments, prolonged use of compresses); physical substances (exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet zeroing); biological substances (pathogenic microorganisms, especially parasites, fungi, bacteria, mold); influence of the external environment (rain, dampness, hyperthermia). Endogenous factors include diseases of some internal organs (liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract), disorders of the hormonal and nervous systems, mineral and vitamin feeding, feed intoxication (ergot poisoning), allergic reactions, in which a significant amount of toxic substances is eliminated from the body through skin.

The pathogenesis of eczema is based on neuro-reflex processes, and the above factors cause and send nerve impulses to the central nervous system, the functional change of which determines the development of eczema. Clinically, this primarily manifests itself in an area of ​​the skin that is exposed to the irritating influence of mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, radiation, thermal and other factors. Endogenous factors such as angiovegetative neuroses, functional disorders of the thyroid gland, ovaries, vitamin deficiencies, gastritis, nephritis, hepatitis, diarrhea and constipation should also be taken into account. It has been established that damaged tissues seem to attract irritations and pathological impulses, wherever they arise in the body of animals. As a result of exo- and endoirritants and dysfunction of the endocrine glands, a peculiar reaction (sensitization) is created in the animal’s body, predisposing to the occurrence of eczema and dermatitis.

The development of eczema occurs in several stages:

1) the erythematous stage with more severe irritations is characterized by redness, slight swelling of the skin, increased local temperature, itching, scratching, hair gluing with serous exudate, and restlessness of the animal;

2) the papular stage is characterized by the formation of small dense nodules (papules) in the form of red spots, the size of a millet grain to a pea, which rise above the surface of the skin and do not disappear when pressed with a finger; severe itching and scratching; swelling of the affected skin;

3) the vesicular stage is characterized by the formation of vesicles (vesicles) in place of papules filled with light yellow serous exudate, sometimes the vesicles merge together and form larger blisters;

4) the pustular stage is characterized by the appearance of pustules with cloudy contents, under the influence of external influences they open, and in their place weeping areas and erosions form, from which exudate leaks; as a result, the hyperemic, swollen skin in the erosion zone becomes wet, some of the hair falls out, and the remaining hair is stuck together with exudate;

5) the weeping stage is characterized by the fact that after the bubbles rupture, erosions appear in the form of reddish weeping surfaces; strong redness decreases after a few days, the skin turns pale, the exudate covering it dries, gluing the fur into a solid mass;

6) the scab-like stage is accompanied by complete drying of the exudate, and thanks to the free access of air, its transformation into yellowish crusts, which have a dark brown color, is accelerated, and it is they that indicate the transition to the crust stage;

7) the scaly stage (peeling) is characterized by the falling off of the crusts, the growth of the epidermis in their place, the drying of the vesicles and the gradual rejection of the horny cells of the epidermis in the form of scales.

Most often, eczema affects the skin in the withers, back, fingers, and abdomen (in cattle and horses); in the area of ​​the auricle and head, back, tail (in dogs). There are acute subacute and chronic forms, the latter is practically not cured and recurs. Each of them can occur in the form of weeping eczema. Chronic eczema is most often dry. Other forms of eczema are also possible - reflex, neuropathic, peri-wound, or paratraumatic.

Reflex eczema occurs due to skin sensitization and increased general reactivity of the animal. In this form, which develops secondarily, away from the main aggravated primary eczematous focus, all phenomena are less pronounced than in the focus itself. Rashes rarely develop beyond papules, so the weeping stage is also less pronounced.

Neuropathic eczema is more common in horses and dogs due to autonomic disorders. This form is characterized by the symmetry of eczematous lesions in combination with signs of nervous disorders (excitement, rage, depression, paresis, paralysis and other disorders).

Acute forms of eczema are characterized by polymorphism of rashes. In the area of ​​eczematous lesions, various stages of eczema development can be simultaneously observed. With eczema, the skin thickens, becomes rough, its barrier function decreases, and itching appears. Animals scratch the affected areas of the body.

A feature of eczema is prolonged and persistent itching. Therefore, during treatment, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate all irritating factors (dampness, unsanitary conditions, intense sunlight, skin parasites, chemicals); transfer animals to complete feeding in terms of protein, mineral and vitamin composition; if necessary, add zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, cobalt, sulfur and other elements. It is also necessary to clean the skin. Treatment can be local or general. Local treatment rarely leads to recovery in a short time. The best results come from complex treatment. In acute forms, antiseptic, astringent, skin thickening agents are prescribed (1-2% alcohol solutions of brilliant green, methylene blue, tannin, silver nitrate; 3% solution of picric acid); antihistamines (diphenhydramine, diazolin, vitamins C, P (rutin), firtoin, firtovitin), as well as multivitamins that calm the nervous system. It is advisable not to wet the skin. In chronic forms, Vishnevsky ointments, zinc, iodoform pastes, and oils are applied to weeping lesions; apply externally a 3% solution of boric acid; Physiotherapy (UHF) is useful. It is advisable to limit the intake of salt and easily digestible carbohydrates.

In general treatment of eczema, intravenous injections of novocaine, 10% calcium chloride, autohemotherapy, and tissue therapy are prescribed.

Prevention of the disease is that animals are protected from various external (stress) and internal irritants, the appearance of scratches and abrasions is prevented, they are provided with complete fortified and mineralized feed, they are not allowed to eat low-quality feed, a large amount of potato stillage, raw sprouted potatoes, green potato tops , buckwheat. When eating these foods, lesions (rashes) similar to eczema appear on the skin.

Dermatitis

- inflammation of the deep layers of the skin without the formation of rashes. The following types of dermatitis are distinguished: traumatic, chemical, warty, toxic, gangrenous. Animals most often suffer from traumatic, toxic, drug-induced and warty diseases. Dermatitis in animals can occur in any area of ​​the body, but most often on the limbs.

Traumatic dermatitis mainly occurs due to the action of mechanical irritants (scratching, friction with harness, skin contamination, when animals lie for a long time on a hard floor without bedding). Traumatic dermatitis occurs in acute and chronic forms. Features of this type of dermatitis are the following symptoms: redness of the skin, its soreness and swelling, abrasion of the fur, and the formation of dried crusts. In advanced cases, the skin in the affected area hypertrophies, becomes thick, dry, low-elastic, folded, cracks form in it, between which dirt and purulent exudate are contained, which creates favorable conditions for the development of purulent inflammation, body temperature rises and lameness appears.

Toxic dermatitis develops in cattle as a result of heavy and prolonged feeding of solanine (potato stillage, tops, sprouted potatoes, brewer's grain, buckwheat, green clover).

Drug-induced dermatitis occurs with prolonged use of strong irritating chemicals for medicinal purposes (formalin solutions, iodine, gasoline, anti-itch agents, etc.).

Warty (verrucous) dermatitis is characterized by inflammation of the skin with the formation of warty lesions. Most often it develops in horses of heavy breeds on the flexor surfaces of the finger joints of the hind limbs, in the area of ​​the metatarsus. Basically, this picture is observed in the unfavorable chronic course of traumatic dermatitis and weeping eczema, metabolic disorders, feed intoxication, and lack of exercise. Predisposing factors include the loose constitution of horses, unsanitary conditions in stables, keeping horses in damp premises, and some infections. The affected area is thickened, the skin is inactive, a foul-smelling grayish-white purulent exudate and individual lesions in the form of warts (beans) appear on its surface, and the hair sticks together. The disease lasts a long time, leading the animal to cachexia due to intoxication. The prognosis is unfavorable.

The gangrenous form is characterized by inflammation of the skin and wet necrosis. This form of dermatitis is seasonal (more common in spring and autumn). Local purulent-necrotic process (usually on the extremities) is accompanied by an increase in general body temperature, swelling of the skin, severe itching and the release of serous exudate. Dark spots are found on the affected area of ​​the skin, the skin in these places becomes dead, ulcers appear that secrete liquid gray exudate, with a strong putrid odor, lumpy, easily bleeding and slowly healing granulations (1-1.5 months). The main reasons are the penetration of microorganisms through skin lesions (wounds) and mucous membranes - anaerobes (necrosis bacillus) and the causative agent of necrobacteriosis. Predisposing factors are various skin disorders: abrasions, scratches, wounds, maceration of the skin in the toe area of ​​animals when kept in unsanitary conditions.

During treatment, it is necessary to cleanse the skin and hair of contaminants. The affected areas are washed with a solution of hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate, wiped with ethyl alcohol; You can use different shampoos.

For traumatic dermatitis, abrasions and scratches are first treated with tincture of iodine, and then ointments (Vishnevsky, zinc, penicillin, xeroform), emulsions (streptocide, synthomycin), pastes, and corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, prednisolone) are used. The affected surface is sprinkled with antiseptic powders. During the recovery stage, oils of plant and animal origin (vaseline, castor oil, fish oil) are prescribed. For chronic forms of dermatitis, novocaine blockades are prescribed (intravenously, in the lower back); for purulent dermatitis, intramuscular injections of antibiotics are recommended.

For chemical dermatitis, weak solutions of acid or alkali are used for neutralization (depending on the environment of exposure). Further treatment is as for traumatic dermatitis.

Toxic dermatitis is treated like acute eczema. It is also recommended to lubricate the affected skin with tar liniment and apply a bandage.

To treat warty dermatitis, cauterization is used (thermal cautery, nitric acid, dry potassium permanganate powder, turpentine, 3-5% formaldehyde solution). A 10% calcium chloride solution is administered intravenously.

For gangrenous dermatitis, it is recommended to use wet drying dressings with camphor and ichthyol alcohol. When necrosis occurs, the affected tissue is removed with a scalpel or scissors, the wounds are powdered with boric acid and iodoform powder in a ratio (1:9), potassium permanganate and streptocide (1:19), then complex treatment with antibiotics is carried out.

Prevention. To prevent skin disease, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the causes of the disease. It is necessary to strictly observe the standards of feeding, keeping and exploitation of animals; do not allow feeding of poor-quality feed containing toxic substances, fungal toxins, or increased amounts of acidic elements; provide appropriate regular skin care for animals (cleaning, washing, washing, bathing); promptly detect and treat various skin lesions; observe zoohygienic and sanitary-veterinary measures; remove manure from the stalls daily and cover the floors with dry and clean bedding; fight ectoparasites. In case of gangrenous dermatitis, sick animals must be isolated from healthy ones. After removing such animals, the room is cleaned and disinfected, the dressing material is destroyed, and surgical instruments are sterilized by boiling. For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, biotin (vitamins H, B1), vitamins B1, B6 are prescribed to prevent skin diseases and infectious diseases.

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Difference between weeping and dry eczema

Dogs, like humans, can have a wet or dry type of the disease. Both types of disorders can affect a pet, regardless of what caused the disease in the first place. Often the dry form turns into a wet form and vice versa.

Neuropathic eczema of wet type

With dry eczema, extensive patches of skin form on the skin, which actively peels off. The exudate released from the vesicles dries immediately without causing additional irritation to the skin. This form is the easiest to treat and rarely provokes acute inflammatory processes.

Dry eczema heals faster than wet eczema

With the wet type of disorder, the dog constantly notices moisture in the affected area. The exudate released from the blisters does not dry out and causes additional trauma and irritation of the epidermis. This form often provokes a secondary infection and is difficult to treat.

Symptoms of eczema in dogs and its development

At the initial stage, it is difficult to notice any changes in your pet. It is especially difficult to see problems on the skin of dogs with thick coats. You can actually notice developing eczema already in bald areas of the epidermis. Eczema goes through the following stages of development:

1. After the animal begins to lose hair, small areas with red spots can be observed on the bare areas;
2. First, small lesions begin to merge, forming large areas of affected skin;
3. An abscess appears in the center of the resulting focus of redness; over time, it bursts and a thick brown crust grows;

   

   Multiple crusts on the dog's body

4. With multiple ulcers, the skin becomes very rough, crusts cover the entire surface, can fester further, and fluid is constantly released. In this case, they speak of a wet type of violation;
5. More and more fur is falling out. It becomes dry and unpleasant to the touch;
6. The dog begins to suffer due to constant itching, pain, inflammation spreads to other parts of the body;
7. From the outer layers of the epidermis, in the absence of therapy, the disease penetrates deeper and deeper, forming ulcers and deep ulcers;

   

   If left untreated, eczema affects larger areas of the dog's body.

8. Gradually, pronounced scales form on the skin, and gloss may appear due to strong tension;
9. With a glossy epidermis, small tears and scratches can be seen at the edges, and dead tissue often appears.

It is advisable to provide your dog with medication before the eczema becomes chronic.

Attention! The disease can occur in the acute stage for several weeks, gradually becoming chronic. With this development, the symptoms become less pronounced, but can persist for up to six months.

Video - Types of eczema in dogs and its course

On what parts of the body can it appear?

Wet allergies in dogs can be localized on almost any part of the animal’s body: on the head, on the withers, at the base of the tail, even on the testicles. It is especially painful on the paws: interdigital weeping eczema causes the dog severe pain between the toes with every step.

Manifestation of eczema in different areas of the skin

Symptoms of the disease are most easily detected on areas of the skin that are not covered with hair, most often on the abdomen.

That is why it is strongly recommended to carefully examine your pet as often as possible, especially if changes in its behavior are observed, if the dog is constantly scratching some areas of the skin.

To do this, you need to part the fur, especially in long-haired dogs and breeds with pronounced skin folds, and pay attention to the inflamed, reddened skin. Timely detection of the source of weeping will help to quickly begin treatment and save your pet from suffering.

Diagnosis of the disorder in dogs

A competent specialist can make an accurate diagnosis only after an in-person examination, but it is important to conduct a differential diagnosis to exclude any other pathologies. In addition, a detailed and thorough examination of the dog makes it possible to identify the exact cause of eczema. Diagnostics consists of the following methods:

• Ultrasound examination of internal organs to confirm or refute the presence of diseases or exposure to parasites;

  

  Eczema may be a consequence of the activity of roundworms in the dog’s body.

• General blood and urine tests to measure the level of white blood cells, hemoglobin and identify possible inflammation;
• Skin scraping to confirm or deny the presence of parasites or other skin diseases;
• Blood test for sensitivity to specific substances and products if an allergic reaction is suspected;

  

  Eczema symptoms are sometimes indistinguishable from allergy symptoms

• Blood and stool tests to detect exposure to internal parasites.

Attention! If a dog has internal diseases, it must be treated simultaneously with eczema. If this is not done, the elimination of skin problems will be temporary.

Medicines against eczema and instructions

When symptoms of eczema appear in a dog and the diagnosis is subsequently confirmed, a complex of medications should be used. They eliminate inflammation, suppress further destruction of the skin, soothe and initiate regeneration processes.

Table 1. Drugs that combat the manifestations of eczema

Attention! When using topical medications, care must be taken to ensure that the dog does not lick off the applied active substances. Taking them orally can cause intoxication and the need for gastric lavage.

Causes and symptoms

The causes of occurrence are associated with sensitization (increased sensitivity) of the epidermis, which in turn is caused by the following factors:

• Diseases of internal organs (gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys);
• The presence of allergies to food, as well as to care products (shampoos, sprays to facilitate combing, etc.);
• Sufficiently nutritious and varied nutrition;
• Metabolism and endocrine system disorders;
• Helminthiases and infectious diseases;
• Stress and neuroses.

In a healthy dog, toxins are promptly removed from the body by excretory organs that perform a barrier function, but in a sick dog, due to the dysfunction of these systems, they accumulate in the body and are eliminated through the skin, creating conditions for the development of skin diseases, including eczema.

The “trigger” for the development of weeping eczema can be impacts of a mechanical, physical or chemical nature:

• Injury to the epidermis due to wounds and scratches, including due to a muzzle and collar;
• Accumulation of moisture in the folds of the skin;
• The presence of skin parasites, the saliva of which irritates the dog’s skin, which tears it apart with its paws, contributing to the development of inflammatory processes on it;
• The presence of intradermal parasites (scabies mites, demodex, sarcopthesis);
• Infection with pathogenic microflora (fungi, bacteria, etc.);
• Insufficient or, conversely, excessive hygiene procedures (it is known that it is recommended to bathe dogs only once every 2 weeks, and if signs of eczema appear, bathing should be stopped altogether);
• Exposure to excessively high temperatures (for example, overheating if the dog lies close to the stove in a private home) and sunburn, which are especially dangerous for short-haired breeds and light-colored dogs.

The symptoms have a characteristic appearance and are clearly visible in the photo:

• Initially, small nodules (papules) appear on a small area of ​​the skin, which gradually turn into vesicles - small bubbles filled with exudative fluid; Moreover, the papular rash tends to grow;
• As the size of the vesicles increases, the accumulated exudative fluid pours out of them, forming areas of weeping erosion with extremely painful itching and burning for the animal;
• Gradually, crustose crusts form at the site of healing wounds, which eventually fall off. This is considered a sign of remission.

Symptoms and manifestations of the disease
The general health of the dog during the course of the disease deteriorates sharply; when the affected area is touched, it experiences severe pain.
The quality of the hair also changes: the hair in the affected areas becomes dull, thins, and then simply falls out.

Traditional methods of treating eczema in dogs

Home medicine should also be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. The specialist will rule out incompatibility of active substances, which causes unwanted reactions from the body and deterioration of the integrity of the skin.

Decoctions can be a good addition to the main course of treatment, but they cannot replace it

Also, when using folk remedies, one cannot exclude the use of traditional drugs, since their active ingredients affect the very cause of the disease.

Table 2. Traditional methods of treating eczema in dogs

Attention! Homemade recipes, if intolerable, cause the same adverse reactions as pharmaceutical medications. Most often, such symptoms are associated with additional skin irritation, itching, rash and redness.

Treatment

The cause and underlying disease are identified in a timely manner and the animal is subjected to therapeutic procedures in accordance with the diagnosis.

Desensitizing therapy is based on intravenous administration of calcium chloride.

The affected areas of the skin are freed from hair and treated with a solution of rivanol, Lugol, hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate.

Further therapy depends on the ongoing processes. If visible purulent processes occur, it is necessary to apply antibiotic-based ointments. In this case, preference is given to tetracycline, synthomycin, and Vishnevsky liniment. “Vedinol”, “Epacid-F”, “Anandin” are suitable for pets. Spray preparations have proven themselves well: Migstim and Terramycin-spray.

Relieves itching and interrupts the inflammatory process, the drug "Execan" with a base containing dexametosan.

Antihistamines include diphenhydramine and suprastin.

If the process is chronic, corticosteroids (hydrocortisone or prednisolone ointments) are used. A good effect is produced by the use of resorcinol 1%, the drug ASD-fr No. 3.

Animals are given an easily digestible diet. Synthetic amino acids and processed feed products are excluded from the diet.

Diuretics (buds and birch leaves, diuretic collection, juniper fruits, bearberry leaves) have a beneficial effect on the general metabolism.