Pet Care: MISCELLANEOUS SKIN CONDITIONS IN COMPANION ANIMALS

Over the last few weeks, the PET CARE column has been dealing with skin ailments afflicting companion animals. This topic is coming to a close, and the final episode was planned to discuss “CONTACT DERMATITIS”. Lo and behold, on April 5th, 2021, a comprehensive description of this condition was published in the Guyana Times. Dr. Tariq Jagnarine admirably compiled all the salient aspects associated with this skin problem.
However, I will still persist with discussion as it relates to our companion animals, is only because the problem is so pervasive that it demands extra attention.
First of all, the entire body of most dogs and cats exist in an environment not far off the ground, where all sorts of germs and toxic materials are present and accessible. Pets do not wear protective clothing and can easily come in contact (via soil, grass, sand, etc.) with toxic materials and biological pathogens. In addition, in Guyana all life exists in an environment close to the equator with very high humidity levels. On the coast, where many of our pets exist, their homes are below sea level. When all of these factors are taken into consideration, is it any wonder that our vulnerable animals (and even us humans) are fraught with skin lesions and diseases?
Though often similar in symptoms displayed, Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis, both mentioned by Dr. Jagnarine, are separate and different conditions in dogs and cats. Actually, dogs and cats having contact with irritating chemicals will consequentially develop the itch/ scratch syndrome with varying intensities. But if the pet is also allergic to the chemical substance, the symptoms may become very severe – to the point of self-mutilation. I should add that it has been my experience that, only after repeated exposure/ contact to/ with the chemical causing the allergic reaction, will there be a full-blown reaction (see symptoms below).
SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms are:
• Itching/ scratching
• Often red bumps on the skin emerge. If the caregiver cannot actually see the bumps, say on a black coat dog, then the bumps cab be felt, by just rubbing the palm of the hand on the coat of the dog/ cat.
• Inflammation (redness) on the skin.
• Wet eczemas can develop (“weepy” spots on the skin). These, if not treated can develop into serum-filled blisters, ulcerations and pus.
• Loss of hair.
• Dandruff-like crusts and flakes (especially in the areas where anti-flea collars are placed).

CAUSES
The common irritants (allergens) are:
• Acids/ Alkalis (household bleaches/ detergents/ sanitizers).
• Insecticides.
• Solvents.
• Soaps/ shampoos/ medications applied to the skin.
• Petroleum by-products (e.g. rubbing the animal with old engine/ waste oil to supposedly get rid of mange.).
• Flea powders and flea collars.
• Too much exposure to the sun’s rays.
• Stinging Nettle
• Dog deodorants – really not necessary
Caregivers will find these skin lesions on the feet, chin, abdomen, groin and scrotum. These, of course, are those very areas which most likely will come in contact with toxic materials/ chemicals, since dogs especially lie on their hocks (lower hind legs) and stifles (upper hind legs).

I mentioned the word “materials” above, because it has been found that animals can be allergic to food bowls (especially the plastic and rubber variety). Food dish dermatitis usually affects on the nose.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Well, the caregiver/ veterinary advisor must identify the chemical (allergen) causing the allergic reaction – and then remove same from contact with the pet, and/ or the pet from the area where you have placed the chemical. Bear in mind that the chemical might exist in the materials used to manufacture carpets and sofa covers, etc.
Your vet will advise on the usage and dosage of antibiotics/ cortisones/ ant-allergy medication which might be introduce to assuage the problem.

N.B. Over the decades, it is becoming clearer that inbred dogs and cats may have a decrease in their ability to fight off diseases (immune deficiencies), and are therefore more easily susceptible to ailments, including those associated with (allergic) Contact Dermatitis.