This column is truly gaining in both credence and popularity as evidenced by the number of telephone calls we receive about general pet health and wellbeing, as well as the specific issues that we have been addressing.
Over the past few weeks, we have been dealing with skin ailments affecting our companion animals. We dealt with the major skin problems and had reached the point of discussing an assorted set of skin conditions that occur with less and less frequency (Vets getting better in their healing/prevention capabilities? Caregivers are now much more knowledgeable? Better medications on the market? Is the incidence of disease agents being substantially decreased and their ability to infect animals lessened?) Whatever! But this does not mean that the ailments have been eliminated. And here is where a simple question by a fan of the column has brought us back to reality and the recognition that the discussion pertaining to skin care is far from concluded. What was her question?
Q: Do our pets get Acne?
A: Yes. Acne in our companion dogs and cats is an inflammatory disorder – located mainly on the chin and lips, and usually affecting young dogs (less than one year of age), and cats of any age.
Associated with this query, are these further questions and answers:
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: This ailment is characterized by small pockets of fluid (serum) accumulating in the chin area and around the lips. Later, those patches become swollen and even an ulcer can develop, secondarily, when bacteria invade the lesions. The affected skin becomes thickened and swollen, and the itching begins.
Q: Breed specificity?
A: Yes, there seems to be a predisposition for this ailment to target puppies of breeds (even mixed breeds) with coats of short hair.
Q: What are the causes of Acne?
A: In dogs and cats, the cause seems not to be conclusively known, and as I said above, bacterial invasion of the lesioned site is really secondary, but takes over the expression of symptoms. However, certain speculative causes for Acne are offered: (i) Triggered by bruises to the area (chin, lips); (ii) genetic predisposition; hormonal imbalances
In cats, one may also take into consideration: (i) poor grooming habits; (ii) stress (remember cats can acquire Acne at any age); (iii) medications that might have a side effect of suppressing the functions of the immune system.
Q: Treatment?
A: Treat as was documented during the discussion on Seborrhea – PET CORNER dated March 28, 2021: gentle shampoos (especially those containing chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, selenium); focus on the secondary bacterial infection, inter alia. Let your vet advise on his/her choice of drug/shampoo. Don’t forget to clip the hair away from the area. Also, brace yourself, as caregivers, for a long-term exercise.
LICK SORES
Caregivers present dogs and cats with skin disorders which, as the name suggests, has to do with constant licking of the skin. In this condition, a sore at the ankle or wrist is caused by a constant licking at that spot. It is also called a “boredom” sore, because it occurs in dogs left alone without company or something to interest them for long periods. It is most common in dogs who are middle-aged and therefore less active. It tends to occur among Labradors, Great Danes, Dobermans, and other large, short-coated breeds.
As the dog begins to lick at his wrist or ankle the hair is rubbed off. The surface of the skin then gets red and shiny-looking and begins to itch. This leads to further maceration of the skin which continues the cycle. Eventually, the sore becomes raised, thick, and hard, and insensitive to pressure. The wound remains clean and fresh-looking from constant licking. Often it is just one leg that is involved.
Treatment: The most important step in treating this condition is to get your dog interested in something else. Take him for a walk every day, bring him into the house, or perhaps get him another pet to keep him company. Cortisone creams may relieve the itching, but it will probably be licked off right away. Cortisones can also be administered by injection directly into the sore.
Antibiotic intervention, preferably orally or via injection, may become necessary and could help in preventing germs from taking root in the wounded skin. Your Vet will advise on the antibiotic usage and dosage.
Cats are naturally involved in grooming; but this normal exercise may evolve into excessive licking. As the cat begins to lick at its skin, continuously and obsessively, the hair is rubbed off. Accompanying itching/scratching leads to further damage of the skin, and the cycle continues. Eventually the sore becomes ulcerated. The treatment, by and large, is the same as described for dogs (see above).
As with any long-standing (chronic) skin condition, Lick Sores are difficult to treat and tend to recur.
Happy Easter! Please adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, even as you and your families enjoy the picnics and the kite-flying and, in the case of Christians, celebrations associated with the resurrection.
