Pet Care: VARIOUS SKIN CONDITIONS IN ANIMAL COMPANY

Let us look at some skin incisions that, over the years, have remained as a scourge for our fellow animals with varying intensities and causes.

“SORES WEIGHT”
As the name suggests this disorder emerges – usually in our heavier breeds with short hair coats (e.g. Rottweiler, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Boxers, etc.) – as the animals are These weighty pets are forced to lie on hard surfaces. Usually, the sores are actually calluses (hard parts of the skin, especially in those areas that cover, for example, bony protuberances of the elbow and the sides of the legs). The constant friction between the skin and the hard surface (in hardwood kennels or concrete floors) results in skin without thickened hair in the area of ​​their bony pressure points.
Eventually, the friction damages the skin to such an extent that it actually breaks down, forming the wet sore.

Treatment
As all practicing pet veterinarians know, this pressure sore problem is difficult to treat, not least because the caregiver faces the problem of functional removal and successfully. The treatment requires the provision of a soft surface on which the animal needs to lie down continuously and as often as possible. Despite the obvious difficulty, the caregiver has no choice but to give the dog a soft surface on which the animal (dog) can sleep. In doing so, the pressure is reduced and distributed over a larger area.
I always advise clients to use soft synthetic sponge / foam rubber pads or padded bedding. Of course, once the skin has become infected, antibiotics may be introduced, after first cleansing the area with a mild antiseptic. Your veterinarian will advise the caregiver about the choice and dose and frequency of the chosen therapeutic intervention, and the best method (oral, topic or injection) of administering the medicine.

“COLLIE NOSE”
As we do not have many Collies (Scottish Sheepdogs) in the Caribbean – with temperatures and humidity levels not suitable for this breed – we do not encounter this problem too often. However, a similar condition arises in dogs whose nose bridges have white hair (pigment void) or no hair, and are exposed to the sun.
In fact, the correct name for “Collie’s Nose” is “Nasal Dermatitis”. This hypersensitivity to sunlight (unprotected) produces a flowing serum and then crusts are formed on the nose. [Most scientists believe that a genetic (hereditary) predisposition is involved]. If treatment is not done quickly, skin ulcers will emerge.

Treatment
Well, obviously, the first step is to pull the animal out of the sun. Tying an animal to a stake and leaving it exposed to the sun (apart from being illegal) will only exacerbate the problem. It is a good idea to leave the dog out at night, while keeping the animal at home during the day.
In terms of creams / lotions, I’ve had them over the years, some success with a concentrate (mix) of Aloe extract, along with coca butter, plus Yellow Sulfur powder, plus steroidal anti-inflammatory cream – all ingredients can be purchased over the counter.
I should mention in passing that one of my gurus (a skin expert) boasted some great positive results from tattooing the nose bridge with a dark dye. For me, that method was always too messy to set up. That would be a last resort – after all other curative interventions have failed.

“NIGRICANS ACANTHOSIS”
Practicing worldwide, I have encountered this problem. Most of all, the research done on this skin disorder has not been able to identify the cause.
Acanthosis nigricans can be seen as thickened black skin in the armpits and folds of the groin area (depression between the substrate and thigh). I can only relate to where (on the dog) this skin color is usually found, and what it looks like.
As the disease progresses there is extreme dark pigmentation and the development of a greasy greasy discharge on the skin surface. Bacterial infection is common. Eventually, the process can extend over a substantial area, covering the brisket and extending to and around the legs. This disease causes great distress to the dog and its owner.

Treatment
There is no cure, but with constant management the dog can be kept comfortable. Keep the skin surface clean with antiaborrheic shampoo (Seleen) to remove excess oil and bacteria. Cortisone preparations assist in controlling skin inflammation. It is advisable to reduce weight, to reduce friction in the folds of the skin. Antibiotics are prescribed when the skin is infected.
This condition should be treated by the vet.
Enjoy your week!