Skin problems in pets can be caused by a variety of factors including allergies, infections, parasites, genetics and environmental elements. Allergies are one of the most common causes and can manifest as itching, redness, scabbing, hair loss and infections. Common allergens include fleas, food, inhalants and contact allergens. Skin infections in pets are usually caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses or parasites. Staphylococcal and streptococcal infections frequently affect the skin and cause pyoderma. Ringworm, sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange are fungal and mite infections that commonly involve the skin. Genetic conditions such as color dilution alopecia, sebaceous adenitis and follicular dysplasia can also lead to dermatological issues in some breeds. External factors like prolonged sun exposure, harsh chemicals, pooling water and inadequate grooming can damage the skin as well.
Medications for Bacterial and Yeast Infections
Bacterial skin infections in pets are generally treated with antibiotic medications. Oral antibiotics like cephalexin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination and clindamycin are commonly prescribed based on bacterial skin culture and sensitivity results. Topical antibiotics in the form of creams, gels, sprays or drops are also used. For localized infections, mupirocin 2% ointment proves effective. General antifungals like ketoconazole and miconazole are prescribed for yeast infections on the skin. Malassezia dermatitis commonly seen in dogs and cats responds well to ketoconazole. Nystatin powder or liquid is an alternative topical antifungal often used on the skin, ears and paws. Topical shampoos containing chlorhexidine, miconazole or ketoconazole help control superficial bacterial and yeast infections respectively.
Medications for Parasitic Infections
Flea infestations are routinely handled with topical and oral flea prevention medications containing ingredients such as fipronil, imidacloprid, selamectin and spinosad. Oral milbemycin oxime is prescribed for preventing flea allergy dermatitis. For sarcoptic mange caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, Veterinary Dermatology Drugs like ivermectin, selamectin and moxidectin are administered either orally or topically depending on the case. Oral milbemycin oxime is also an option for sarcoptic mange in dogs. Oral medications containing milbemycin oxime or moxidectin work well against demodectic mange mites. For demodectic mange unresponsive to initial treatment, oral antibiotics are prescribed in addition to mitigate secondary bacterial infections. Regular dips and shampoos with lime sulfur or amitraz help control fungal ringworm infections on the skin, hair and nails.
Medications for Allergies
Antihistamines constitute the first line treatment for controlling itching due to allergies. Oral Veterinary Dermatology Drugs like hydroxyzine, chlorpheniramine and cyproheptadine are commonly used. For more severe cases, topical antihistamines like diphenhydramine injectable and cream and l-methylhistamine cream provide added relief. Topical steroids like mometasone furoate, fluticasone propionate and clobetasol help reduce inflammation and itching. Hypoallergenic dietary trials and topical omega-3 and 6 fatty acid supplements also aid in managing allergy symptoms. Cyclosporine and glucocorticoids represent immune-modulators used for treating atopic dermatitis in dogs. For identifying food allergies, hydrolyzed protein diets prove useful. Once the offending allergens are pinpointed, immunotherapy or desensitization can be undertaken.
Medications for Genetic and Autoimmune Skin Diseases
Certain inherited skin disorders have treatments targeting specific defects. Sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune condition causing skin inflammation and hair loss in breeds like collies responds well to oral cyclosporine and glucocorticoids. Shampoos containing ketoconazole help control secondary skin infections. For conditions like color dilution alopecia seen in merle coated dogs, omega-3 and 6 fatty acid supplements provide relief from itching and shedding. Dogs afflicted with follicular dysplasia benefit from topical retinoids like tazarotene gel which promotes hair regrowth. Autoimmune skin disorders are managed long-term with immunosuppressive medications alongside controlling secondary infections and inflammation. Spironolactone is being explored for treating hormonally responsive dermatoses in dogs and cats.
Medications for Comedonal and Pustular Skin Diseases
Acne-like skin diseases in dogs called comedonal or pustular diseases present with black comedones and pustules filled with keratin debris. They are often related to hormonal imbalances. Oral antibiotics and retinoids help control the bacterial complications and promote shedding of keratin. Antibiotics used are tetracyclines, erythromycin and metronidazole based on culture sensitivity. Isotretinoin induces remission and prevents recurrences. For cases with a follicular component, tacrolimus or pimecrolimus ointment gives added benefit.
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