Dermatology at the vet: everything you need to know

The skin is the largest organ of our animals and the mirror of their health

Skin diseases are increasing in humans and animals due to increasing stressful environmental factors, poor nutrition and psychological disturbances. There are also more and more parasitic pathogens from home and abroad in our pets (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits). Internal illnesses often first manifest themselves in changes to the skin and hair coat. The multitude of possible causes of diseases in which dogs, cats or rabbits no longer feel comfortable in their own skin often make the diagnosis very complex.

In addition to the special specialist knowledge that Dr. Krause has acquired over decades, the view of the patient as a whole, his lifestyle and his environment must not be lost if sustainable treatment success is to be achieved.

For example, more and more animals are suffering from allergic skin diseases with excruciating itching.

In addition to pharmacological itching control with as few side effects as possible, the Arndt Small Animal Center includes the inclusion of specific environmental factors, an analysis of intestinal health and individual nutritional advice as well as skin care and fur.

Introduction to animal dermatology

Veterinarian dermatology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in animals. Various factors play a role, such as allergies, infections, parasites and genetic predispositions. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about dermatology in animals and receive valuable information on the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.

Common skin diseases in animals

Allergies

Allergies are one of the most common causes of skin problems in animals. These include food allergies, environmental allergies or contact allergies. Typical symptoms include itching, redness of the skin, swelling and inflammation.

Parasitic infestation

Parasites such as fleas, mites or ticks can also cause skin diseases in animals. The parasites irritate the skin and cause itching, inflammation and hair loss.

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections are often the result of skin injuries or a weakened immune system. Bacteria invade the skin and cause inflammation, ulcers and in some cases even systemic infections.

fungal infections

Fungal infections can also cause skin diseases in animals. Ringworms or yeast fungi are often the cause of skin changes such as flaking, redness and itching.

Diagnosis of skin diseases in animals

Diagnosis of skin diseases in animals/ dogs requires a thorough examination by the veterinarian. These include:

anamnese

A detailed medical history is the first step in diagnosing skin diseases. The veterinarian will ask questions about the animal's history, possible allergens, and the animal's behavior.

Skin examination

Skin examination is an important part of the diagnosis. The vet will closely inspect the affected skin areas and look for changes such as redness, swelling or hair loss.

Skin scrapings

If parasite infestation or fungal infections are suspected, the veterinarian can take a scraping of skin and examine it under a microscope. In this way, parasites or fungi can be detected directly.

Blood tests

Blood tests can provide information about possible allergies or infections. Special tests can be used to identify allergens and detect infections.

Allergies in particular are constantly increasing. About 10% of all dogs and cats suffer from allergy-related itching or redness of the skin. With the help of a detailed anamnesis, the origin of the skin disease can be quickly identified and diagnosed using appropriate means. Sometimes samples need to be taken to detect certain parasites, or skin flakes and hair need to be used for fungal cultures.

In rare cases, a short anesthesia is necessary to take a tissue sample (skin biopsy).

Since our four-legged patients (unfortunately) cannot speak, it is very important, especially in the field of dermatology, to take a detailed anamnesis.

  • Where did the skin problem start?
  • Is the itching mild, severe or very severe?
  • Are other household members (other animals/people) affected?

We therefore dedicate sufficient time to you and your animal during each dermatological visit. At least one hour is set aside for the initial consultation so that we can discuss the process in peace.

Treatment in dermatology

To treat environmentally-related skin diseases such as allergies, we are happy to use the following therapies after careful individual selection, including in consultation with our holistic veterinary medicine expert Dr. Krause one:

  • desensitization
  • Autologous blood therapy
  • Monoclonal antibodies
  • homeopathy
  • Allergy diet

Treatment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, mold or dust mites. Symptoms can include itching, redness and hair loss. Treatment may include topical medications, oral antihistamines, or immunotherapy.

Treatment of food allergy

Food allergies are a common cause of skin problems in pets. Symptoms are similar to those of atopic dermatitis, but can also be gastrointestinal. An elimination diet is often the first step in identifying allergy-causing food ingredients. A hypoallergenic food can then be given.

Treatment of infectious skin diseases

Bacterial infections

Bacterial skin infections, such as pyoderma, are often caused by staphylococci. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, either topical or oral, as well as cleansing the affected skin areas.

fungal infections

Fungal infections, such as ringworm, often affect the skin of pets. Therapy includes the use of antifungal medications in the form of shampoos, creams, or oral medications. It is important to disinfect the animal's environment to prevent reinfection.

Treatment of parasitic skin diseases

Flea and tick infestation

Flea and tick infestations can cause skin irritation, itching and hair loss. Treatment consists of removing the parasites and using flea and tick preparations for prevention. Environmental treatment may also be required.

Sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptic mange is caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei and leads to severe itching, skin inflammation and hair loss. Treatment includes the use of acaricides and treatment of all animals in the household to prevent reinfection.

Treatment of autoimmune and genetic skin diseases

Autoimmune skin diseases:

Autoimmune skin diseases occur when the animal's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own structures and triggers an inflammatory reaction. Some common autoimmune diseases include pemphigus complex, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and bullous pemphigoid. Treatment approaches vary depending on the severity of the disease and include:

a) Immunosuppressive therapy : The administration of glucocorticoids is usually the first step in suppressing the inflammatory reaction. In severe cases or insufficient response to glucocorticoids, additional immunosuppressive medications may be used.

b) Topical therapy : Topical corticosteroids, antibiotics or antifungals may be used to relieve symptoms and prevent secondary infections.

c) Supportive therapy : Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and essential fatty acids can be administered to promote skin health and healing.

Genetic skin diseases:

Genetic skin diseases are congenital or hereditary disorders that occur due to genetic defects. Examples include ichthyosis, epidermolysis bullosa and hair structure disorders. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the animal's well-being:

a) Symptomatic therapy: In many cases, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing secondary infections. These include regular skin cleansing, use of humectants, topical antibiotics or antifungals, and anti-inflammatory medications.

b) Dietary therapy : Administering nutritional supplements that promote skin health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and essential fatty acids, may be helpful.

You can also find further information here.

our offer for you:

In addition to a detailed discussion with our specialists about the course of the disease, this includes, for example, microscopic examinations of hair and skin scrapings, fungal cultures, blood tests, skin biopsies, fine-needle biopsies of larger sizes with cytological examination and bacteriological examinations.

To remove small skin lesions we use cryopas (cold therapy) or surgical lasers.

We provide you with comprehensive advice and we are often the contact point for animals with a long history of suffering.

We take a corresponding amount of time during the initial consultation and ask you to fill out the questionnaire below as accurately as possible when making your inquiry so that we can prepare accordingly for the conversation. Thank you very much and see you soon!

dermatology

Inquiry / medical history form

So that we can process your request better, we ask you to fill out this questionnaire as precisely as possible:

Surname
Surname
Your first name
Your last name
Has your animal ever been abroad?

Type and occurrence of the complaints

Maximum file size: 15MB

Has the problem changed or expanded?
At certain times of the day

environment of the animal

Do you have any other animals?
Do other animals/people in the same household also have skin problems?
Are your animal's relatives also affected (siblings)?
Is your animal bathed regularly?
Was there a change in your pet's environment before the symptoms appeared?

In cats

Dental treatments

feeding

Fresh meat
Table scraps
Have you ever been on an elimination diet?
Has your animal already been treated with medication (injections, tablets, shampoo, ointments)?

Previous treatment measures

Prevention/prophylaxis

Is your animal regularly vaccinated?
Is your animal regularly dewormed?
Is your animal regularly treated for fleas?

General condition

Has your pet's appetite changed recently?
Has your pet's weight changed recently?
Does your animal suffer from other illnesses?

In non-neutered female dogs

IMG 1773

Does your dog go into heat regularly?
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