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Monday, June 16, 2008 11:02 AM Itchy skin frustrates the pet, the owner and the veterinarian Itchy skin is a very common complaint among pet owners, especially during the spring and summer months. Itchy skin can cause pets to lick, rub, chew, dig at, or scratch their skin. Pets can even severely traumatize their skin by intense digging, chewing, and scratching. Itchy pets are often very uncomfortable, and will often keep their owners awake at night or simply drive their owners crazy with their scratching and digging behavior. Because there can be a number of reasons for itchy skin, this makes skin issues extremely frustrating for the pet, the owner, and the treating veterinarian. To further complicate things, one pet can have multiple skin issues, such as a dog with food allergies that also has low thyroid levels and seasonal allergies. Fleas are a very common pest in the South and Southeast. Flea infestations can cause redness, hair loss, itchiness, and even skin infections. Other parasites can also inhabit the skin, such as mange mites, lice, and ear mites. Two main types of mange mites exist, demodex and scabies. Mange will often cause hair loss and itchiness and can resemble many other skin problems. Dips and topical treatments are often prescribed for animals with mange. Fleas can be a primary problem or can add to other skin problems, so flea control is essential in any pet with skin problems. Because of the hot, humid conditions of the South, it is a good idea to regularly apply flea prevention/control products to help prevent flea infestations. Infections can often result from intense itching and scratching. Most infections are caused by yeast, bacteria, or fungus, and often appear as rashes or red bumps, scabs, crusts, and stinky skin. Infections are treated with anti-fungal or antibiotic medications, as well as other medications to help relieve some of the itchiness. Topical medications, shampoos, and rinses may also be recommended to help soothe and/or moisturize skin. Unlike humans, the skin is the most common organ affected by allergies in pets. Pets can have allergies to pollens, molds, weeds and grasses similar to humans. But they can also have allergies to ingredients in their food such as chicken or soy, and can even be allergic to fleas, dust mites, or to certain sprays, cleaners, cedar chips, or other material. Although allergy testing is available in pets, it is quite costly to perform. Many medications are available to help reduce the itchiness associated with allergies. If a food allergy is suspected, a hypoallergenic food may be tried for a period a time. Occasionally a pet will have skin problems secondary to other bodily problems. For example, dogs with low thyroid hormone levels can have dry, brittle hair coats, hair loss, and flaky skin. Certain skin cancers can resemble skin infections or other skin problems. Problems with the immune system can also affect an animal's skin. There are a number of tests that are used to help find the cause(s) of skin problems. Skin scrapes can be used to find mange mites in the skin. Fungal cultures can help to grow a fungal organism, and biopsies can be taken to help assess if there are any cancers, immune system problems, or even nutritional deficiencies. If thyroid or other bodily problems are suspected, blood work, urine tests, and other laboratory tests may be performed. Treatment of skin issues is based on the underlying problem(s). Medications, bathing, special foods, supplements, thyroid medication, and even vitamins may be prescribed to help skin problems. Unfortunately, there are often no straightforward answers to skin problems, which can cause extreme frustration. Because it is vital to know how your pet(s) respond to their medications, it is a good idea to regularly communicate with your veterinarian with updates on your pets skin. |
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