In this article I will talk about a disease such as lichen in dogs. I will list the types of the disease and describe their symptoms. I will tell you how the infection is transmitted and who is at risk. I will give diagnostic methods, how to identify and recognize them, and treatment with medications and folk remedies at home. I’ll tell you whether it’s dangerous for humans, what to do, and how to protect your dog from this disease.
Types of lichen in dogs and their symptoms
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by bacteria or viruses. There are several varieties of this disease.
Ringworm
Another name for this form is weeping eczema.
This type is non-contagious, looks like hot swellings, on which bubbles with a white sticky liquid appear as the disease progresses. Then they burst, and within 24 hours the hair falls out on the affected areas.
The mucus dries and forms crusts and scabs that fall off after a few days. The skin in these areas is bright red or bluish.
Ringworm
Pityriasis or multi-colored
The causative agent of pityriasis is a fungus of three forms (mycelial or Malassezia furfur, round or Pityrosporum orbiculare and oval or Pityrosporum ovale). It appears on the skin as small, clearly defined brownish spots.
A distinctive feature of this type of lichen is the pallor of the lesions.
The skin is not inflamed, but there may be slight flaking of the affected areas and slight itching. In case of pityriasis, only the uppermost layer of the epidermis is affected.
Pink
Another name for pityriasis rosea is ptyriasis.
Often develops after hypothermia or against the background of deterioration of the immune system. It is manifested by the appearance of one pink papule, the middle of which gradually turns yellow. This plaque is quite large in size - about 2-3 centimeters.
A few days after the pink spot appears, small similar oval-shaped marks appear on the skin.
A whitish coating and foci of inflammation may appear on the skin, from which a whitish and foul-smelling exudate is released.
Shearer
It is divided into two types: trichophytosis and microsporia. In the first case, the development of the disease is provoked by Trichophyton fungi.
Symptoms:
- First, thick crusts appear on the scalp. In the superficial form, instead of crusts, small, limited spots are formed, and the fur in these areas is ruffled.
- Gradually, the spots increase in size, then the affected skin begins to peel off, after which it becomes covered with crusts resembling asbestos.
- After 5-8 weeks, the scabs fall off and new fur begins to grow underneath them.
- With a deep form of trichophytosis, pus forms on the affected areas, which dries into thick white crusts. Often accompanied by a bacterial infection.
The deep form of lichen is more often diagnosed in winter and autumn, and the superficial form - in summer.
The causative agent of microsporia is the fungus Microsporum M. earns. In dogs, the disease most often appears in the winter, autumn and spring months.
More often, microsporia occurs in a subclinical or superficial form. In this case, small flaky crusts appear on the skin, nose, torso or paws. The wool in these areas becomes brittle and brittle.
Ringworm
Performing vaccinations
If symptoms of infection are detected, a modern vaccine can be used to quickly get rid of all pathogens. The vaccine contains pathogen antigens or weakened microbes. As soon as the liquid enters the body, the immune system is sharply activated and begins to fight the resulting infection.
The vaccine can be used both as prevention and for treatment. Popular solutions include the following:
- There is a vaccine called Vakderm , which is injected intramuscularly into the thigh area. If 0.5 ml is used for small dogs up to 5 kg, then for dogs weighing more than 5 kg a concentration of 1 ml is used.
- The veterinarian may also prescribe Microderm . The dosage is determined by the doctor, and for adult dogs it is from 1 to 2 ml. The drug should also be injected into the thigh area.
If the dog owner can give the tablets himself, then only a doctor in a clinic can vaccinate. The procedure is not performed at home.
Transmission routes and risk group
The only contagious form of the disease is ringworm. This disease is transmitted by airborne droplets and contact.
A healthy animal can become infected even through objects used by a sick dog or cat.
Weeping, pink and pityriasis versicolor are not contagious. They appear more often in young pets, puppies and in dogs with weakened immune systems. Weeping can also be the result of an allergic reaction to food, chemicals, etc.
The effectiveness of vaccinating dogs against lichen
The incidence rate among dogs is about 60%, and about 30% of cases are due to trichophyton (ringworm). According to statistics, terriers are more prone to the disease. Favorable conditions for the development of dermatomycosis are a number of factors, the main one of which is weakened immunity. A dog is given a shingles vaccine to protect it from the threat of infection.
If the vaccination is not done on time and the animal gets sick, you can inject the drug for medicinal purposes: it is only important to comply with the necessary conditions to avoid complications. Vaccines against lichen have proven themselves to be an effective means of combating fungal microflora, but it is better to prevent the disease in a timely manner.
In European countries, pets are not vaccinated against ringworm, but sick animals are treated with proven methods. This is due to insufficient evidence of the positive effects of vaccination. The causative agent is a genus of viral fungi, which means that the spore cells are constantly mutating. This causes the absence of a lasting effect in some cases.
Diagnostics
The veterinarian makes a diagnosis based on examination and laboratory tests, for which a deep scraping is taken from the affected areas. The resulting biomaterial is studied under a microscope.
To disinfect, you need to treat the dog’s habitat with chlorine-containing agents.
Ringworm can also be diagnosed by using a Wood's lamp on the fur.
It is important to differentiate lichen from other skin diseases: dermatitis, scabies, etc.
What is lichen?
Ringworm is a fungal disease. That's right, scientifically, it's called dermatophytosis. Affects the skin and its derivatives - hair, claws.
There are three species of dermatophyte fungi that cause skin diseases in pets: Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Microsporum canis is the most common species in cats and dogs.
Note!
In the environment, spores of this fungus can live up to 1.5-2 years! Some animals may carry the spores and not show any skin lesions.
Microsporum gypseum lives in soil; Trichophyton mentagrophytes is most often carried by rodents.
Treatment at home
Treatment depends on the variety:
Ketoconazole, an antifungal agent
Treatment of ringworm
Animals infected with trichophytosis or microsporia are isolated in a separate room. The hair on the affected areas is cut off and destroyed.
The crusts are soaked in chlorhexidine and carefully removed.
Then a mixture of iodine tincture (mix iodine with water in a ratio of 1 to 1) and 10% salicylic acid is applied to the lesions. After treatment, anti-fungal ointments are applied (nystatin, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, etc.).
In case of a deep form, these drugs are prescribed to be taken orally in the form of tablets. If there are many lesions, the animal is washed 2-3 times a week with nizoral antifungal shampoo.
Another effective treatment method is the use of a special Vakderm vaccine. The injection is given twice intramuscularly, with an interval of 2 weeks. After administration of the vaccine, after 25-30 days, the animal develops immunity to trichophytosis and microsporia for 12 months.
It is better to burn objects that a sick dog has come into close contact with. The fabric can be thoroughly boiled with laundry soap for 15 minutes. All surfaces and clothing are treated with silvester fungus agent.
Vaccine Vakderm No. 1 (against dermatophytosis in cats, rabbits and dogs)
How vaccines work
Dogs are vaccinated against lichen only after a full examination, a series of tests and mandatory deworming. The injection is given into the femoral part at intervals of 2 weeks. To prevent an allergic reaction, antihistamines (Diphenhydramine, Tavegil) are administered.
Vaccines contain inactivated spores of pathological fungi (dermatophytes, trichophytons, microsporiums). One drug can be active against 8 different types of pathogens, which makes it universal in this regard. Vaccination of the disease forces the dog’s body to actively produce antibodies to all types of lichen pathogens. Consequently, the likelihood of disease is reduced significantly.
The effectiveness of the vaccine is achieved a month after the administration of the second dose of the selected drug. If the pet is already infected, two additional injections must be given after visible improvement. Only after this you can not worry about the dog’s health, and subsequently carefully carry out timely vaccinations.
Is it dangerous for humans?
Only one form of canine lichen is dangerous to humans: ringworm. This disease is transmitted through direct contact or through shared objects. Children and people with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to deprivation.
The disease is not fatal.
It is extremely contagious and takes quite a long time to cure. It manifests itself as red spots in the form of a ring, severe itching and hair loss at the site of the lesion.
A sick dog poses a danger to all family members, so it is extremely important to identify lichen in dogs in the early stages
Contraindications
Any vaccination is prohibited if the general state of health is impaired. This can cause complications, including death. Vaccinations are contraindicated in the following cases:
- The animal is weakened by illness.
- Hyperthermia.
- The presence of symptoms of an acute infectious disease.
- Suckling puppies.
- Pregnant bitches.
Vaccines are not compatible with immunosuppressants such as antibiotics. It is not advisable to act without consulting a competent specialist and identifying possible diseases.
Causes of skin diseases
Animal skin diseases in veterinary medicine (dermatitis) are one of the most common pathologies. This is due to the fact that problems with the animal’s fur and skin are easy to notice with the naked eye.
The reason may be various factors:
- poor nutrition;
- stress;
- adverse reactions to medications;
- allergies to food, chemicals;
- a bowl made of low-quality, toxic plastic;
- worms, fleas, ticks;
- contact with a sick animal;
- fungi;
- skin trauma, especially wounds accompanied by inflammation;
- chronic diseases of internal organs.
The structure of a dog's skin
The skin is the largest organ of a pet, weighing from 12 to 25% of the animal’s body weight, which depends on its size and nutrition. Its task is to protect internal organs from damage that may occur from the external environment. It also regulates body temperature and is responsible for the sense of touch.
The skin of an animal consists of epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat. It also includes skin appendages – fur and claws.
Epidermis
The epidermis is a tough outer layer consisting of several types of cells, each of which has its own functions.
Keratocytes
Keratocytes are the topmost layer responsible for the protective function. It consists of keratinized scales. They originate in the lower layers of the epidermis, multiply, lose their nucleus and are destroyed as they move upward. Thus, keratocytes create a dense layer of dead cells on the surface. They are able to retain fluids, salts and other nutrients within the body without allowing harmful agents to pass through.
The top layer of dead cells is constantly shed and replaced by new keratocytes. The speed of regeneration depends on nutrition, hormones, genetics, and the pet’s immunity. Chronic diseases, internal and external inflammation, and some medications also affect cell growth and skin renewal.
Melanocytes
Melanocytes are adjacent to the epidermis, hair follicles, ducts of the sebaceous and sweat glands. They are responsible for the coloring of the pet's skin and fur. Their synthesis is controlled by hormones and genes received from parents. Melanin helps protect the body from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Langerhans cells
Langerhans cells are part of the immune system. They participate in:
- skin reactions that occur in response to foreign agents;
- promote the appearance of rashes when the epidermis comes into contact with irritating substances.
Langerhans cells are damaged by exposure to ultraviolet light and certain medications.
Merkel cells
Merkel cells are responsible for the sense of touch. They help pets receive sensory information from their whiskers and paw pads. When stretched, the cells stimulate the release of the hormone serotonin into the blood, which causes smooth muscle contraction.
basement membrane
The basement membrane separates the epidermis from the dermis, the next layer of skin. It accelerates cell regeneration processes, their metabolism, and improves skin elasticity. Autoimmune diseases, as well as skin diseases that penetrate deeply, can disrupt its functions.
Dermis
Blood vessels pass through the dermis, so it is responsible for nourishing the epidermis, fur, and claws. Veins and arteries, contracting and expanding, regulate the animal’s body temperature. There are also motor and sensory nerves, the fibers of which reach the hair follicles. Therefore, the dog reacts sensitively to cold, warmth, pain, and touch.
The dermis synthesizes the protein collagen, which maintains the integrity of the skin and affects its elasticity. As in the epidermis, there are immune cells that stop the infection that could penetrate through the top layer.
Subcutaneous fat
Subcutaneous fat is the deepest layer, consisting of loose connective and adipose tissue. Here are the hair follicles, lymphatic and blood vessels, and nerves. Adipose tissue is a depot of stored glucose, from which the body takes energy. It participates in homeostasis, protecting the pet’s body from heat loss, reducing the force of impact during mechanical damage.
Wool
Wool protects the skin from injury and helps regulate body temperature. It not only warms, but also cools the skin, so it is not recommended to shave the animal in the summer.
Hair follicles are located deep in the skin. From each comes a central hair, which is surrounded by small hairs - more in winter, less in summer. Hair growth is affected by nutrition, hormones, and time of year. Molting occurs before a radical change in season, and may even begin in the middle of winter or summer. Dogs also lose their fur when the temperature changes or when exposed to the sun.
The sebaceous glands, which are adjacent to the surface of the skin, secrete a secretion that keeps the skin moist and elastic. It adds shine to the coat, making it healthy (if sebum production does not exceed the norm).
Claws and pads
The foot has pads, which are the toughest part of the skin. They perform several functions:
- the pet sweats through the pads, which helps regulate body temperature;
- provide traction and shock absorption;
- absorb shocks, increasing endurance.
Scent glands are attached to the pads, leaving a scent that other animals can smell.
The dog's nails are strong and hard. They help the pet to run, maneuver, dig, defend itself, and ensure leg stability.
