ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, May 19, 1996 TAG: 9605200001
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-16 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Claws & Paws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: Our black cocker spaniel has been suffering from an acne-like condition. She has at times been completely covered with bumps that break open and ooze. She has been treated with Prednisone for about two years. The first course of treatment cleared up the problem, but it soon came back and now the treatment does not seem to be working.
A: Skin conditions in both animals and humans are among the hardest diseases to diagnose and treat, and are usually complicated by having a number of underlying causes. Veterinarians often find them the most frustrating of cases, and in many instances end up referring the dog to a veterinary dermatologist. The main causes of skin conditions in dogs are:
1) Parasites, either fleas, lice or mange mites.
2) Allergies to food and surroundings, including house dust. (contact dermatitis)
3) Infections. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections.
4) Stress. Boredom, separation anxiety and family disagreements.
Often these causes co-exist at the same time, making treatment very complicated. Parasites are often the initial cause of a dog starting to scratch. This initial irritation, however, may develop into an allergy to the fleas and this is much harder to control and alleviate.
Medicated shampoos can be an important aid in therapy. They must be applied correctly to get the maximum benefit. A medicated shampoo should remain on the dog for 10 to 15 minutes. Start the timing once the whole body is lathered, gently massaging the coat and skin the entire time.
There are several different types of medicated shampoo. Cleansing and moisturizing shampoos contain one or more of the following ingredients: glycerin, lactic acid, urea, sodium lactate, coconut oil, lanolin, protein and fatty acids. These shampoos are good for dogs that have scaly dry skin and can also be used in dogs with allergic conditions, in which cases these shampoos are usually alternated with a shampoo containing drying agents such as benzoyl peroxide and tar. Tar acts as a degreaser and anti-itch treatment, removing dry skin thus decreasing the amount of excessive skin scaling. But some tar shampoos can be so drying that they actually irritate the skin further. Make sure that they do not contain more than 0.5 percent tar.
Many of these shampoos also contain sulfur and salicylic acid, which help in the removal of excess dry skin. Sulfur also has an antifungal and anti-parasitic action. Care must be taken when using shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide, as it can be very drying if used too frequently. It should not be used on inflamed or damaged skin. It is often a good idea to use an oatmeal-based conditioner to keep the skin re-hydrated and cut down on the itching.
A food allergy may mean placing the dog on a special diet, often a lamb and rice diet. Some dogs may develop symptoms of skin problems when there is a high level of stress in the household. In other cases the dog or cat may be allergic to one or some of the household furnishings, so called contact dermatitis.
If household dust is a problem, regular use of a vacuum cleaner can reduce the irritation. It will also help control fleas, as it removes many of the eggs and nymphs from the carpets.
I would suggest that you return to your veterinarian for a further examination. A warning: all skin problems are by their very nature chronic, and therefore there are no quick cures.
If you have a question for Jill Bowen, please write to her in care of the New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send e-mail to Currentbev.net
LENGTH: Medium: 68 linesby CNB