Four-legged pets are eternal children who love fresh air and active games. Space and movement are necessary for all breeds from small to large, as this ensures the physical and psychological health of the animal. One of the significant obstacles to the correct rhythm of life can be pododermatitis in dogs.

Most often, skin disease manifests itself in cold conditions with high humidity. This is the end of autumn, winter and the beginning of spring, which are characterized by snow and slush, which directly affect the paws of the dog. Under the influence of dampness, pododermatitis occurs, covering the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pads and the places between the fingers.

The main danger of the disease is that it is a secondary infection and often indicates the presence of a more serious illness. So, inflammatory and necrotic processes in the tissues of the paws can develop against the background of:

In addition, the causes of dermatitis may be mechanical damage caused by excessive walking on paved areas, as well as foreign bodies. Cracks and injuries of the pads, combined with dampness and unsanitary conditions of the environment, are ideal conditions for the development of a fungal form of the disease, as well as damage to staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other infectious pathogens. They cause bactericidal pododermatitis in dogs, which is diagnosed in most cases.

It is also interesting that sometimes the culprits of a skin disease are the dogs themselves. Active animals with a high level of excitability of the nervous system sometimes have a bad habit of constantly licking their paws. Thus, they provoke irritation and, consequently, dermatitis.

After the results of the diagnosis, which determine the cause and methods of dealing with the disease, in most cases it is allowed to treat pododermatitis at home. However, this disease can torment a pet for a long time, since recovery requires eliminating the source of the disease. For example, inflammation caused by allergies will safely disappear if you follow the diet prescribed by your doctor, and also avoid contact with irritants.

The treatment complex includes external treatment of affected tissues with bactericidal and antiseptic preparations based on sulfanilamide and tetracycline.

With a mild form of the disease, the use of chlorhexidine is effective. Fans of natural medicine can supplement therapy with herbal compresses with anti-inflammatory effects. However, this approach requires the approval of a specialist.

The soles of paws in dogs are often affected by a common disease - pododermatitis. It has a secondary nature and occurs as a result of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders in the animal's body.

The owner of a cheerful, cheerful and agile pet suddenly notices that the dog has stopped loving walking. During a walk, he limps heavily, and at home he constantly licks his paws. External examination shows that the pads and interdigital spaces are inflamed, reddened, the hair around them is moistened. If so, there is every reason to assume that the dog has pododermatitis.

Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Pekingese, Sharpei, Chow Chow, Labradors, Mastiffs, Boxers, Bull Terriers are especially susceptible to the disease. Pododermatitis is especially difficult in overweight dogs.

Causes

The disease occurs against the background of a weakening of the protective functions of the body. Low immunity is not able to cope with the pathogenic microflora, which is always present in a certain amount on the skin of the animal, so it begins to multiply actively.

It is very important to diagnose the disease in time. Only in this case it is possible to deal not with the consequence, but with the true cause of pododermatitis.

Main reasons:

In addition to the disease, the cause of lameness and pain in the paws can be:

• injuries, cracks;
• sharp objects stuck into the skin during a walk;
• irritation from prolonged contact with asphalt or other surfaces.

Characteristic symptoms

Pododermatitis in dogs can be triggered by diseases of a different nature. They determine the main symptoms of the disease.

An infectious or fungal disease can be manifested by inflammation, redness of the pads and interdigital spaces, the formation of pustular lesions and ulcers. The temperature in this zone is likely to be slightly elevated.

With a contact allergic reaction that occurs after walking on asphalt sprinkled with salt or a chemical reagent, severe itching is added to inflammation and redness, which worries the dog very much. The hair on the paws may fall out.

A general allergic reaction is manifested by the same symptoms, but they affect not only the paws, but also other parts of the body (muzzle, ears).

Autoimmune pododermatitis is the most difficult form of the disease to diagnose. To recognize it, you will need to conduct a lot of examinations. Symptoms are the same as in other forms of the disease. In addition, the skin on the paw pads may darken and thicken.

Puffiness, redness of the skin in the interdigital spaces manifest hormonal and endocrine disorders.

Oncological pododermatitis is the most dangerous type. It is characterized by the appearance of seals, neoplasms, ulcers.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, you need to contact your veterinarian. Collecting an anamnesis, he will ask the owner to answer the questions:

1. How long ago did the discomfort start?
2. Is it chronic or seasonal.
3. Could it be related to a change in lifestyle or diet.
4. Has there been contact with other animals?
5. Have you tried treating your dog at home.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the owner's responses and the results of a comprehensive examination. This should include cytology, biopsy, antibiotic susceptibility testing, allergy testing, blood and urine tests.

Methods of treatment

There is no general scheme for the treatment of pododermatitis in dogs. In each case, an individual approach is important.

The tactics of treatment depends on the results of the diagnosis. The goal is to fight the causative agent of the underlying disease.

According to the results of examinations, the following treatment can be prescribed:

• treatment of lesions with antiseptic agents;
• antibacterial therapy;
• surgical intervention;
• antifungal therapy;
• antihistamines;
• diet food;
• lifelong maintenance therapy.

The choice of treatment method depends on what kind of pododermatitis (by type of inflammation) you are facing.

Aseptic pododermatitis

It is manifested by a persistent inflammatory process and pain syndrome. There is no purulent tissue damage. The main treatment is careful treatment with antiseptic preparations. It is carried out by the owner himself.

Purulent pododermatitis

A disease complicated by purulent infection of tissues. This species has pronounced symptoms: the dog groans in pain, the body temperature rises. For the treatment of purulent pododermatitis, antimicrobial therapy is indicated. And in severe cases, surgery may be required. The doctor opens the abscesses, rinses the cavity with an antiseptic with antibiotics.

Prevention measures

The best prevention is careful observance of the rules for keeping the animal - paw hygiene, the organization of a healthy lifestyle, regular visits to the veterinarian.

Be attentive to your pet. The sooner you notice the symptoms and take action, the sooner you will recover.

Text of the article and photo from the guide SMALL ANIMAL DERMATOLOGY A COLOR ATLAS AND THERAPEUTIC GUIDE 2017

Translation from English: veterinarian Vasiliev AB

Peculiarities

Bacterial pododermatitis in dogs and cats is a deep-seated bacterial infection of the paws that almost always occurs secondary to some underlying factor (Table 1). It is common in dogs and rare in cats. Interdigital erythema, nodules, hemorrhagic bullae, fistulas, ulcers, baldness, or swelling may appear on one or more paws. Itching (licking, chewing paws), pain, or lameness may be present. Regional lymphadenomegaly is common. Sometimes there is swelling with the appearance of a fossa with pressure in the area of ​​the associated metatarsus or metacarpus. Lesions may spontaneously disappear, their severity may weaken or intensify, or they may persist permanently.

Differential diagnoses

Diagnosis

1 Rule out other differential diagnoses.

2 Cytology (smear - imprint, exudate): purulent to pyogranulomatous inflammation with the presence of cocci or rods.

3 Dermatohistopathology: purulent to pyogranulomatous perifolliculitis, folliculitis, furunculosis and nodular to diffuse pyogranulomatous dermatitis. It can be difficult to find bacteria inside lesions.

4 Bacterial culture: the primary pathogen is usually Staphylococcus. Mixed bacterial infections are also common.

Treatment and prognosis

1 Any underlying cause must be identified and corrected (see Table 1)

2 Methicillin-resistant strains Staphylococcus pseudointermediaus are a potential zoonosis that is rapidly becoming a serious medical, ethical and legal issue in veterinary medicine. This infection appears to be rare in healthy individuals; however, people with weakened immune systems should be considered at increased risk of developing this infection with methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococcus aureus.

Transmission of infection caused by methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococcus occurs mainly from humans to animals (reverse zoonosis), but these animals can then be carriers of potential zoonosis. Veterinarians should practice good infection control in each case of pyoderma (eg, hand washing, cleaning, and disinfection), with intensification of these measures when a patient is diagnosed with MRSA infection (eg, rubber gloves, protective clothing, separating such patients from the rest of the population). parts of hospital patients).

If family members or people in close contact with the patient have a weakened immune system, then veterinarians should be aggressive in assessing the risk of zoonosis and infection, obtaining a culture to identify methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. Isolation of such a patient from people at risk should be discussed, and any open fistulous lesions on the affected paw should be closed. Personal wounds must be closed and protected. You must not allow a sick dog to lick the face or wounds of people, to allow a sick dog to be on the same bed as people.

3 Systemic antibiotics should be given for a long time and treatment with them should be continued for 2 weeks after complete clinical recovery. Antibiotics should be selected based on in vitro susceptibility results as resistance is common (Table 3-2).

4 Cleansing wipes (baby wipes containing chlorhexidine swabs or other antimicrobial wipes) used every 12-72 hours work very well.

5 With interdigital cysts, surgical removal of torn hair follicles and "ingrown" hairs with needle biopsy or laser accelerates recovery. To accelerate the maturation of cysts, topical application of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in combination with enrofloxacin (you need to make a solution at a concentration of 10 mg / ml) and steroids (you need to make a solution of dexamethasone at a concentration of 0.1 mg / ml) should be used. The mixture is applied every 12-72 hours until the lesions disappear. To prevent recurrence, paw fingers should be cleaned or rubbed in the direction of hair growth to remove "ingrown" hairs.

6 Additional topical therapy that may be helpful includes daily soaks for 10-15 minutes with 0.025% chlorhexidine, 0.4% povidone-iodine or magnesium sulfate (30g/l water) for the first 5-7 days. Alternatively, scrubbing with an antibacterial shampoo or surgical scrub every 1-7 days may be helpful, depending on the situation.

7 Toe injuries should be minimized by restricting the dog indoors, walking on a leash, and avoiding rough surfaces.

8 Fusion plasty, where all altered tissues are removed and the fingers are joined together, is a radical surgical alternative that is available in severe cases.

9 The prognosis is good to cautious, depending on whether the underlying cause can be identified and corrected. In severe and chronic cases, persistent fibrosis and scarring may contribute to future relapses, predisposing the paws to traumatic injury.

Interdigital cysts are a common condition in shorthaired breeds. Active lesions should be removed and the patient should be treated for infection based on cytology and possibly bacterial culture. The appearance of new cysts can be prevented by frequent cleaning or wiping the interdigital spaces in the direction of hair growth to remove and prevent ingrown hairs. Patients with interdigital cysts often also have pyoderma of the chin, which is probably caused by a similar mechanism.

Photo 1 Bacterial pododermatitis in dogs and cats. Great swelling with alopecia, ulcers and sinus tracts affecting only one paw. This infection had progressed over the previous few weeks.

Pododermatitis is a disease that is quite common in dogs. At the same time, our pets constantly lick their paws, reddening of the paws is observed. Pododermatitis does not appear as an independent disease, but as a general symptom of the animal's malaise. For timely and effective treatment of pododermatitis, you should immediately contact a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and further observation of the dog.

Pododermatitis is an inflammation of the paw pads in animals. Bacterial pododermatitis is the result of a deep microbial infection of the dog's fingers. In relation to various etiological causes, pododermatitis is a secondary pathology. There are other names for the disease, such as interdigital pyoderma. Pododermatitis is a fairly common disease and phenomenon in animals.

The first symptoms can be seen as the dog begins to lick its paws, while the skin is reddened and moist.

Symptoms of pododermatitis

1. Wounds on the pads of the fingers of a dog.
2. Blood-filled blisters on paws.
3. Edema of the paws of the dog.
4. Lameness when walking.
5. Purulent processes.

Any of the types of pathogenic fungi causes fungal pododermatitis. Lupus erythematosus or vasculitis can cause pododermatitis based on autoimmune etiology. Tumors can also be triggers. Most often it is melanoma and papilloma.

If pododermatitis has allergic factors, then the skin on the dog's paws turns red and swells. Due to the itching that has arisen, the dog begins to constantly scratch, rub and lick his paws. Wool, at the same time, begins to fall out, the skin is constantly wet due to the abundant amount of saliva on it.

Causes of the disease

The causes of pododermatitis are manifested as single and multiple lesions.

With single lesions, the main causes are the following:

• Animal finger injuries- stone strikes, high temperature.
• Foreign bodies in dog tissue- thorns, glass.
• Oncological processes tumor, plasmacytomas.

Causes of multiple lesions:

First of all, cytological studies are carried out that affect the detection of purulent processes. In the smear, with pododermatitis, cocci or rods are present. When diagnosing, the degree of skin damage is established. Inflammation of the skin can be both limited and widespread.

There are a number of diseases that should be distinguished by symptoms from pododermatitis. These are diseases such as demodicosis or actinomycosis, mycobacteriosis or fungal infections.

Pododermatitis can be purulent and aseptic.

Aseptic pododermatitis observed due to bruising of the paw, squeezing or long walks on hard and uneven roads. The main signs of aseptic pododermatitis are lameness when walking and painful sensations of the animal when squeezing the paw and the affected areas. There may also be an increase in the temperature of the dog. For treatment, the dog should clean the paw pads, if necessary, novocaine is used.

Purulent pododermatitis may be deep or superficial. With deep purulent pododermatitis, the tissues of the base of the skin are affected. Such symptoms occur when pyogenic microbes enter the base of the skin. At the same time, the dog begins to limp, the body temperature rises, and when pressing on the paw, the animal feels a sharp, severe pain.

Treatment

In the case of established single lesions, treatment with antiseptic drugs, for example, chlorhexidine, is carried out. In this case, antibiotic treatment is not necessary. The pads of the paws of the dog should be thoroughly washed.

In the case of diagnosis of multiple lesions, the fight against the basis of the disease is underway. In such situations, it is recommended to use antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics are calculated for a course until the symptoms disappear and 2 weeks after the disappearance of inflammatory processes. In addition to taking antibiotics, the interdigital areas are also cleaned.

Treatment takes a long time. There are also cases of recurrence of pododermatitis. More often the disease progresses in the off-season and in winter, when the dog's paws are often important.

In extremely severe cases, on the recommendation of a doctor, surgical intervention is prescribed. During the operation, the interdigital spaces and joints of the dog's fingers are removed. If necessary, inflammatory areas are opened and purulent accumulations are removed.

Prevention of pododermatitis

In order to prevent and reduce the risk of pododermatitis, you should adhere to the following recommendations for caring for your dog:

1. Trim the claws of the pet in time, monitor their length.
2. Trim hair between fingers.
3. Keep the aviary, booth or dog kennel clean.
4. Clean up the place where the dog sleeps and keep her dishes clean.
5. Watch your dog's diet, keep a balanced diet.
6. After walking and, if necessary, wash your pet's paws.

Watch your pet and be attentive to all changes in the body of your pet. Regularly check your pet in a veterinary clinic, specialists. If pododermatitis is due to an allergen, eliminate the allergen from the dog's diet or environment. Timely detection of symptoms of the disease allows you to quickly cure it.

Like humans, the skin of a dog is a huge system that performs a large number of important functions in the body. The skin protects the dog's body from damage, performing a protective function. It is involved in the process of thermoregulation. The beauty of the coat depends on the health of the skin and the whole body of the pet. A frequent reason for a visit to the veterinarian is a violation of the integrity of the skin. One of the problems is dermatitis. Consider the most common types of dermatitis in dogs, their main symptoms and existing treatments.

Dermatitis and its classification in dogs

Dermatitis is an inflammatory process that occurs on the surface of the skin or inside it. The disease is accompanied by redness, itching and pain.

Additional symptoms depend on the severity of the process, the causes and associated complications. Very often, itching leads to the fact that the animal combs the skin to wounds, an additional infection joins, body temperature rises, purulent wounds appear.

With dermatitis, the dog scratches his skin to wounds.

Classification of dermatitis

The causes of dermatitis can be different, and therefore there are many types of the disease. The most common types of dermatitis among dogs are:

• pododermatitis affecting the limbs of a four-legged pet;
• flea caused by flea bites and the body's reaction to their saliva and waste products;
• caused by the activation of a special type of fungus on the skin;
• seborrheic, which is also divided into primary and secondary seborrhea.

Fleas can cause dermatitis.

Consider the main symptoms characteristic of each type of dermatitis, so that any dog ​​owner can pay attention to them in a timely manner and come to the veterinarian for help.

Distinctive features of pododermatitis

Pododermatitis on a dog's paw.

Pododermatitis is found on the paws or pads of dogs. The main provoking factors include - fungal and bacterial lesions,. The first symptoms that caring owners pay attention to:

1. Constant over-careful licking of the paws. The limbs look wet, and the skin is reddened and moist.
2. The appearance of wounds around the pads, between the fingers.
3. Blood blisters on limbs.
4. Swelling of the affected limb.
5. Pain appears when walking. The dog begins to limp, it is hard for her to stand on the injured paw.
6. The accession of a bacterial infection manifests itself in the form of pustules and abscesses.

Treatment

If the lesions of the limbs are few, you can treat them and wait for the healing of wounds. In this case, antibiotics can not be used, it will be enough to treat the damage sites with chlorhexidine or any antibacterial drug.

In winter, you can buy special shoes for the dog.

• When dermatitis has affected most of the skin, begin the fight against the underlying disease , while the appointment of antibiotic therapy is a justified step. The course of treatment is long, until the symptoms disappear completely, and then another 14 days to consolidate the results.
• Pododermatitis often occurs due to contact with allergenic substances . For example, during icy conditions, a special anti-icing mixture is used to sprinkle icy roads. It is she who has a detrimental effect on dog skin. To protect your pet from problems in the winter, you can buy him special walking boots.
• In advanced cases or in situations where wounds occur due to improper placement of the paws, it may be prescribed operation .
• To relieve itching use anti-allergic agents and lotions from herbal preparations.
• Balanced nutrition e and the use of immunomodulators will help restore immunity and overcome the disease.

Symptoms and treatment of flea dermatitis

Flea dermatitis is accompanied by hair loss.

1. Dog biting skin.
2. Itching and traces of scratching on the skin.
3. Wounds due to trauma to the skin of the animal during scratching.
4. Loss of appetite, vomiting, stool and stomach problems.
5. Bald patches of skin.
6. Changing behavior: barking, occasional whining, irritability.

Usually, the reaction to flea bites does not occur immediately, but as intoxication increases and the body's reaction intensifies. Such a response is considered slow. Very rarely, some individuals may have an immediate reaction to a bite. It occurs in hypersensitive individuals.

Flea bite dermatitis can spread throughout the body, but usually the head, paws, and ears are not affected.

Before treating dermatitis, it is necessary to eliminate its cause - fleas.

You can get rid of fleas with a special shampoo.

• Shampoos are used for this. special drops at the withers , solutions and aerosols. After processing the animal, proceed to the disinfection of the premises. It is recommended to treat the room with a special solution, wash and iron the bedding of the animal. The disinfection procedure, if necessary, is repeated after 14 days.
• Antihistamines can help relieve itching . If the desired effect is not observed or the disease has become chronic, the veterinarian will prescribe corticosteroids. Their use should be carried out according to the scheme determined by the doctor, the duration is also prescribed by the veterinarian. It is impossible to deviate from the course of treatment, so as not to harm the health of the pet even more.
• To an animal not re-infested by fleas , it is recommended to purchase a flea collar.

Signs of acral dermatitis

With this form of dermatitis, thickening or ulceration can be seen on the back of the paws in the wrist area. Plaques can be found on the ankles, and sometimes even in the interdigital spaces.

Acral dermatitis on a dog's paw.

Acral dermatitis is more common in large dogs. Characteristic signs of dermatitis:

• Licking the affected area, some dogs begin to chew on the painful area.
• In some cases, the lesion occurs at the site of a long-standing injury (bruise, fracture).
• The lesions are solitary, but sometimes there are several thickened plaques at once.

Existing treatments

Acral dermatitis is difficult to treat if the cause of the problem has not been accurately identified.. Very rarely resort to surgical treatment. The operation is performed only when all the methods of treatment have been tried, but none of them has brought relief.

A decoction of chamomile relieves inflammation and irritation.

Usually the veterinarian prescribes the following types of drugs:

1. Antibiotics are prescribed taking into account the identified bacterial environment and sensitivity to certain groups of drugs.
2. From system tools the following can be used: psychotropic substances or antidepressants, antihistamines (clemastine, cyproheptadine, chlorphenamine) and hormonal drugs (prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone), antipruritics - misoprostol, cyclosporine.
3. Local treatment may consist in the use of ointments or lotions from herbal ingredients. For example, a decoction of chamomile, comfrey leaves, calendula flowers helps well. They are safe for the animal, relieve inflammation and skin irritation.

Malassezion dermatitis

Malassezion dermatitis in the ear of a dog.

Damage to the skin of a pet by a special type of fungus Malassezia pachydermatis leads to the appearance of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs. Usually, a fungal infection begins to progress against the background of other diseases. Signs of the disease can be:

• severe itching of the paws, ears and the area around the eyes;
• the affected areas begin to go bald and blush;
• the skin thickens;
• an unpleasant odor emanates from the animal;
• the fur becomes untidy, greasy;
• illness may be accompanied.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at eliminating pathogenic microflora.

Bathing is carried out using special antifungal shampoos (Sebazol, Mycozoral, Nizoral), it is possible to use shampoo with chlorhexidine. It has antibacterial property. You can use enilconazole lotion. From folk remedies - vinegar diluted to 2% of the state, which is used to wipe the affected skin. Rubbing is carried out periodically with an interval of 2-3 days.

Nizoral is an antifungal shampoo.

Signs of seborrhea and methods of its treatment in dogs

The main symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in dogs are:

1. The characteristic smell of a dog, coming from homeless animals, may also be present in a pet when it has seborrhea.
2. Matte shade of wool. Usually the coat shines, and with this disease it immediately fades.
3. The coat is brittle, which causes its excessive loss.
4. visible to the naked eye.
5. The itching is accompanied by a constant sniffing of the animal.
6. Black spots on the skin.

Seborrhea in a dog.

Therapeutic measures

To improve the condition of the skin and coat, special shampoos containing tar, salicylic acid and sulfur are used. If the diagnosis revealed a lack of nutrients in the body, prescribe the intake of vitamin preparations.

And antifungal (Fluconazole) and antimicrobial (Ceftriaxone) agents can also be prescribed. Treatment with corticosteroid medications may be used to relieve itching.

Fluconazole is an antifungal drug.

Particular attention should be paid to the dog's diet. The diet can be determined by the veterinarian. It should contain the necessary nutrients and not cause allergies in the pet.

Video about flea dermatitis