This is an allergic, pruritic dermatitis, with genetic predisposition, caused by inhalation of allergens (pollen, dust, scales, etc.). It occurs in animals between the ages of one and three years old in breeds such as terriers, dalmations, Irish setters, Pekinese, etc. It is seasonal in nature.
Symptoms: severe pruritus and erythema accompanied by papules that are complicated by crusts and alopecia. Affected areas often include the face, anus, interdigital spaces and limbs.
Treatment: difficult. Hyposensitization can be attempted, but it takes time (approximately two years).
Irritant contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritating substance (soaps, floor cleaners, insecticides, acids, tar, gasoline, etc.) or an allergenic substance (following repeated contact, a local dermatitis appears at the contact points, e.g.: plants, wool, synthetic carpets, rubber, plastic, flea collars, blankets, etc.)
Symptoms: at the onset, erythema with papules and pruritus that can cause fluid-filled vesicles.
Treatment: identify the allergen causing the problem and keep the dog away from it.
Licking of the dorsal aspect of the forelegs out of boredom. This is typical of large, highly active dogs left alone during the day.
Symptoms: alopecia first, then ulceration with the formation of a characteristic nodular plaque.
Treatment: psychological above all.
Solar dermatosis manifests itself through a nasal dermatitis caused by intense solar radiation, especially on the dog's nose and bridge of the nose. Predisposed breeds are collies, Shetlands and their crossbreeds.
Symptoms: erythema with crusty and ulcerative alopecia on regions lacking sufficient pigment (from birth). Lesions appear when solar rays are strong. If there is sufficient shade, the lesions give way to a pinkish, fragile, hairless epithelium.
Treatment: the dog should stay in the shade between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Apply total sun block, or even a tattoo to give pigment to the skin.
Flea bite dermatitis is caused by the presence of fleas in the coat. The animal's tegument is oversensitive to the flea saliva. The neck, dorsal-lumbar region, abdominal and tail are affected the most.
Symptoms: intense and prolonged pruritus especially. Generalized erythema appears first. Itching then causes crusts, oozing skin and hair loss on practically all the affected regions.
The more severe form is more or less seasonal.
The chronic form appears after several months of evolution characterized by a thickening of and wrinkling of the skin and decreased pruritus.
Treatment: rid the dog and more importantly, his environment, of the fleas.
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