Shingles in dogs

How can a dog get infected with shingles

Lichen in dogs has a fungal and viral nature. A four-legged friend can "catch" the disease in several ways:

• through direct contact with a sick animal;
• through household items (bowl, leash, collar, comb, etc.) belonging to an infected dog;
• through soil, grass and so on.

The probability of developing lichen increases significantly if the animal has reduced immunity. This condition may be due to the dog's pregnancy or lactation, a recently transferred infectious disease, a meager diet. Protective forces are also reduced if the pet has been taking corticosteroids for a long time, as well as if he has a malignant tumor.

Stray animals, and those that live in poor conditions, constitute a special risk group. Dampness, lack of hygiene, high density (for example, in shelters) and other factors provoke the rapid spread of the fungus.

Note: dogs with long and thick hair require special attention from the owners. Due to the peculiarities of the hair cover, their skin is poorly ventilated, which makes such pets the most vulnerable to infection.

Symptoms at the beginning of the disease

What are the symptoms of shingles in dogs that you need to pay attention to first? The latent period of the disease, on average, lasts about 10-14 days, depending on the type of lichen. Only after that, the signs of the disease become noticeable.

At the initial stage of lichen, the owner will notice such manifestations:

• the animal scratches the same place;
• in the area of itching, a superficial skin lesion is noticeable in the form of discoloration, broken hairs, cracks, peeling and others;
• gradually the spot increases, new foci appear;
• the dog becomes sluggish.

In most cases, skin lesions occur on the paws of the pet, in the lower abdomen, on the muzzle.

It is necessary to take measures quickly, as the disease is spreading at a high speed. In addition, reduced immunity and damaged skin surface favor the attachment of bacterial infection and the development of other diseases.

Photos of lichen in dogs

Types of lichen in dogs

Dogs are diagnosed with several types of lichen, each of which has its own nature, symptoms and treatment approaches. That is why veterinarians insist that if a pet has suspicious spots on the skin, the owners immediately contact the clinic. At the same time, each owner should know what this or that type of disease looks like. This will allow you to quickly take preventive measures for households (some fungi can be transmitted to humans) and for animals (to stop further spread).

Pink lichen

Pink lichen is an allergic reaction to an infection, presumably of a viral nature. Most experts associate the development of this type of disease in a domestic dog with a genetic predisposition. Skin damage, as a rule, occurs against the background of viral diseases of the digestive tract, respiratory system organs, after vaccinations.

Pink lichen is characterized by a chronic course, so it will not be possible to completely cure the animal. The disease occurs every time the activity of the immune system decreases in the pet: with stress, inadequate diet, frequent illnesses. At the same time, the dog is not a source of danger to other animals and humans. However, if they have the same predisposition and low immunity, the probability of infection – even if it is scanty – exists.

How to recognize pink lichen in a domestic dog? This type is characterized by the following clinical picture:

• spots do not exceed 2 cm;
• the affected areas have a pink tint with a yellowish middle;
• the bulk of the rash is localized in the groin, on the muzzle;
• the foci are gradually destroyed with the formation of yellow areas with peeling of the epidermis.

Attention: pink lichen can be complicated by the penetration of fungi, bacteria, viruses into the skin, so it is impossible to delay treatment.

Wet lichen

Wet lichen is the immune response of the dog's body to an allergen; eczema, which is based on no infectious nature. Any substance (medicine, food, etc.), hormonal disorders can serve as an allergen. The disease is chronic and manifests itself in the following clinical picture:

• there are swellings on the surface of the skin, hot to the touch, itchy and painful;
• gradually bubbles form in their place;
• baldness occurs in the lesion;
• the discharge from the bubbles gradually becomes purulent;
• the most frequent localization is cheeks, coccyx, neck.

As the skin recovers, it becomes covered with a crust, from under which healthy tissue can be seen.

Since the soaking lichen brings the dog considerable torment in the form of itching, it begins to comb the skin strongly. This can provoke an increase in the area of the affected areas and the addition of infection.

Ringworm

Unlike the previous species, ringworm (shorn) is a disease of a fungal nature. Its development is caused by the penetration into the skin of fungi of the genus Microsporum or Trichophyton, causing, respectively, microsporosis or trichophytia. Ringworm is a dangerous and contagious disease that can be identified by the following signs:

• small-sized lesions of the skin (about 20 mm);
• the color of the spots is from pinkish to brown;
• their outline is clearly visible;
• localization – tail base, limbs;
• severe itching;
• baldness of affected areas.

Infection is characterized by a rapid rate of spread. If you do not take measures, then in a short time the fungus can lead to the death of the dog.

Pityriasis

This type of disease is caused by a yeast fungus of the genus Malassesia, which normally lives on the surface of the skin not only of dogs, but also of other animals and people. In the absence of damage to the epidermis, strong immunity, the microorganism does not show aggression. Otherwise, the fungus multiplies intensively, releasing a large amount of caustic acid, which literally "corrodes" the epidermis.

Another name for lichen is multicolored. This is due to the different shades of lesions: pinkish, brown, brownish. Another sign is baldness of the affected areas. Since the spots quickly increase and merge, the disease can spread throughout the dog's body in a short time.

Diagnostics

Before treating a dog for lichen, it is necessary to diagnose the detected pathology and differentiate it from other skin diseases. Fungal lichen in dogs can be confused with diseases such as dermatosis, pyoderma, seborrheic eczema, wet and pink lichen.

The following methods are used for diagnosis:

• translucent wood lamp;
• wool analysis (seeding);
• skin biopsy.

Microscopic examination reveals the presence / absence of spores and mycelium, sowing makes it possible to determine the genus of the fungus. In addition, laboratory tests of the pet's urine and blood are mandatory. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe allergic tests and tests.

Treatment of lichen in dogs

When diagnosing lichen in dogs, complex treatment is shown. It is aimed at solving several tasks:

• destruction of pathogenic microorganisms – causes of the disease;
• prevention of the spread of foci and the addition of secondary infection;
• elimination of itching, pain;
• normalization of the pet's immune system.

For this purpose, external and internal medicines are used in the form of ointments, creams, gels, solutions, tablets. If the disease is detected at the initial stage, external drugs are more often used. In case of systemic damage to the body, tablets and / or injections are indicated.

External preparations for lichen in dogs

In the veterinary pharmacy, local preparations intended for the treatment of lichen in dogs are presented in a large assortment. Which remedy is best to use in a particular case – the doctor will tell you after the diagnosis of the animal. Independent treatment of lichen is not recommended, as it threatens to aggravate the disease and the development of complications.

Important: all medical procedures are carried out with gloves!

Medicines for internal use

Depending on the condition of the dog, the veterinarian may prescribe additional symptomatic, supportive and antifungal therapy in the form of drugs for internal administration:

• if a significant part of the animal's body is affected by the fungus – antifungal agents (Fluconazole, Nizoral);
• in case of secondary infection – antibacterial drugs (Amphotericin, Nystatin);
• for liver maintenance – hepatoprotective agents (Hepatovet);
• for relief of allergy symptoms – antihistamines (Suprastin, Diazoline);
• in order to normalize the immune system – immunostimulators and immunomodulators (Glycopine, Immunophane);
• for the prevention of disorders of the digestive tract – probiotics (Olin, Lactobifadol);
• vitamins (Aminovit).

Folk remedies treatment

Treatment at home can be accompanied by the use of folk remedies. At the same time, it should be remembered that the fungus in an animal cannot be cured by folk recipes alone. Such types of lichen, as ringworm or weeping, can only spread over a large area and aggravate the condition of the dog, therefore folk remedies are allowed to be used as additional symptomatic.

Most often, methods of home treatment of lichen in animals are represented by external treatment of the affected areas with some composition. These can be: apple cider vinegar, tar, garlic passed through a garlic press (it can be mixed with honey, camphor oil, wine vinegar, tea tree oil). Even motor oil is applied to infectious foci. As a rule, stain treatment is carried out several times a day.

Attention: before using any folk recipe, you should definitely consult a doctor!

What can be done to speed up recovery

How to cure a dog from shingles, preventing the development of complications? The main condition is strict compliance with the recommendations of the veterinarian. It is necessary to give the animal drugs in strict accordance with the prescribed course and dosage, without skipping receptions. Unauthorized replacement of one drug with another is not allowed, as well as termination of therapy ahead of time. The dog owner should be prepared for the fact that in some cases the treatment may take a month or more.

Treatment with special shampoos, which include antifungal components, will help speed up the recovery of a four-legged friend, prevent the spread of infection. Such hair care products have a gentle effect on the surface of the skin, but it is not recommended to use them for a long time. To avoid excessive dryness of the epidermis, follow the instructions.

How to prevent the licking of ointment and combing in a dog

Lichen foci cause severe itching in the pet. When he scratches the affected area, the infection spreads to neighboring healthy tissues, which significantly delays recovery. The same happens if the animal licks the applied ointment.

If the foci are isolated, you can seal them with a plaster or bandage, after applying a gauze swab with ointment to the affected area. It is possible to prevent combing of large areas with the help of a special collar. In the case when the dog resists such a device and removes it, you should put a jumpsuit on it.

Is it possible to use iodine for the treatment of lichen

The use of iodine for the treatment of lichen in dogs depends on the pathogen detected. So, with a ringworm variety of the disease, this drug has the most effective effect. It is not recommended to use an iodine solution for pink lichen. In other cases, the remedy does not lead to any pronounced result. It should be noted that some veterinarians are categorically against the use of iodine for lichen. Judging by the reviews, you should not try to cure an unusual "spot" yourself using iodine as a panacea – this can lead to disastrous consequences for the dog.

Nutrition of dogs in the treatment of lichen

Treatment of lichen in dogs must necessarily be accompanied by a change in diet. This is especially true of pink and wet types of the disease, which are allergic in nature. A special diet is designed to minimize the toxicity and allergenicity of certain products and substances. To be excluded from the diet are:

• potatoes;
• chocolate;
• sweets;
• smoked meat;
• spices;
• any products containing dyes, flavors, preservatives and other additives.

With soaking lichen, it will be necessary to remove meat and meat products from the pet's menu for some time.

How to apply ointment correctly

The better the affected area of the dog's skin is prepared for lichen, the greater the effect can be achieved from the therapeutic ointment, therefore, every owner should know the algorithm of actions when treating an infectious focus.

• The following items are prepared in advance: medical rubber gloves, scissors with a blunt end, a metal container and matches, soap solution, antiseptic (furacilin, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide), tweezers, gauze napkins, therapeutic ointment.
• Before proceeding directly to the procedure, put on gloves.
• The affected area of the skin is treated with an antiseptic solution.
• If there is a hairline on the periphery of the lesion, the wool is carefully trimmed at a distance of about 5 mm from the affected epidermis. Cut hair is immediately burned.
• In the presence of scabs, they are impregnated with a soap solution until completely softened.
• The scabs are removed with tweezers, and the area is treated with antiseptic again.
• Using a napkin, remove the remaining moisture.
• Apply ointment.

At the end of the treatment of all affected areas, the trimmed wool and napkins should be burned.

Can a person or pets get infected

Every dog owner should know what kind of lichen is transmitted to humans and other animals. With regard to ringworm, the answer is unequivocal – this disease has a high degree of contagiousness and is very contagious. When diagnosing it, the animal must be isolated from other pets and household members (especially children).

Wet lichen does not pose a danger to others, since it is an eczema of allergic origin. The usual hygienic measures when caring for a sick pet are quite enough.

The possibility of transmission of infection with pink lichen is currently in question. The opinions of experts of different specializations contradict each other: some believe that this disease is contagious, others say the opposite. In general, it is considered that if a person has a strong immune system, then pink lichen is not dangerous for him. If the immune system fails (due to age, diseases and other reasons), it is best to stay away from the animal.

Pityriasis also does not pose a danger to humans and animals, since the fungus is also present on the surface of their body. There is a theoretical probability of developing the disease in the household under the condition of severely reduced immunity, so if a dog with pityriasis is kept in the apartment, it is better to be safe and isolate it from children, the elderly or weakened people.

Is there a vaccination against shingles in dogs

It is possible to prevent the development of lichen in a dog by putting a special vaccine. The drugs Vakderm and Mentavak have good reviews. These are intramuscular injections, which contain inactive fungi that cause lichen. Vaccines can be put after the examination of a four-legged friend, deworming, examination by a veterinarian. Vaccines can also be used if the animal is already sick with lichen. Self-administration of injections is not recommended, since the dosage and course require an individual approach.

Prevention of ringworm in dogs

It is possible to prevent the development of lichen in dogs by observing a number of preventive measures:

• protect your pet from contact with strangers and stray animals;
• observe sanitary and hygienic standards, wash the dog in a timely manner with suitable means (including preventive ones);
• feed your pet properly, avoiding the presence of possible allergens in the food;
• make sure that the animal's diet is complete;
• timely vaccinations;
• do not restrict your pet in walks;
• avoid using foreign bowls, collars and other household items;
• treat the detected diseases in time, preventing a strong decrease in immunity.

Every year microbes undergo mutation and become more resistant to the drugs used, therefore, a single and 100% effective treatment regimen for lichen in dogs has not been developed. In addition, each animal reacts in its own way to the drug and the causative agent of the disease, which also affects the speed and effectiveness of therapy.

Nevertheless, shingles in dogs can be cured. To do this, you need to quickly respond to the symptoms, bring your pet to the clinic, follow the recommendations of a specialist and continue to follow preventive measures.