Canine folliculitis – Diagnosis | Treatment

Canine folliculitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the hair follicles. Typically, it is intense itching that can make your dog’s life miserable. This disorder can come from a variety of causes; therefore, symptoms and treatments may vary.

You must keep in mind that, Although canine folliculitis is a fairly common skin condition, it is not always easy to get rid of it Without the professional assistance of your veterinarian.

The symptoms of canine folliculitis

Folliculitis manifests itself with various skin lesions, from lumps, pustules and scaly skin to alopecia. This condition results from infection of the hair follicle. Typically, These infections are caused by bacteria or fungi that invade the hair follicle. It can also be caused by external parasites such as mites or, in more severe cases, a compromised immune system.

The symptoms of canine folliculitis generally focus on specific areas of the body, mainly in the armpits, abdominal region or English. In general, the dog will be very itchy and, in some cases, may notice hair loss.

1. Bacterial infections as a cause of canine folliculitis

In most cases, Bacterial infection is the most common cause associated with this condition.. In fact, folliculitis is actually a secondary symptom resulting from bacterial pyoderma or bacterial skin infection.

If there are pre-existing skin conditions, such as scabies or seborrhea, bacterial staph infections may also occur.

Resistance to antibiotic treatment

It is important to keep in mind the antibiotic resistance of staphylococci. Unfortunately, susceptibility has changed and multiresistant staphylococci are increasingly common as causative agents of canine folliculitis.

This reality complicates the selection of antimicrobial therapy: Amikacin, rifampin and chloramphenicol are becoming the medications of choice, as indicated by bacterial culture and sensitivity tests.

Additionally, topical treatment of the lesions is used. So, the treatment with dilute sodium hypochlorite solution is used as a complement. Chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, ethyl lactate, triclosan or a mixture of boric acid or acetic acid are also used.

2. Dermatophyte infection as a cause of fungal canine folliculitis

Dermatophytes are fungi that feed on the keratin of the skin and produce dermatophytosis or ringworm. This is another of the most common forms of hair follicle infections.

The symptoms of ringworm in dogs are marked by an accumulation of superficial skin cells (scales), lesions, reddened and inflamed skin (erythema), dark skin at the site of infection (hyperpigmentation), itching, hair loss It can form circular or irregular lesions and poor fur.

Dermatophytosis treatment

Several zo azoles ’are available in formulations for topical treatment. These include cream, shampoo and conditioner. Chlorhexidine is not effective in the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Systemic options to treat dermatophytosis include ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, griseofulvin and terbinafine.

3. Demodectic mange as a cause of canine folliculitis

Infection with the mite Demodex canis may cause folliculitis. It is a frequent infection in puppies that have an immature immune system and, as a result, cannot fight mites.

In some rare cases adult dogs may develop scabies folliculitis; however, it is usually indicative of an underlying problem with your immune system or your general health.

Scabies Treatment

The first treatment option is usually ivermectin, But certainly there are cases in which this is not an appropriate or acceptable therapy option.

The use of complementary therapies with products such as Rotenone or benzoyl peroxide gel can be applied topically until the skin scrapes are negative. Ethyl lactate shampoo is an additional measure for the patient with scabies.

There are several options – for example, milbemycin – useful for dogs that may not tolerate ivermectin.

As the owner, you surely want your dog’s fur to be shiny and especially healthy. With these tips you can get your dog’s like this Read more “