Skin fold dermatitis in dogs and cats

Inflammation of the skin folds, also called intertrigo, is a disease that occurs in dogs and cats with a short nose, in animals that are obese and have wrinkled skin. The breeds most susceptible to the disease are Persian, Exotic, Himalayan, Bulldog, Shar Pei, Mastino Neapolitan, Pug.

Causes

The appearance of skin folds is most often genetically determined. Problems occur in animals with a shortened facial skull – brachycephalic. Bulldogs often have deformed and twisted tail vertebrae, it often seems that they are completely absent and a skin fold forms. Shar-Pei and Mastino are fully folded. Obesity is a predisposing factor. Due to fat deposits, folds often form in the vulva, in the abdomen. Also, the causes of inflammation of the skin folds are a violation of ventilation, high humidity and temperature. Because of these factors, a secondary infection develops. In favorable conditions, bacteria, fungi and parasites expanse. Other skin conditions may also be associated with intertrigo, such as atopic dermatitis and food allergies. There are also idiopathic causes, such as Persian dirty face syndrome.

Symptoms

• Itching. Rubbing the muzzle with paws or objects, scratching, excessive licking.
• Lacrimal ducts in brachycephals.
• Unpleasant smell.
• Discharges in skin folds.
• Increased moisture in the folds.
• The presence of rashes.
• Redness of the skin.
• Detection of pus or blood.

Diagnostics

If you suspect a dermatological pathology in your pet, you do not need to donate blood first. Analysis in most cases will not show anything. You need to first contact a narrow specialist dermatologist. The doctor will take a thorough history, because it is necessary to understand the cause of inflammation of the folds only in high humidity and secondary infection, or, for example, combined with allergies. One of the main diagnostic methods is the taking of smears, prints, surface scrapings. . For recurrent or chronic infections, skin cultures may be required. To exclude allergic reactions, regular treatments for surface parasites (fleas, ticks) and an elimination diet will be required.

Treatment

Treatment may differ depending on the underlying cause of intertrigo. If obesity is present, then weight loss is required: an increase in physical activity in conjunction with diet. In the case of idiopathic conditions, immunosuppressive therapy may be used. With excessive overhanging of the skin fold and impaired air circulation, in some situations it is necessary to resort to plastic surgery. Most often, the operation is performed in the tail, vulva and nose. In a serious inflammatory process, antifungal and antimicrobial therapy is used systemically, with long courses of three weeks or more. Along with systemic treatment, local treatments with drying antiseptics are used. You can also use shampoos based on chlorhexidine and benzoyl peroxide. You can dry the folds with various powders. The main thing is to make sure that the composition is not corn starch, as it is a favorable breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.

Prevention

For the purpose of prevention, regular care of the folds is necessary: ​​examination, periodic bathing, drying of weeping folds, and contacting the veterinarian.