Moist dermatitis in dogs is included among the skin diseases with suppuration of pus. Specifically, it is an inflammation of the skin with exudate and hair loss that can worsen if not treated in time. That is why we must go to the vet as soon as possible to make sure that it is this type of dermatitis and start treatment.
Moist dermatitis is a relatively common problem, especially in breeds with a very dense undercoat and during shedding. In this article on our site we talk about moist dermatitis in dogs, symptoms, causes and treatment
What is moist dermatitis in dogs?
As we go on, moist dermatitis appears anywhere on the body and is a inflammation of the skin in a localized area in which there is also a loss of hair. In addition, exudate is produced. The lesion is usually circular, but it can grow very quickly, since it is normal for the dog to bite and scratch in an attempt to relieve the discomfort that this dermatitis produces. This can aggravate the condition.
Moist dermatitis is known by other names, such as pyotraumatic dermatitis, hot spot, or hot spot. There are several causes that can lead to the appearance of this type of dermatitis, as we will see in the next section.
Causes of moist dermatitis in dogs
Breeds with a dense undercoat, such as Collies or German Shepherds, are known to be more prone to a moist dermatitis, especially in the warmer and more humid months, as the ventilation of the coat decreases. It is not uncommon to detect this dermatitis right at the beginning of the hair shed, when dead hair is trapped close to the skin.
Moist dermatitis can also appear as a complication of some pathologies that cause itching, such as skin allergies, the presence of external parasites, for example fleas or mites, contact with an irritant, ear or anal gland infections, or simply brushing the dog less than he needs.
Itching leads the dog to scratch or nibble the affected area, producing lesions in which bacteria grow and the result is this type of dermatitis. In general, any factor that causes itching and, consequently, the dog's scratching can end up generating moist dermatitis.
Symptoms of moist dermatitis in dogs
Moist dermatitis is seen as a round skin lesion, hairless and perfectly delimited by a margin of skin and hair that remains normal. They measure approximately 2.5 to 10 cm. In the typical presentation there is also exudate, warmth and erythema or redness due to the inflammation that occurs. This lesion appears suddenly and can spread in a matter of hours. In addition, it is usually painful and present more than one, at a time, in different locations.
Sometimes the exudate may not appear if the dog does not bite the area, but only scratches it. But the causes that generate moist dermatitis and the rest of the characteristics will be the same as when there is exudate. Finally, some moist dermatitis, also called pyotraumatic folliculitis, can be very deep. Affected dogs develop a fever. There may also be pus and bad odor
Diagnosis of moist dermatitis in dogs
Moist dermatitis produces a characteristic lesion that allows it to be diagnosed by direct visualization To discover its cause, the veterinarian will perform an examination of the animal, a history and relevant tests. For example, a skin scraping can be done to find out what bacteria are present and thus prescribe the most effective antibiotic against them. The important thing is to go to the vet as soon as possible to avoid that, due to the dog's biting and licking, the dermatitis worsens and is more complicated to treat.
How to cure moist dermatitis in dogs? - Treatment
First, you must trim the hair around the lesion and disinfect it with an antiseptic product, such as chlorhexidine shampoo. Depending on the extent of the dermatitis and the pain the dog is experiencing, it may be necessary to sedate the dog in order to perform this thorough cleaning.
After cleaning, the veterinarian will prescribe an astringent and antiseptic solution or a cream based on antibiotics and corticosteroids. Two daily applications are usually scheduled for about 10-14 days. In some more serious cases, such as deep moist dermatitis, oral antibiotic treatment must also be prescribed.
It may be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar until the injury is healed to prevent the dog from accessing it. In the most severe moist dermatitis, sedation of the animal for 1-2 days can even be considered. In any case, if the itching felt by the dog is very intense, the vet may also prescribe corticosteroids for the first few days.
But in addition to acting directly on the injury to control it and relieve pain, you must look for its primary cause and treat it as well. For example, intensifying brushing if moist dermatitis has appeared during moulting or applying antiparasitic products if a flea is detected.
