Skin problems in animals
Learn more about skin problems in animals by exploring our site and become a true expert on the animal kingdom. You'll find content created for the best professionals with pictures, videos and opinions.
55 articles
![What Causes Dandruff on Dogs?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/7/0/what_causes_dandruff_on_dogs_5072_300_150.jpg)
Some guardians wonder if it is possible for dogs to get dandruff. Although its exact cause is poorly understood, dandruff is a condition whereby dead skin cells accumulate on and around hair. Humans get dandruff on their scalp due the greater number of sebaceous glands which mix with the dead skin cells...
![Melanoma in Dogs](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/2/0/melanoma_in_dogs_5022_300_150.jpg)
Melanoma, a type of cancer developing from pigment cells, lurks in the shadows for many dogs. While not always aggressive, it can be a serious threat, particularly when left undetected. Knowing the early signs of melanoma in dogs is crucial, as prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly improve their...
![Acute Moist Dermatitis in Dogs - Causes and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/4/9/acute_moist_dermatitis_in_dogs_causes_and_treatment_4940_300_150.jpg)
Also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs, acute moist dermatitis is a skin infection which results in oozing inflamed patches of skin known as hot spots. The skin is exposed due to the hair loss in the area, a hair loss which is caused by the dog themselves. When a dog licks the same area repeatedly...
![Types of Dermatitis in Dogs - Causes and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/3/9/types_of_dermatitis_in_dogs_causes_and_treatment_4935_300_150.jpg)
Dermatitis in dogs is a term which refers to the inflammation of a dog's skin, a symptom which has many causes. Whether due to infection, sensitivity, parasites or any other issue, dermatitis can be very troubling for the dog. Not only does it cause discomfort and pain, but the damaged skin is made vulnerable...
![Hepatocutaneous Syndrome in Dogs or HCS](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/1/9/hepatocutaneous_syndrome_in_dogs_or_hcs_4913_300_150.jpg)
Canine hepatocutaneous syndrome (HCS) is an uncommon metabolic disorder impacting both the liver and skin. It exhibits distinct characteristics such as hepatopathy, hypoaminoacidemia, aminoaciduria, and superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND), leading to specific crusted, red, and histologically unique...
![Why Do Rabbits Pull Their Fur Out?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/1/9/why_do_rabbits_pull_their_fur_out_4911_300_150.jpg)
Seeing your rabbit pull out its fur can be alarming for any pet owner. This behavior may be a sign of an underlying problem affecting your beloved companion. However, it is also possible that a rabbit with patches of fur missing in specific areas is simply engaging in a natural behavior. Nevertheless, it is...
![Mange in Horses - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/5/8/mange_in_horses_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4856_300_150.jpg)
Also known as scabies in horses, mange is a skin disease caused by the infestation of mites. It is a disease which is most associated with dogs. This is because the specific mite that causes sarcoptic mange in animals is Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, a mite of the genus Sarcoptes which is highly contagious....
![Histiocytoma in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/3/8/histiocytoma_in_dogs_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4832_300_150.jpg)
Cutaneous histiocytoma is a tumor that frequently occurs in young dogs less than 4 years of age. It is a tumor that appears in the form of reddish hairless nodules, generally in the head and neck area. Once they appear, the lesions grow rapidly, often causing great concern for caregivers. Despite their threatening...
![Sebaceous Cyst on a Dog - Causes and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/2/8/sebaceous_cyst_on_a_dog_causes_and_treatment_4827_300_150.jpg)
Sebaceous cysts in dogs are benign lesions that frequently appear on the skin, especially in older animals. They are cavities surrounded by epithelium tissue that contains the fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland. Sebaceous cysts on dogs can look both painful and potentially harmful, but they are a...
![What Is Pododermatitis in Rabbits?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/1/8/what_is_pododermatitis_in_rabbits_4814_300_150.jpg)
Pododermatitis, commonly referred to as Fur Pad Dermatitis (FPD), is a condition that affects rabbits, primarily manifesting in the sensitive paw pads on their feet. This ailment is characterized by inflammation and dermatitis, often stemming from a combination of factors such as pressure, poor bedding,...
![Juvenile Cellulitis in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/5/6/juvenile_cellulitis_in_dogs_symptoms_and_treatment_4658_300_150.jpg)
Commonly known as puppy strangles, juvenile cellulitis is a disease that is characterized by producing severe inflammation of the skin and lymph nodes of dogs. It is a rare, immune-mediated disease of unknown origin. Despite our lack of understanding concerning its causes, there are effective treatments...
![My Dog Has Black Stuff in Their Ears](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/9/5/my_dog_has_black_stuff_in_their_ears_4599_300_150.jpg)
Black discharge from a dog's ear can appear seemingly out of nowhere. We often first see there is a problem by repeated scratching of the area, something which can exacerbate the problem by opening wounds or introducing secondary bacteria. The initial agitation is often due to otitis, a general term for...
![Aural Hematoma in Cats - Causes and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/8/1/5/aural_hematoma_in_cats_causes_and_treatment_4518_300_150.jpg)
Also known as otohematomas, aural hematomas are an accumulation of bloody fluid in the ear. Specifically, the blood accumulates between the cartilage of the ear and the skin causing inflammation. There are various causes of feline aural hematoma, both primary and secondary. For example, a primary cause...
![Cat Cyst Causes, Types and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/8/3/cat_cyst_causes_types_and_treatment_4386_300_150.jpg)
We may observe a cat cyst if we are petting them. When touching their fur, we might notice a subcutaneous lump, one of the most worrying such symptoms as it can imply the presence of cancer. Although this is possible, there are many types of cat cysts which can result in a lump or tumor, without being...
![My Cat Has Scabs on Their Neck](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/0/3/my_cat_has_scabs_on_their_neck_4307_300_150.jpg)
Scabs on a cat's skin can be due to various causes, but there are some which are more likely when the scabs appear on a cat's neck. A scab will occur once an open sore has started to heal since the hard crust is part of their immune response. Looking at the larger clinical picture will help us to understand...
![Solar Dermatitis in Cats - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/0/3/solar_dermatitis_in_cats_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4301_300_150.jpg)
Feline solar dermatitis is a pathology of the skin of our cats that arises as a result of frequent or continuous exposure to the sun. Also known as actinic dermatitis, it is especially prevalent in white cats and in those areas with less hair. The most affected area is the head, specifically the ears, eyes...
![Bump on My Dog's Ear - Dog Ear Hematoma](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/8/2/bump_on_my_dog_s_ear_dog_ear_hematoma_4280_300_150.jpg)
A bump on a dog's ear is likely due to an issue known as otohematoma in dogs. A type of ear hematoma, it can greatly vary in size, shape and texture, according to the individual dog. Not only do dogs use their ears to hear, but they are very important in maintaining balance. Any pathologies or other...
![Dog Paw Problems - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/7/2/dog_paw_problems_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4274_300_150.jpg)
It is difficult to overstate the importance of proper footcare in our dogs. The skin on the plantar area of the paw pads is both resistant and sensitive. As dogs move, their paws come in contact with the ground which can be of various textures and materials. The paw pad itself is made up of fatty tissue...
![My Cat's Wound Is Not Healing](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/5/2/my_cat_s_wound_is_not_healing_4250_300_150.jpg)
A cat's wound should start to heal as soon as it occurs. The healing process is a part of the feline's natural defenses which is vital to sustain life after trauma and other threats to their health. While healing is something we often take for granted, for a cat's wound to heal properly many different processes...
![My Dog's Wound Won't Heal](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/1/2/my_dog_s_wound_won_t_heal_4214_300_150.jpg)
Wound healing is a process which is affected by various factors. A serious of macroscopic, microscopic and molecular events need to occur for a dog's wound to heal properly. Tissue regeneration is a marvelous process which helps organisms survive, but is often a more delicate process than we would like...
![Atopic Dermatitis in Cats - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/0/2/atopic_dermatitis_in_cats_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_4206_300_150.jpg)
Feline atopic dermatitis is a type of allergic response. When a cat has a hypersensitivity to a particular environmental allergen, they body reacts in an exaggerated way. These allergens can include dusts, mites, pollen or other common environmental stimuli. These allergens do not affect those without...
![My Cat Has Bald Spots Above Their Eyes](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/8/1/my_cat_has_bald_spots_above_their_eyes_4184_300_150.jpg)
For many cats, it is normal to have a thinner patch of hair in the area between their eyes and the base of their ears. As with humans, it is also common for parts of their coat to become thinner as they age. Unlike humans, most cats have hair all over their body. Despite this fact, the area above the...
![My Cat Has Warts - Types, Causes and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/7/1/my_cat_has_warts_types_causes_and_treatment_4176_300_150.jpg)
Warts may be easier to see on human skin, but cats are also susceptible to them. As with humans, warts on cats can have various underlying causes. They are generally benign skin growths, but the types of warts cats can develop are specific to the species. Many are related to the feline papillomavirus, but...
![Calcinosis Cutis in Dogs - Calcium Deposits in Dog Skin](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/4/1/calcinosis_cutis_in_dogs_calcium_deposits_in_dog_skin_4140_300_150.jpg)
Calcinosis cutis is a disorder characterized by the lesions of calcium salts in the skin. The result is the appearance of hard nodules or crusted plaques. In the canine medicine, it usually appears in individuals with Cushing's syndrome or those subjected to prolonged treatment with corticosteroids. There...
![My Dog's Paws Are Red and Swollen](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/3/0/my_dog_s_paws_are_red_and_swollen_4035_300_150.jpg)
While swelling and redness of a dog's paws can be observed at almost any stage, it is common for guardians to first become aware of this problem when we notice our dog keeps licking their paws. Whatever the underlying cause, swelling and redness is likely irritating for the dog. Licking their paws is a way...
![Panniculitis in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/5/9/panniculitis_in_dogs_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_3959_300_150.jpg)
Panniculitis is an inflammatory process that affects adipose tissue, the tissue we associate with body fat. It has multiple causes, both infectious and non-infectious. There are also many cases of idiopathic panniculitis in dogs where the etiology is unknown. The main clinical sign associated with panniculitis...
![Ichthyosis in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/1/9/ichthyosis_in_dogs_symptoms_and_treatment_3912_300_150.jpg)
Ichthyosis is a skin disease that is known for its hardening of the skin. This seborrheic condition causes grey scales to appear, but it can result in secondary infections, blisters, onychogryphosis and hyperkeratosis.
It is a fortunately rare disease, but it does affect puppies more than adult dogs....
![My Dog Is Rubbing Their Butt on the Carpet](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/1/8/my_dog_is_rubbing_their_butt_on_the_carpet_3813_300_150.jpg)
When your dog drags their butt against the floor, it can often be a very humorous sight. They sit down, raise their back legs and pull themselves along with their front paws. The pose they create and the often-strained face they make when doing so add to the picture. If this is a one-off experience, then...
![Cat Skin Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/9/7/cat_skin_cancer_symptoms_and_treatment_3793_300_150.jpg)
It is common for caregivers to panic when they detect a lump on any part of a cat's body. Some ignore it for fear that it is some kind of skin cancer, but the truth is that not all lumps are synonymous with cancer. In any case, lumps can be curable so the soonest possible detection and treatment is essential.
In...
![My Cat Has Black Spots on His Lips and Nose](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/5/7/my_cat_has_black_spots_on_his_lips_and_nose_3757_300_150.jpg)
When kittens are born, they are not the same color they will be when they become adult. Even their eyes are not usually the same since all cats are born with blue eyes. Only later will different pigments develop. However, after 12 to 18 months most cats should be the color they will be for the rest of their...
![My Dog's Paws Are Dry and Rough - Hyperkeratosis in Dogs](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/5/7/my_dog_s_paws_are_dry_and_rough_hyperkeratosis_in_dogs_3754_300_150.jpg)
We may not feel our dog's paws very often. Not only do we prefer to pet them on their fur, but generally dog's do not like their paws to be touched. However, it is very important we check on them regularly as injuries to their paws can cause pain, mobility issues and other problems. The skin on our...
![Autoimmune Skin Disease in Cats - Pemphigus in Cats](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/0/7/autoimmune_skin_disease_in_cats_pemphigus_in_cats_3709_300_150.jpg)
Although rare, cats can suffer from autoimmune skin diseases which includes pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus erythematosus and paraneoplastic pemphigus.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about autoimmune skin disease in cats, including the different types of pemphigus...
![My Cat Has a Floppy Ear](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/0/7/my_cat_has_a_floppy_ear_3705_300_150.jpg)
There is a key difference between a cat having floppy ears and a cat having one floppy ear. In the case of the former, the reason is likely due to their breed. Some cat breeds have been specially bred to promote ear shapes different from most other domestic cats. These include long eared cat breeds,...
![My Cat Is Scratching Itself Raw](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/1/5/my_cat_is_scratching_itself_raw_3510_300_150.jpg)
A cat scratching itself is a normal and healthy behavior. If we had the dexterity of most cats, we'd be scratching just as much. As with any behavior, scratching excessively can cause serious harm. If a cat scratches itself raw, then wounds can develop which cause complications. Other reasons for a cat...
![Why Does My Dog Have Purple Spots On His Ear?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/3/4/why_does_my_dog_have_purple_spots_on_his_ear_3434_300_150.jpg)
Purple spots on a dog's ear can be sign that they are suffering from vasculitis in dogs. Canine Vasculitis is the inflammation of a dog's blood vessels. This pathology affects not only the skin of the dog, but in some cases, other organs too. Although vasculitis in dogs is easy to define, is very difficult...
![How to Treat Pemphigus in Dogs](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/2/4/how_to_treat_pemphigus_in_dogs_3424_300_150.jpg)
Skin diseases are one of the most frustrating pathologies for both dogs and their tutors. Apart from the obvious fact they jeopardize the health of the dog, they also reduce their quality of life. With sores, lesions, rashes and other symptoms of skin disease, the dog will often bite and scratch out of frustration....
![Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/7/3/squamous_cell_carcinoma_in_dogs_3374_300_150.jpg)
Knowing the different skin disease which affect dogs is an essential part of their care. Identifying changes to the condition of their skin can mean early signs of serious conditions are treated promptly. Observation of the dog's guardian is crucial as this is the way we can bring an issue to the attention...
![My Dog Has Hives - Symptoms, Causes And Home Remedies](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/0/3/2/my_dog_has_hives_symptoms_causes_and_home_remedies_3230_300_150.jpg)
Hives in dogs, also referred to as Urticaria, can be defined as visible bulges on skin, in addition to noticeable reddened skin inflammation. Have you noticed your dog scratching more than normal? This, in addition to a swollen face, are common symptoms of hives in dogs.
For more aboutthe causes, symptoms,...
![Itraconazole For Cats - Dosage and Administration](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/9/0/2/itraconazole_for_cats_dosage_and_administration_3209_300_150.jpg)
Fungi are very resistant organisms that can access an animal and/or human’s body through skin wounds, the respiratory tract or by ingestion. Sporothrix schenckii, for example, is a fungus which can cause sporotrichosis in cats. If not treated in time, it can be fatal. Itraconazole is one of the most...
![Vitiligo in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/3/1/vitiligo_in_dogs_symptoms_causes_and_treatment_3137_300_150.jpg)
Vitiligo in dogs is a rare condition with a relative lack of research in the area. Although not zoonotic or contagious, it is a skin condition which can also affect humans. Characterized by the development of white patches on the skin and hair, it is relatively uncommon. You might notice your dog gradually...
![Folliculitis in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/4/8/0/folliculitis_in_dogs_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_3084_300_150.jpg)
Canine folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that usually occurs as a consequence of another skin disease. This dermatological disease directly affects a dog’s hair follicle health. Folliculitis in dogs is an infection that can appear in animals of all ages, but is more common in puppies...
![Cat Abscess Treatment - What to Expect](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/4/0/cat_abscess_treatment_what_to_expect_3045_300_150.jpg)
When we think of an abscess, it is common for many to first think of a dental problem. If a cat tooth abscess occurs, it might be difficult to tell until the symptoms become acute. But a cat can get an abscess in various places, including their, neck, head, tail or anywhere fluid can accumulate. These...
![Canine Abscess Types - Causes and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/4/0/canine_abscess_types_causes_and_treatment_3041_300_150.jpg)
Abscesses in dogs are caused by the accumulation of pus in various tissues in a dog's body. They are often the result of infection, but they can also be caused by other inflammatory processes. While they often appear under the skin, they can create a fistula which extends to break through it. These are...
![Malassezia In Dogs - Contagion, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/3/3/0/malassezia_in_dogs_contagion_symptoms_causes_and_treatment_3033_300_150.jpg)
Malassezia is a genus of fungi, a yeast that is usually found in human and animal skin surfaces. Malassezia pachydermatitis is the most common type of malassezia found on both dogs and cats. Normally, these yeasts do not cause any harm. However, malassezia infections can occur when the number of malassezia...
![Feline Acne - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/2/3/0/feline_acne_causes_symptoms_and_treatment_3032_300_150.jpg)
Feline acne is a dermatological problem which can occur in cats of any age. Feline acne on a cat’s skin is visible through the formation of blackheads. Symptoms of feline acne include inflammation, pain and sores. But, what causes feline acne and how do you treat it? And, most importantly, is feline...
![Scabs on My Cat - Causes and Treatment](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/2/0/scabs_on_my_cat_causes_and_treatment_3027_300_150.jpg)
If you see that you have scabs on your cat, it means their skin has broken and is trying to repair itself. Unless you have a hairless cat, the hair will fall out if the skin breaks in this way. Any reason for hair loss in cats is worrying, but if you see wounds or scabs, there is particular cause for concern....
![My Dog Has Pimples - Is it Canine Acne?](https://t1.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/7/1/0/my_dog_has_pimples_is_it_canine_acne_3017_300_150.jpg)
When we think of pimples, we might have the stereotype of an oily teenager with acne in mind. Dog acne isn't something we necessarily associate with dogs. This is partly because they are covered in fur and we might not even think to check their skin underneath. This is a common mistake guardians make with...
![How to Remove Warts on Dogs](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/5/6/8/how_to_remove_warts_on_dogs_2865_300_150.jpg)
Warts on dogs can appear relatively frequently, especially as the dog ages. Warts are characterized as benign superficial tumors which usually do not have any serious ramifications for canine health. We do need to be careful as there can be complications if the dog's wart starts bleeding. The warts may...
![Cat Wounds Causes and Care](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/6/8/7/cat_wounds_causes_and_care_2786_300_150.jpg)
The causes of open wounds on cats are varied, but they are most commonly related to a trauma. These can range from being minor to life threatening, depending on the tissue affected, amount of blood loss and the risk of bacterial infection. If a bacterial infection does occur, the cat's open wound will likely...
![Why Does My Dog Have Black Skin?](https://t2.ea.ltmcdn.com/en/posts/1/6/7/why_does_my_dog_have_black_skin_2761_300_150.jpg)
There are different reasons a dog may have black skin, some of which should be concerning. This is the case when it a symptom of an underlying condition. This can be a hormonal imbalance which is causing changes in their physicality and likely their behavior. It is also important to remember that black...