(1) generalized red inflamed and scaly skin-the skin maybe so flaky that the flakes appear to be shed in sheets; (2) loss of pigment and ulceration/crusting of the nose, lips and around the eyes-owners may notice a black nose slowly lose pigment to become completely depigmented; (3) single or multiple skin nodules; (4) thickening and ulceration of oral tissues.
Like humans, horses can be allergic to pollens, spores, and other allergens that appear in the environment seasonally, as well as substances found within the barn such as dust, mites, and animal dander. While people tend to respond to these various allergens by sneezing and developing watery eyes, while horses react by getting very itchy skin or developing hives. This leads to constant scratching and chewing which can cause trauma to the skin and extreme discomfort. Generally, symptoms worsen with age and can be controlled, but not eliminated.
Animals that have flea allergy dermatitis are hypersensitive to the saliva a flea passes into the skin when it bites. The bite from a single flea will have a minimal affect on a normal animal, but animals with flea allergy will experience immediate itching, redness and swelling. It is the animals themselves, and not the fleas, that typically do the worst damage. When an animal scratches its fleabites excessively, hair loss and skin abrasions can result.
Ingredients in some pet foods may cause an allergic reaction in hypersensitive cats and dogs. Reactions are characterized by itching and/or gastrointestinal disorders, and are usually responses to a protein or carbohydrate source in the diet. Food allergies are the third most common cause of itching, and account for about 10 to 15 percent of all allergic skin diseases in canines.
The skin lesions frequently occur in areas of trauma such as the muzzle, lower legs, and footpads. Lesions can also affect the mouth, ear flaps, elbows, and genitalia. Most lesions consist of crusting, erosions or ulcerations, but blisters may also occur.
Usually a single, rapidly growing raised, round, hairless pink, red or ulcerated skin nodule. They occur most commonly on the head, ears and legs.
Hot spots start when a dog incessantly licks, chews or scratches a focal area of the body in response to a painful or itchy sensation. The result is a rapidly developing area of redness, hairloss, oozing and eroded skin that is often painful and infected with bacteria. Hot spots occur most frequently on the trunk, base of the tail, outer thigh, neck or face.
Lesions can occur anywhere but are most common in the cat in the abdominal or groin area or in the lower back area. The lesions develop as subcutaneous nodules, nonhealing abscesses, and deep skin infections. They typically have surface ulcerations with draining tracts.
Pododermatitis means inflammation of the feet, and is considered to be more of a description, than an actual disease. Many underlying disorders result in pododermatitis.
Localized, multifocal or generalized areas of hairless, pimples, red bumps, and crusts are most commonly seen with a superficial bacterial pyoderma.