Skin

Acral Pruritic Dermatitis

     Cornell Animal Health Newsletter, 4/1994, page 1,
         "A breakthrough in treating acral lick dermatitis."
     AKC Gazette, 6/1994, page 34, "Possible Treatment for Lick Granulomas."

Acute Moist Dermatitis (Hot Spots)

     Dog World, 12/1994, page 51, "Hot spots can put dogs in an itchy frenzy."

Allergies

About 10% of dogs (all breeds) overreact to allergens and are called atopic. This condition is hereditary. Allergy is a major cause of skin disease in dogs. Most common to least common types of allergies in dogs: flea, inhalant, contact, and food allergies.

     Dog World, 2/1994, page 8, "A scratching dog may have allergies."
     Dog World, 3/1994, page 7, "Allergies and the dog."
     Canine News, 1/1995, page 1, "Cushing's disease - caused by veterinarians."
     MCOA Journal, 1995 #1, page 66, "Does your dog have allergies?"
     Cornell Animal Health Newsletter, 4/1995,
           "More than ragweed: major causes of inhalant allergy in dogs & cats."
     Cornell Animal Health Newsletter, 6/1995,
           "Managing food sensitivity and food allergy in dogs and cats."
     Dog World, 6/1995, page 9, "Scratching the surface of canine allergies."
     AKC Gazette, 7/1995, page 26, "Allergies and Other Adversities."

Bacterial Dermatitis

     The Mastiff Reporter, Volume I, #3, 1993, page 5, by Deborah Ahlers.
                             (also appeared in Dog World 11/1988)

Cysts

Demodectic Mange

Caused by reduced immunity to the demodex mite, a parasite that is found on up to 95% of all dogs. This lack of immunity can be inherited or environmentally induced.

     The Mastiff Reporter, Volume I, #4, 1993, page 10, by Edward Baker, DVM.
     AKC Gazette, 12/1993, page 64, by Donna Mandeino, DVM.
     AKC Gazette, 4/1994, page 40, "New Treatment for Demodicosis."
     Cornell Animal Health Newsletter, 2/1995, page 8,
          "Breeding recommendations in dogs with demodectic mange."
     Canine News, 3/1995, page 6, "Answers about demodectic mange."
     Cornell Animal Health Newsletter, 7/1995, page 8.
     Dog World, 7/1995, page 9, "Mange linked to immune system changes."

     Canine Demodicosis

Ear Hematoma

A sudden swelling of the ear flap caused by bleeding into the tissues, leading to the formation of a blood cot or hematoma. It is caused by violent head shaking, scratching or rough handling of the ear. Surgery may be needed to provide drainage.

Elbow Hygroma

Folliculitis

Papilloma

A wart-like growth with a rough surface. Benign.

Research

The Morris Foundation is doing research into diagnosis and treatment of skin problems in dogs. If you want to contribute, it is tax-deductible:

     Canine Skin Fund, Morris Animal Foundation,
     45 Inverness Dr East,  Englewood, CO 80112

Ringworm

     Dog World, 1/1995, page 30,
          "Ringworm can cause skin problems for pets and owners."

References

     AKC Gazette, 5/1993, page 36, "Lumps, Bumps, and Sores: Deadly Lesions?"
     Cornell Animal Health Newsletter, 11/1993, page 8,
          "Considering the primrose for canine pruritis."
     Canine News, 9/1993, page 6, "Lumps and Bumps in the Skin."
     Dog World, 2/1994, page 100, "Understanding hair loss in your pet."
     Canine News, 2/1994, "Rinsing Out the Truth About Shampoos."
     Canine News, 2/1994, "Zinc Responsive Skin Disorders."
     AKC Gazette, 1/1994, "Antibiotics for Skin Problems."
     Dog World, 8&9/1994, "Dietary supplements: therapy for the skin."
     Canine News, 4/1995, page 5, "Diagnosing skin problems."
     Canine News, 4/1995, page 6, "Anal glands and the problems they cause."