Dealing with Red Rashes on a Dog's Belly: Quick Solutio

Canine Atopic Dermatitis, also known as canine inhalant antigenic hypersensitivity, is a chronic progressive skin disease that is characterized by an autoimmune response, primarily involving genetic predisposition and reagins (mainly IgE). This condition manifests spontaneously and is not contagious.

The disease is triggered by harmful antigens such as pollen, mold, and indoor dust, which can enter the dog's body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin penetration, leading to illness.

Key Symptoms:

The dog experiences severe itching all over its body, particularly around the eyes, chest, abdomen, and in the armpits and inguinal regions. The skin may appear as scaly red patches, which can merge into larger areas. Red nodules may appear around the base of the hair on the back. There is significant hair loss and silverwhite dandruff in the affected areas. The eyes may have purulent discharge, and the external ear canal may be red and crusty. The dog may frequently scratch its ears, lick its paws, and rub its face with its front paws while at rest. The dog's spirit, appetite, and bowel movements remain relatively normal.

Treatment:

Avoiding allergens that can trigger the hypersensitivity reaction, such as closing windows and doors during times when pollen is in the air.

Antihistamines can be used for treatment, and in cases of severe inflammation, antibiotic and antiinflammatory drugs may be added.

For example, a single intramuscular injection of dexamethasone 15mg once daily for 23 days, or adding cefazolin sodium (a cephalosporin) 0.5g intramuscularly. If the condition recurs, the medication should be continued.

Prednisolone tablets can be taken orally at a dose of 540mg twice daily for 57 days.

Eczema is a condition where dampness, wind, and heat are trapped in the skin, leading to red papules and itching. Causes include prolonged exposure to damp environments, unclean fur, physical or chemical factors, or external parasites that irritate the skin, causing an allergic reaction. Dogs with thin skin and nervous temperaments are more prone to eczema.

Key Symptoms:

The disease often occurs in the areas under the ears, buttocks, inner sides of the limbs, and the scrotum in male dogs. The affected skin may show small, red papules and blisters filled with fluid. The skin may crust over, and the dog will be itchy and may develop abscesses. In severe cases, large areas of skin may become necrotic.

Preventive and treatment measures for canine eczema include a comprehensive approach that addresses the cause, desensitization, inflammation reduction, and treatment of the underlying condition.

Antihistamines and sedatives can be used, such as diphenhydramine 0.040.08g or chlorpheniramine 48mg twice daily for 7 days. For acute eczema, calcium gluconate can be administered intravenously at a dose of 0.52g, and for refractory eczema, 0.5% hydrocortisone can be injected intramuscularly at 520ml.

Liverprotecting and gallbladderpromoting drugs can be used, such as Gan Cao Li Gan Tang or Yìn Chén or Long Dan Xie Gan decoction.

Topical treatments can include hydrocortisone ointment, zinc oxide ointment; if the rash is erosive, apply gentian violet; for chronic eczema, salicylic acid ointment or sulfur ointment can be applied.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment involves the internal administration of modified Gan Cao Xie Xin decoction combined with external washing using TCM herbal extracts. The internal medicine recipe includes 20g of Gan Cao, 15g of Huang Qin, 30g of Dang Shen, 15g of Gan Jiang, 10g of Huang Lian, 10 dates, 12g of Ban Xia, 20g of Cang Zhu, and 20g of Yin Chen. The decoction is taken twice a day, in the morning and evening. For external use, 12g of Sheng Gan Cao and 12g of Ku Shen are decocted and used for bathing the affected areas twice a day. Before bathing, the affected areas should be cleaned with warm water to remove scabs. To prevent vomiting after medication, 410ml of Amaryl can be injected intramuscularly 15 minutes before administering the medicine.

In this case, the dog is experiencing widespread redness and a significant amount of dandruff, suggesting that eczema has led to secondary dermatitis.