Common Dog Skin Lesions: A Comprehensive Guide to Commo

When your furry friend's skin starts to develop scabs and hard lumps, it can be a sign of various underlying issues. Here are some potential causes along with suggested management tips:

【Possible Causes】

1. Wound Healing:

After a dog sustains an injury, it's common for scabs to form as part of the healing process. Typically, these scabs will fall off on their own without the need for extensive intervention from the owner, as long as the wound remains uninfected.

2. Skin Diseases:

① Fungal Skin Conditions: Conditions like ringworm are caused by fungi and can present with symptoms such as circular patches, itching, redness, scabbing, hair loss, and dandruff.

② Bacterial Skin Infections: If a dog's skin becomes infected with bacteria and is not treated promptly, it can lead to pus formation and hardening of the skin, resulting in a condition known as pyoderma.

3. Parasitic Infections: External parasites like mites can infest a dog's skin, causing irritation and scabbing. The affected skin may appear thickened, red, and itchy.

4. Allergic Reactions:

When a dog has an allergic reaction to a substance, it can trigger redness, scabbing, and other symptoms.

5. Tumors: In older dogs, hard lumps may sometimes indicate skin tumors, necessitating further examination and diagnosis.

【Management Suggestions】

1. Observation and Initial Care:

Observe your dog's behavior and the condition of the scabs. If the dog seems comfortable and there are no signs of infection, such as redness or pus, you can monitor the situation closely. Ensure the dog's skin remains clean and dry, and discourage excessive scratching or licking.

2. Veterinary Examination:

If the scabs persist or are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it's advisable to take your dog to a vet promptly. The vet will diagnose the cause based on the dog's symptoms, physical examination, and any necessary laboratory tests, such as skin scrapings or cytology.

3. Targeted Treatment:

Based on the diagnosis, the vet will formulate a treatment plan. For instance, in cases of fungal infections, antifungal medications like Daktarin (ketоконазол cream) or Pimafucin (terbinafine hydrochloride spray) may be prescribed. For bacterial infections, antibiotics will be used, with choices like penicillin or Erythromycin for Grampositive bacteria, and amoxicillin for Gramnegative bacteria. Parasitic infections will require specific deworming medications tailored to the type of parasite.

4. Care Measures:

① Thoroughly disinfect your home environment, particularly items and areas your dog frequently comes into contact with, to minimize the spread of pathogens.

② Maintain a clean and dry living environment for your dog, avoiding excessive moisture and darkness.

③ To prevent your dog from scratching or licking the wound, consider using an Elizabethan collar to keep them from reaching the affected area.

④ Provide your dog with proper nutrition to strengthen their skin's resistance and aid in recovery.

In summary, the appearance of scabs and hard lumps on a dog's skin can be due to a multitude of reasons. It's crucial to observe carefully and seek veterinary care promptly. Selfmedication is not recommended.