Quick Guide to Treating Acute Wet Dermatitis in Dogs

The exact triggering event for acute moist dermatitis remains unclear, but any substance that can initiate the "itchscratch" cycle can lead to the condition. Common underlying causes of this disease include allergies (such as flea allergies, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies), parasitic diseases (scabies and demodectic mange), anal gland disorders, grooming issues, and trimming problems. Less common causes of red spots may include ringworm (a fungal skin infection), drug reactions, autoimmune diseases (where the body fails to recognize its own components and attacks normal tissues), and vasculitis.

In clinical settings, the lesions of acute moist dermatitis are secondary to selfmutilation injuries. Interestingly, in some dogs, even severe selfharm may not result in red spots, while in others, even the slightest selfinflicted trauma can lead to redness.

The role of bacteria in the spread of red spots is also not fully understood. Some cases of acute moist dermatitis seem to be caused by folliculitis (inflammation and infection of the hair follicles), which is quite common in St. Bernards and Golden Retrievers. However, other infected dogs may not have a significant bacterial component, and treatments such as hair trimming, skin cleaning, and corticosteroids may not be effective.

Associated Symptoms or Conditions

The symptoms of acute moist dermatitis include redness (erythema), swelling, and hair loss. The affected areas may exude serum, causing pain in the dog. The progression of the disease is rapid. Itching is often severe, and severe selfharm can cause significant damage in a short amount of time.

Acute moist dermatitis can be categorized into two types: one without significant bacterial involvement, characterized by superficial ulcerative plaques, and another with peripheral papules (small red bumps) in addition to ulcerative plaques, indicating the presence of bacterial folliculitis.

Common areas for red spots include the hindquarters and the sides under the ears. Damage to the hindquarters is often due to underlying flea allergies, while facial or ear damage is typically associated with secondary otitis externa (middle ear infection) due to allergies.

Deep Diagnosis of Canine Acute Moist Dermatitis

Veterinarians diagnose the condition based on the dog's history and clinical symptoms. It is crucial to rule out potential causes such as mange or scabies. Therefore, some deep skin scrapings should be performed and examined under a microscope.

Microscopic examination of secretion smears can help identify bacterial components. If there is a bacterial infection (pyoderma), degenerate neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) often contain bacteria (usually staphylococcus).

If an animal has a long history of acute moist dermatitis, it is important to determine the underlying cause. Diagnoses and assessments for allergies, such as flea allergies and food allergies (e.g., food allergy diagnostic tests), should be conducted.

Deep Treatment of Acute Moist Dermatitis

Identifying the underlying cause of itching is a crucial part of treatment to prevent recurrence.

The hair in the affected areas should be trimmed, and the area gently cleaned with a mild antiseptic. Products containing benzoyl peroxide can be used for cleaning these areas. Astringent products can be used to dry the area in the first few days of the illness. Itching can be relieved with antiitch sprays containing hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or pramoxine, although their effect is shortlived.

Corticosteroids similar to hydrocortisone are typically used for a short duration. Additionally, Elizabethan collars can be used to prevent selfmutilation. These collars are made of a large amount of plastic material, encircling the pet's neck to prevent them from licking or biting their skin.

In animals with secondary bacterial folliculitis, antibiotic treatment for at least three weeks may be necessary.

It is important to avoid longterm corticosteroid injections when treating red spots.