Common Skin Ailments in Senior Pets
By Mark J Austin As pets grow older, they often experience a variety of health problems, including skin ailments.The most common skin problem in older dogs is sebaceous gland tumors. Most are benign and appear as warts on the dogs skin. They are usually not a problem unless they become infected or irritated but are rarely dangerous.Surgical removal is indicated when these tumors appear on the parts of the animal's body where they get in the way or are in an area that the animal might lick or scratch.
Black Skin Disease is frequently discussed online and in forums however as a true disease, it doesn't exist.When a pet develops blackening of the skin, it is an increase in the black pigment melanin. This increase in melanin production is almost always a result of a hormonal problem. Darkening of the skin due to hormonal imbalance is also frequently accompanied by hair loss. The skin darkening isn't dangerous, as its the same darkening that occurs with exposure to sunlight, but it does indicate an underlying problem that should be treated.
Cushing's Disease is usually seen in older dogs and results from an excess production of cortisone by the adrenal glands. Cortisone is essential for regulating your sleep-wake cycle and excess of this hormone causes sleep disruption, thinning of the skin and hair loss. Cushing's Disease also leads to loss of guard hairs initially, leaving the coarse undercoat intact. If left untreated, the undercoat will fall out and the skin will increase concentration of melanin, in order to protect it. This will cause a darkening of the skin, which again, is not dangerous but indicates a serious medical problem that should be treated. If left untreated, excess cortisone causes wasting of the muscles, diabetes and an increase in fat deposits, leaving the animal weak with a rounded abdomen. This is a serious disease, but it can be diagnosed and can be treated successfully. Treatment is necessary for the rest of your pet's life.
Hypothyroidism is fairly common in senior pets and is a result of the immune system building up antibodies against the thyroid tissue and ultimately rejecting it as foreign. Since the thyroid hormone regulates all the metabolic processes in the body, hypothyroidism can manifest in several different ways. About half of all pets who develop hyperthyroidism will have hair loss and increased melanin concentration in the skin. Once this illness is diagnosed it is easy to treat by daily replacement of thyroid hormone. With successful treatment, the hair will regrow and the pigmentation will return to its original state.
The most common and severe allergic skin ailment is Atopic Dermatitis, which frequently occurs in pets who are susceptible to allergies, much like humans. Allergens like mold, grass and pollen trigger an allergic response in the pet, causing itching, licking, sneezing and chewing. Flea bites and certain foods can also cause these problems and may require a change in diet and flea treatment.Antihistamines like Benadryl can be used to treat pet allergies, but check with your vet for proper dosage instructions.
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Mark J Austin is an animal enthusiast who discusses senior pet care at: http://agingpet.com
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