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 Common Dog Skin Disease - Yeast Dermatitis
Information, Signs, Symtoms and Treatment
Yeast Dermatitis or Malessezia dermatitis is a form of Skin Fungal Disease infected by Malessezia pachydermatis.
Some of the factors that can lead to yeast infection are areas of the dog body that prone to trap moistures like floppy ears and folded skins, waxy or scalpy build-up on the skin are also suitable places for yeast to proliferate.
Dogs with immune deficiency or allegic to yeast are prone to be infected. For small amount, yeast present is not harmful, but disease results once they duplicate into large number.
Yeast infection itself is not contagious; this disease can be easily controlled if the primary cause of yeast proliferation can be identified. If it is allegic reaction of the dog, periodic treatment will be necessary.
The signs and symptoms of Yeast Dermatitis:
- The infection will mostly start in a small area and will spread across the whole body.
- Once infected is extremely itchy.
- The dog will often scratch or bite on the area.
- The infected areas are swollen, crusty, dark-red in color
- Exteme hair loss and smelly.
Samples of infected skin cells need to be collected and examine under microscope to totally confirm the symptom.
Treatment for Yeast Dermatitis
(1) Antifungal shampoo
- Bathe with proper degreasing and antifungal medicated shampoo. Bathe 2-3 times per week with shampoo contact time around 15 minutes. The symptoms will be controlled within a few weeks.
(2) Oral theraphy
Medication such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole can be given to the dog several times per week depending on the infection severity and the treatment approach.
(3) Spot medication
Some topical infection can be cured with spray or apply with anti-fungal medication on the area itself. Homemade vinegar and water can be helpful as well.
(4) Visit veterinarian
For frequent reoccurings, owners need to bring their dogs to veterinarian to identify the true reason behind the infection; it may be allergic or weak immune system.
Dog breeds which prone to Yeast Dermatitis:
Basset hound
Chihuahua
Cocker spaniel
Dachshund
Maltese
Poodle
Shetland sheepdog
West Highland White Terrier
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