Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

Systemic antibiotics are used to treat folliculitis and other skin infections.
A short course of oral corticosteroids may be prescribed during periods of
severe itching. Dietary supplements containing omega-3 essential fatty acids
derived from fish oil are said to be beneficial for seborrhea and certainly can
do no harm.
Secondary Seborrhea
This condition occurs when some other skin disease triggers the seborrheic
process. Diseases often associated with secondary seborrhea include scabies,
demodectic mange, canine atopy, food hypersensitivity dermatitis, flea allergy
dermatitis, hypothyroidism, hormone-related skin diseases, color mutant
alopecia, pemphigus foliaceus, and others. Primary seborrhea should not be diagnosed
until secondary seborrhea has been ruled out.
Treatment: Secondary seborrhea is managed in the same way as primary
seborrhea. It usually disappears with control of the underlying skin disease.
Always look for a primary cause when faced with a dog with seborrhea.
RINGWORM
THE SKIN AND COAT • 151
Ringworm is a fungal infection that invades the hair and hair follicles. Most
cases are caused by Microsporum canis. Ringworm in dogs is primarily a disease
of puppies and young adults. Typical areas of involvement are the face, ears,
paws, and tail.
The dry, flaky skin of secondary seborrhea, triggered by long-standing atopic
dermatitis.