Skin and Coat

Bacterial infections in pets often develop in skin that has been traumatized and irritated by excessive rubbing, chewing, and itching. Pyoderma is therefore a frequent complication of skin diseases. Pyoderma literally means "pus in the skin" and can result from infectious, inflammatory, and/or cancerous causes. Inflamed pus-filled swellings may develop on the skin, and in some cases partial hair loss characterizes the infection. Symptoms...

Skin disease is very common in pets. Pet skin disease may involve changes in your pet's coat and the development of lesions, such as papules, pustules, crusting, and scaling. Varying amounts of pus and discharge may also be seen. Several types of skin medications are used to treat these conditions, including antibiotics, antifungal medications, anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines, as well as medicated shampoos, dips and sprays. Nutritional...

Causes of skin infections in cats can be quite varied. Trauma and bite wounds, external skin parasites (including ringworm and mange) and bacterial infections from underlying allergies (flea bites, inhalant/contact allergens, food allergies) may all cause cat skin infections. Viral infections such as feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus may also predispose some cats to secondary skin infections.Symptoms of skin infections in cats may include...

Your cat's coat can indicate whether or not your feline is healthy. If your cat's coat is not looking as bright as it should, it could be a sign of a skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis (skin allergies). This can lead to scratching and irritation that causes the skin to become flaky, leading to a dull coat as well. Follow the...

Lumps and bumps are commonly found in pets, especially in middle age and older pets. Many times animal guardians find these "excrescences" while petting or grooming their pets. Lumps can take many forms from raised, ulcerative, and/or bleeding lumps, innocent skin tags, or painless moveable nodules below the skin. Growths may appear on any area of the body. Probably the two most common...

Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange (red mange) is generally not contagious. Demodex mites are found on every dog, however, dogs with weak immune systems are more inclined to develop demodectic mange due to the dog's body being unable to naturally fight off the parasites. Signs of demodectic mange include patches of dry, scaly skin and redness near the mouth or eyes. Young...