Lingen in dogs

Have you ever wondered what might be causing a sudden lump or swelling on your dog’s body? A possible explanation could be lingen syndrome. Dog owners should be aware of this even though it may sound strange because early detection can be crucial to your pet’s health.

In dogs, "liggen" refers to specific growths or masses that may appear beneath the skin. These can vary in size and appearance, but generally speaking, they indicate that your dog’s body is experiencing an unusual phenomenon. Lingen are generally benign, but occasionally they may need medical care.

It’s crucial to remain calm if your dog has lingen. A large number of these lumps are benign, meaning they won’t hurt you too much. Nonetheless, it’s wise to have any unusual swelling examined by a veterinarian. By doing this, you can make sure your dog remains content and healthy and that any possible problems are dealt with right away.

Dogs that have linden syndrome experience discomfort and visible changes such as redness, swelling, or bumps due to inflammation of the skin or underlying tissues. Allergies, infections, or irritants may be the cause. Pet owners must be aware of the early indicators of lingen, such as frequent scratching or licking, in order to seek prompt veterinary attention. Most dogs can heal completely and prevent more issues with the right care and supervision.

Causes of occurrence and routes of infection

Opportunistic microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria, are always present on a dog’s skin and fur but pose no threat to a healthy dog. Inhibiting each other’s growth, micromycetes and bacteria shield the body from other infectious disease-causing agents.

Fungi assault the owner when his immune system is compromised and start feeding on his skin and hair. This renders microorganisms more virulent, endangering even seemingly healthy animals. Rarely do mycotic lesions result from exposure to a single kind of fungus. The yeast microflora, which is constantly present on the skin or is carried by the wind, is able to enter during the illness.

A fungal disease can only arise under the following circumstances:

1. Weakened immunity. Micromycetes can live on an animal for years without causing harm. Even infection of a dog with virulent microbes does not necessarily lead to disease. Triggers are unbalanced feeding and poor living conditions. However, even if all requirements are met, a pet can get sick. In young animals, the immune system is imperfect, in older animals it gradually degrades. Hormonal disorders associated with the sexual cycle, pregnancy, use of contraceptives, corticosteroids, predispose to the development of the disease.
2. Favorable conditions for fungi. Micromycetes prefer dampness, warmth and lack of air. Mechanical damage to the skin or the actions of ectoparasites make the damaged surface a breeding ground for opportunistic pathogenic microflora. Fleas play a special role in short-haired pets. Bite sites itch, the dog scratches them. Spores get into the wounds and germinate. Pruritus intensifies. New scratches create favorable conditions for the nutrition of arthropods, bacteria, and microscopic fungi. When molting is delayed in long-haired dogs, an anaerobic environment arises under the dead hairs, and moisture condenses when the temperature changes, which is what micromycetes need. Lice tend to secrete a sticky secretion that glues the hairs together. Tangles are formed – an ideal place for the development of insects and fungi.
3. Elimination of antagonistic microflora. After prolonged antibiotic therapy, bacteria die. Fungi multiply with impunity in the absence of competitors.
4. Stress. A change in environment, travel, a large crowd of dogs can cause fear in a pet, against which the immune system is weakened. The animal becomes susceptible to contagious diseases.

Contact with sick dogs, cats, bedding, household objects, and building walls can result in infection.

First signs of lichen

Microsporum and Trichophyton fungi are essential to the development of most mycotic skin lesions. The tiny hairless areas on the nose, behind the ears, and on the paws are the first signs of pathology. The skin peels and turns gray or pink. The scales come off. They spread illness to people and other animals when they are carried by the wind. On the hair roots, a pale mycelium of the fungus is visible.

Growing micromycetes aggravate nerve endings. elicit itching. The afflicted area might not be visible to you. Examine it, though, if you see that your pet is consistently scratching the same spot. A fungus is the cause if there are no fleas. Nonetheless, both elements are typically present.

Alopecia areas enlarge rapidly, causing the exposed skin to thicken, roughen, and develop unsightly bumps. The hairs thin out and split in the center. The surface of the skin appears to have been cut. Thus the slang term "ringworm."

The animal releases ichor and forms crusts when it scratches the irritated area with its claws. The dog pulls off the scabs, causing suppuration and the microflora to be seeded into the open wounds.

Pink spots may appear at the start of the disease. This is the outcome of the virus multiplying, which happens when immunity is compromised. Stress, a poor diet, and unhygienic conditions are the root causes of weakened protection. On its own, the disease may resolve, but if secondary microflora enters the picture, a dangerous condition may arise.

Malasseziosis is an additional kind. The fungus is always present on the dog, but when the immune system is compromised, it turns hostile. Heat and lumps in the hair of animals with long hair can trigger the onset of the disease. Initially, there won’t be any obvious changes to the skin—the pet will just scratch the same spots over and over again. Subsequently, inflammation manifests as pimples or an auricle on the muzzle.

Take a look at the images of fungal infections that have caused skin lesions:

It is challenging to identify the primary pathogenic micromycete species based solely on clinical symptoms. The pathogen must be identified through laboratory testing.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing lichen accurately is essential before beginning treatment. A clinical examination is adequate in the majority of cases. I suggest that you accept the following research methods listed in the clinic:

• microscopy of hairs, on which a veterinarian, who has undergone special training, finds fungal spores;
• Wood"s lamp illumination detects micromycetes by their green glow;
• blood and urine tests allow you to assess the general condition of your pet;
• culture on a nutrient medium to identify the pathogen.

It is imperative to rule out allergic etiology-related eczema and virus-induced pink lichen.

Treatment

The patient receives treatment at home. The following domains are covered by the therapeutic approach:

1. Full feeding. If you have brought your dog to lichen, then you will not be able to make a balanced diet from natural products. Therefore, during treatment, use ready-made veterinary food for dogs with skin problems. After recovery, you can switch to other premium or higher foods.
2. Care and maintenance. Change the bedding more often, do not keep the dog in damp conditions, comb the fur, do not let the formation of tangles, regularly expel fleas, lice and worms.
3. Drug treatment. You will get detailed information about drugs for external and internal use from the following sections of the article.

External drugs

I’ve chosen a few well-liked over-the-counter medications to treat lichen. I must caution you that gloves are required for all treatments. Use the following sprays, ointments, solutions, tablets, and injectable medications:

Ointments

• Yam BK – a homogeneous gray-brown mass based on sulfur, zinc oxide, tar, salicylic acid. Packaged in jars or tubes with a net weight of 10 to 1000 g. Apply the ointment in a thin layer 1-2 times a day for 7-10 days in a row. Rub over the wool and scabs. The ointment softens the crusts.
  Cost 150 g – 154 rubles.
• Mikozon cream – a medical drug. Produced in tubes of 15 g. Before use sanitize the affected area – cut off the hair, remove the crusts. Lubricate the pathological plane twice a day until recovery.
  Price — 120 p.
• Lecaderm — a drug based on the antimycotic Clotrimazole, the antibiotic Gentamicin, the anti-inflammatory glucocorticosteroid Bentamethasone. Produced in 15 g tubes. After preparing the pathological surface, treat the skin twice a day. As the dog"s condition improves, reduce the frequency to 1 time per day. The course of treatment is from 1 to 2 weeks.
  Price — 424 p. Analogues — Clotrimazole, Sanoderm.
• Nystatin — a medical ointment to combat fungal infections of the mucous membranes, interdigital space, claws. It is necessary to prevent the drug from being licked. How to do this, we will consider below. The ointment is applied 2-4 times a day until recovery.
  Price 74 p.

Solutions and sprays

• Imaverol — transparent brown liquid. Active ingredient – antifungal Ethylconazole. Produced in dark glass bottles. Treatment consists of four treatments with a three-day interval. Add 20 ml/l to 1 l of warm water. Bathe small pets. Cut the hair of large pets and rub the solution against the grain. The drug does not irritate the mucous membranes, is not toxic when licked.
  Price 100 ml – 2400 rubles. Use the contents within 90 days. Analogues – Liverazol, Ethylconazole.
• Fungin forte is available in the form of an aerosol. Active ingredient – Clotrimazole. Spray the spray over the affected areas twice a day. Treatment course is 15 days. Do not use in pregnant and lactating bitches.
  Price – 350 rubles.
• Zoomykol is available in 90 ml bottles. Active ingredients – thiabendazole, nitroxoline. Spray the spray over the affected area. Move away from center to the edges, capture 1.5-2 cm of clinically healthy skin. Repeat the treatment every 3-5 days until recovery. The spray is suitable for treating cats, decorative rodents and birds.
  Price 450 p.
• Termikon-spray — a medical drug that is successfully used to treat lichen in dogs. Remove crusts from the affected area and dry with a gauze napkin. Treat the affected area 1 or 2 times a day, depending on the severity of the disease. The course of treatment lasts from 1 to 2 weeks.
  Price 30 g – 400 rubles.

Shampoos

• Nizoral shampoo – a medical drug. Sold in pharmacies. Active component – Ketoconazole. Used when a large area of ​​the body is affected. Rub the shampoo into the affected areas and leave for 5 minutes. Keep the dog busy with something during this time so that it does not try to jump out of the bathroom. Rinse off the contents, dry the dog with a towel. Make sure there are no drafts in the apartment until the pet dries. Repeat treatments 5 days in a row.
  Price 60 ml – 680 rubles.

Medicines for internal use

When external agents are ineffective or for lesions affecting large surfaces, oral medications are used. Use of these drugs should only begin when prescribed by your veterinarian. The therapeutic course lasts for a minimum of four weeks. If the culture results are negative, the drugs are discontinued. Treatment needs to be continued if the animal appears healthy and fungi are found in the cultured material.

The side effects of all internal antifungal medications are quite diverse. Medications for dermatophytosis include the following:

• Griseofulvin is a medical drug. Approximate dosage is 1 tablet per 6 kg of weight, adjusted by a veterinarian. The antimycotic is toxic, so the animal"s condition is monitored by blood tests every 7-10 days. If biochemical parameters worsen, the drug is canceled. Possible side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use griseofulvin on your own, trust a specialist.
  Price for a pack of 20 tablets — 240 rubles.
• Itrazol (Itraconazole, Irunin, Orungal, Ketoconazole) are used as prescribed by a veterinarian. One capsule is dosed per adult dog weighing 10 kg. The first week, give the full dose. If improvement is observed, reduce the frequency of administration to 1 time in 2-7 days. I do not recommend giving the drug to pregnant bitches. Be prepared for the following side effects: nausea, depression, constipation, vomiting, allergic reactions, toxic liver damage.
  Price – 380 rubles.
• Fluconazole is a medical antifungal drug, available in capsules. Daily dosage from 10 to 20 mg / kg of dog weight. Frequency of administration – 1-2 times a day. Duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. The drug does not have a toxic effect on the liver.
  Price – 100 rubles.

See your doctor about administering the parenteral medication Dermikotsid to your dog in order to treat them promptly. The active components are the glucocorticosteroid dexamethasone, the anesthetic novocaine, and the antimycotic griseofulvin.

The following dosages of the suspension are administered intramuscularly once:

• puppies over a month old and small dogs – 0.2-0.5 ml;
• pets of medium and large breeds – 1.5 and 2.0 cm3.

After five days, the veterinary may decide to repeat the injection.

5 ml costs 457 rubles.

Use immunomodulators, hepatoprotectors, and general tonics as directed by your doctor in addition to antifungal drugs.

How to prevent licking of ointment and scratching in dogs

Half the fight is won by applying ointment to the skin’s afflicted area. Dogs are allowed to lick medication. Treatment attempts will, at best, be ineffective; at worst, inflammation will result. Ways to handle such circumstances? When the spots are small and distinct, use a band-aid to bind the ointment to the area.

If the animal has a large affected area and the usage instructions indicate that the ointment takes 30 minutes to absorb, they should be fitted with an Elizabethan collar or a muzzle.

Ointments can irritate skin and make itching worse in certain situations. Put on a jumpsuit to keep the dog from scratching the treated areas. Wearing clothing while on a walk will shield your pet from hypothermia.

Nutrition during treatment

As we’ve already mentioned, one of the factors contributing to the body’s declining ability to fight off infections is inadequate diet. As a result, the dog must be fed a full diet both during and after the ringworm treatment. Throughout the course of treatment, I advise selecting one of the following therapeutic foods:

• Purina DRM (2290 p./3 kg);
• Hills d/d (1700 p./2 kg);
• Eukanuba Dermatosis (1500 p./2.5 kg).

If you felt that the food was pricey, after you’ve healed, go for something less expensive. not, however, less than first class. (See: Premium Class Food Rating)

Don’t give your pet candy, chocolates, bones, or table scraps while they’re receiving treatment. Sweets, baked, fried, and smoked foods should be avoided after recovery. Adhere to the measure when consuming other delicacies. That being said, I do not recommend feeding leftovers from the table that have small bones in them.

However, what should obstinate individuals do who insist that the dog only need natural food? Discover how to concoct a diet. Try creating a feed mixture for your dog based on an approximation of a therapeutic food recipe for dogs with skin conditions. The following ingredients are used by producers of well-known medicinal foods:

Any natural product line will require biologically active substance additives, which a veterinary-cynologist can assist you in selecting.

Vaccination against lichen for a dog

Many immunization medications against dermatophytosis are made to prevent infection. It is not advisable to give dogs vaccinations meant for farm animals. I’ll go over the biopreparations first, and then I’ll give my thoughts on whether using them is wise.

1. Vakderm is a suspension of an inactivated culture of dermatophytosis pathogens. It is produced in vials with a volume of 1 to 450 ml. Before vaccination, the dog is dewormed. A double vaccination with an interval of 1-2 weeks guarantees a year of immunity. If the vaccine is administered during the latent period of infection, an acute disease develops, which ends with recovery in 21-28 days. Therefore, when lichen does not respond to treatment, a provocative administration of the vaccine is made. After 2 weeks, the injection is repeated. 7-10 days after the second vaccination, hair begins to grow on the affected areas, and the dog recovers.
   Price of 1 dose – 90 rubles.
2. Microderm is produced in dry or liquid forms in ampoules of 1 or 5 doses. Puppies under six months are given ½ a dose for prophylactic purposes, regardless of live weight. Vaccination is repeated after 2 weeks. Immunity is formed 4 weeks after the second injection. Animals over six months old are injected with 1 ml. If a vaccinated dog gets sick, the injection is repeated after 2 weeks. The therapeutic dose is 2 times higher than the prophylactic dose.
   The cost of a package of 4 doses is 361 rubles.
3. Polivak TMis a vaccine against trichophytosis and microsporia. It is produced in vials of 1 dose (0.6 ml). For prophylactic purposes, puppies up to 10 months of age are administered the biopreparation twice with an interval of 10-14 days. For adult unvaccinated pets, an interval of 3-4 weeks is provided. A dog vaccinated during the incubation period gets sick. Treatment consists of a double or triple injection with an interval of 10-14 days.
   The price per dose is 50 rubles.

The following factors prevent the use of the vaccines mentioned or their equivalents outside of the Russian Federation:

1. Dermatophytosis develops against the background of decreased immunity. A dog that lives in proper living conditions, is adequately fed and is vaccinated against other particularly dangerous infections in a timely manner will not get sick, even if it gets infected. And the introduction of a biological product to an infected dog inevitably leads to illness.
2. Veterinarians consider the use of vaccines for therapeutic purposes to be more dangerous to health than the use of external and internal antimycotics.

In my view, kennels and shelters with inadequate maintenance and an unbalanced diet qualify for the prophylactic use of a dermatophytosis vaccine. Vaccinations are not required if you adhere to the guidelines for feeding and caring for dogs.

If your pet continues to become ill, seek outside help. Use internal if it is ineffective. Vaccines, in my opinion, should only be used as a last resort.

Cause of Limping	Possible Treatment
Injury or trauma	Rest and see a vet if it persists
Arthritis	Pain relief and weight management
Paw injury (cut or foreign object)	Clean the wound and protect it
Hip dysplasia	Consult a vet for diagnosis and treatment options
Sprain or strain	Rest and gradual activity

In dogs, lingering may indicate a number of underlying problems, ranging from boredom to more serious medical conditions. It’s critical to notice any behavioral changes in your dog as this will enable you to spot issues before they become serious. Certain types of lingering are benign, but others might require medical attention.

Maintaining your dog’s health primarily involves providing them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. Making sure your dog is engaged and active will help lessen the negative consequences of persistent behaviors. Seeking advice from a veterinarian is always a good idea if you observe persistent or unusual signs.

You can help your dog avoid many common issues by being aware of their habits and making sure they lead an active, healthy lifestyle. To ensure their happiness and health for many years to come, you must give them your whole attention and care.

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