What is Dermatophilosis And Can My Dog Have It
If your dog spends time around farm animals like horses, cows or sheep, you need to check it regularly for Dermatophilosis. This condition is contract from farm animals and it typically found in warm humid climates. It does not discriminate against age or gender of the animal.
If you start to notice a yellow-crusted spot around your dog’s body or head, he may suffer from Dermatophilosis. This condition is very common in cats and dogs but is treatable. Usually when you remove a crusty area, you will see a cluster of hairs underneath due to the impacted follicle.
Another symptom associated with Dermatophilosis can be excessive scratching. Additionally, if you notice pus under infected area, best to get the dog to the vet. In order to determine if this is actually Dermatophilosis, your dog needs to be tested.
The vet will take a sample of the infected area to run tests. Be sure that he knows that you have been around farm animals so he can test for Dermatophilosis. Once the vet has determined that it is Dermatophilosis, treatment will be prescribed.
The vet will recommend a topical medicated shampoo for the dog to be bathed in. Read the directions thoroughly before you begin. We also recommend that you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
For severe cases, your vet might prescribe an antibiotic to be given orally over a number of days. Typically, penicillin is prescribes but any type of antibiotic will work. Be sure that you are constant with the prescribed medication in order to achieve results.
As with all medications, the vet will allow some time to pass before he checks the dog again. After about 2 or 3 weeks, he will reschedule another appointment. You should start seeing results in your dog in about a week to 10 days.
It is not impossible for a family member or caregiver to contract Dermatophilosis from the infected dog. If you are living with a person with a low immune system, you might want to quarantine your dog until its condition clears. If you just want to be on the safe side, it would be best to keep the dog away from the rest of the family for a time.
As with illness, you want to make sure that you apply all medications while wearing protective gloves. Some skin conditions can be highly contagious and cross contamination is possible. Be sure to wash your hands regularly when dealing with any skin condition on dogs and cats.
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