Lichen in dogs (trichophytosis), unfortunately, is quite common, especially in the summer months. Moreover, this unpleasant disease can affect not only homeless animals, but also well-groomed pets. It's all about the Microsporum fungus, which causes the disease. You can catch him on a walk in the park, when dealing with street animals or when swimming in the open water in the warm season.
The fungus settles on the skin of the dog and begins to multiply actively. Often due to wool, it is not possible to recognize the disease in the early stages. As the fungus grows, round spots appear on the skin of dogs, the diameter of one spot is 1.5-3 cm. It has a smooth edge with a rim of bubbles, inside the spot is pink or raspberry-colored, actively peeling off. The hair in the affected areas breaks off at the base, as it were, because of this feature dogs are also called ringworms in dogs. There can be several such lichen spots, and they occur on any part of the body: on the muzzle, legs, sides, but more often on the ears and neck. Only an experienced veterinarian will answer the question of how to treat lichen in a dog quickly and painlessly.
If you find suspicious spots in animals, take them to the veterinarian. The doctor will diagnose for the presence of Microsporum on the skin and coat of animals. The examination is carried out using luminescent diagnostics, when the hair is illuminated with a special lamp, and scraping from the affected areas is also taken from dogs. If the lichen in dogs is confirmed, the veterinarian will explain how to cure them.
The cause of the disease can be a banal weakening of the immune system. In this case, the introduction of antifungal drugs such as Mikoderm or Polivak will be a necessary measure. These drugs are a vaccine that acts on the fungus, destroying it. Often, along with the vaccine, the doctor prescribes antiallergic drugs. After administration of the first dose of the vaccine, a worsening of the condition of the animals may be observed: lichen in dogs is progressing, the number of spots increases. This should not be scary; relief will come with consistent treatment.
Along the way, consult your doctor about how to treat lichen in a dog externally. Usually, the hair is trimmed around the spot, the affected areas with the capture of healthy hair are treated with antifungal drugs. To maintain the general immunity of the dog, he is prescribed immunostimulants and vitamins. The owner’s task is to provide good nutrition during treatment with the inclusion of all necessary trace elements in food.
Treatment of a dog for lichen takes about 4-6 weeks, after which it will be necessary to re-diagnose it in a veterinary clinic. To prevent people and other animals from becoming infected with deprivation, during treatment it is necessary to completely disinfect the bed, dishes, toys and the leash of the animal, to ensure daily cleaning of the apartment with detergents. If possible, it is advisable to isolate the diseased animal from healthy animals.
In time to detect lichen in dogs will help preventive examinations every three months, special collars, vaccination.