Loss of the Upper Skin Surface (Erosion) in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
ORANGE for extensive involvement, severe pain, oozing/pus, Fever, or rapid spread. RED for toxic epidermal necrolysis/extensive skin detachment or signs of shock.
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Definition
The loss of the superficial skin layer, also known as erosion, is a superficial skin defect in dogs in which the uppermost skin layer, the epidermis, is lost without affecting deeper tissue.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
A dog’s skin consists of several layers, with the epidermis forming the outermost layer. This layer provides protection against environmental influences and microorganisms. If this layer is damaged, it is called an erosion. An erosion is not as deep as an ulcer, which affects the dermis, the deeper skin layer.
Erosions can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is physical injury, whether from scratching, biting, or rubbing against hard surfaces. Chemical irritations from grooming products or environmental influences can also damage the epidermis and cause erosions.
Allergic reactions are another common cause. Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, insect bites, or environmental allergens. These allergies often lead to Itching, which causes the dog to scratch or bite, which in turn damages the skin.
Infections, both bacterial and fungal, can also lead to erosions. If the skin is weakened due to an infection, it can be damaged more easily. Autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks its own skin cells, can also cause erosions in some cases.
Another important factor is hormonal disorders, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s Syndrome, which can affect the skin condition and make the skin more susceptible to erosions.
Typical accompanying symptoms
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Redness: Erosions are often accompanied by a distinct redness of the surrounding skin, indicating inflammation.
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Itching: Affected dogs often show increased scratching or licking at the affected area, which can further worsen the erosion.
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Swelling: The affected skin area may appear swollen, indicating an underlying inflammation.
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Oozing Wounds: Erosions can be moist and oozing, which increases the risk of secondary infection.
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Pain: The dog may be sensitive to touch and show pain when the affected skin area is touched.
When to see a vet?
A visit to the veterinarian is urgently required if the erosions do not heal within a few days or worsen. A veterinarian should also be consulted if the dog shows signs of pain or the erosion is severely weeping.
If, in addition to the erosions, further systemic symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite or lethargy occur, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is necessary. These signs could indicate a more serious underlying disease.
Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure
It is important for the pet owner to regularly check the affected areas and pay attention to whether the symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear. Regularly observing the dog helps to recognize changes early.
The veterinarian will first take a thorough medical history and physically examine the dog. The affected skin area is carefully inspected to determine the severity of the erosion. A skin biopsy may be performed to find out the exact cause.
In addition, blood tests can be carried out to rule out or confirm systemic diseases such as hormonal disorders. Depending on the suspicion, allergy tests or microbiological examinations of the skin samples may also be necessary.
What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options
To alleviate the dog’s discomfort, the pet owner should make sure that the dog does not scratch or lick the affected areas. Wearing a neck collar can be helpful here to prevent access to the affected area.
The affected skin should be kept clean and dry to minimize the risk of secondary infection. Regular cleaning with a mild antiseptic solution can help promote healing.
It is important to use the medications or topical treatments prescribed by the veterinarian exactly as directed. The pet owner should also ensure that the dog gets enough rest and stress is avoided to support healing.
Outlook on current research
Current research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that lead to skin erosion in dogs. Scientists are particularly investigating the role of proteins and enzymes involved in the degradation of the skin. The focus is on identifying specific biomarkers that could indicate an impending erosion at an early stage. Advances in genomics and proteomics make it possible to better understand these processes at the cellular level. The goal is to make more precise diagnoses and develop individually tailored therapies by identifying these biomarkers.
Another area of research deals with the genetic predisposition of certain dog breeds for the development of skin erosions. Studies indicate that some breeds are more susceptible to skin problems due to their genetic makeup. In the long term, these studies could lead to the breeding of healthier dogs by identifying and eliminating genetic risk factors.
In addition, the effect of various treatment methods on the healing of skin erosions is being investigated. Researchers are analyzing the effectiveness of topical treatments, such as antimicrobial creams and ointments, compared to systemic therapies. The development of new drugs that specifically target the molecular mechanisms involved is also a focus. These studies could lead to innovative treatment approaches that accelerate healing and reduce the risk of Infections.
A current topic is the investigation of the microbiome interaction with the skin. Researchers are investigating how the skin microbiome, which consists of a variety of microorganisms, affects the health of the skin. It is believed that an imbalance in the microbiome can contribute to the development of skin erosions. By specifically modulating the microbiome, new therapeutic approaches could be developed to improve skin health and prevent erosions.