Necrolytic dermatitis is a painful skin disorder that affects dogs, manifesting in scabs, redness, ulcerations/sores, and other outward symptoms.
It is important to recognize the signs of necrolytic dermatitis and seek early treatment, as the disorder can become life-threatening if not treated appropriately.
This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of necrolytic dermatitis in dogs, as well as preventive measures to help keep your pet healthy.
Symptoms and Types
Dogs with necrolytic dermatitis may experience scabs, redness, abrasions, ulcerations, pain while walking, cracking of skin and footpads, and hyperkeratosis. This painful skin disorder affects the muzzle, paws, footpads, eyes, and genitalia. It is typically caused by an imbalanced diet, metabolic abnormalities, long-term medications, and/or advanced hepatic disease.
Diagnosis is made by physical exam, blood tests, and/or skin biopsy. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause if possible, and providing supportive care. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Living with necrolytic dermatitis is difficult, and pets may benefit from specially-formulated shampoos to provide comfort.
Causes
Causes of necrolytic dermatitis can include nutritional imbalance, metabolic abnormalities, long-term medication, and underlying hepatic disease.
Nutritional deficits, such as lack of amino acids or essential fatty acids and zinc, can lead to the skin disorder.
Metabolic abnormalities caused by high serum glucagon levels or liver dysfunction can also cause the disorder.
Long-term use of medications, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin, can also be a factor in necrolytic dermatitis.
In some cases, it is an outward symptom of advanced hepatic disease or is coincident with both hepatic disease and diabetes mellitus.
Diagnosis must be made through laboratory tests and biopsies to confirm the cause.
Early detection is key to successful treatment and management of the condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition requires:
- A complete physical exam
- Biochemical profile
- Complete blood count
- Urinalysis
- Electrolyte panel
As well as a thorough history of the pet’s health and onset of symptoms. Abnormal blood test results, such as:
- High bile acids
- High plasma glucagon
- Low amino acids
- High insulin
May also be indicators of the disorder. Additionally, increased levels of Sulfobromophthalein sodium (BSP) in the blood can also indicate the presence of necrolytic dermatitis. Skin biopsies are often recommended for an accurate diagnosis, with early lesions useful for examination.
A successful diagnosis of necrolytic dermatitis is essential to begin effective treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for this condition typically involves addressing the underlying cause, if possible, and prescribing appropriate medicine for the symptoms. In many cases, treatment can be done on an outpatient basis. Hospitalization may be necessary in cases of severe illness or liver failure.
Medication may include antibiotics, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs. Supportive care and careful monitoring may be needed to prevent complications. Surgery may be recommended for glucagon-secreting tumors, although this is often associated with chronic, irreversible liver disease.
Additionally, a specially-formulated prescription shampoo can be used to remove crusts and provide comfort. Overall, the prognosis for necrolytic dermatitis is poor, but with proper treatment, some dogs may be able to manage the condition long-term.
Living and Management
Proper management of this condition is essential to prevent further complications. Necrolytic dermatitis is a painful skin disorder in dogs that can have severe internal disease with a poor prognosis.
To avoid this, there should be a specially formulated prescription shampoo used to remove crusts and provide comfort, as well as treatments to address the underlying disease if possible. Medication should be prescribed for the symptoms, and in some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
In addition, supportive care for outright liver failure and surgery for glucagon-secreting tumors may be required. Necrolytic dermatitis is a serious problem, and it is important to monitor the pet closely and catch any early signs of the disorder.
Prevention
Early detection of the symptoms can help prevent the progression of this serious condition. A balanced diet, proper nutrition, and regular visits to the vet are essential to keeping dogs healthy and preventing necrolytic dermatitis.
Owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms, such as scabs, redness, ulcerations, and pain, and consult their vet if they suspect something is wrong. If caught early, treatments such as medications and dietary changes can help to minimize symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.
Regular vet visits are also important for detecting any underlying conditions that may be contributing to necrolytic dermatitis. Owners should also take extra precaution to protect their pet’s skin from dryness, infection, and dehydration.
Taking the necessary steps to keep their pet healthy and watching out for signs of necrolytic dermatitis can help to prevent this painful skin disorder.
Contacting a Veterinarian
If your pet is exhibiting any of the symptoms mentioned, it’s important to contact a veterinarian. Consulting with a professional is the best way to ensure that your pet receives the proper diagnosis and care.
Veterinarians are qualified to perform a variety of tests to determine the cause of the disorder, including a complete physical exam, a biochemical profile, and a complete blood count. It’s also important to provide a thorough history of the pet’s health and the onset of the symptoms. With this information, the vet can determine the best course of treatment for your pet.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary. In any case, supportive care and prescription medications may be recommended to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for your pet.
