Whether you have a standard poodle, a toy or a miniature, all variations of the breed are affected by skin problems. Most conditions are difficult to identify. Once a disorder is diagnosed, various treatments are available to keep it in check.
Sebaceous Adenitis
Sebaceous adenitis is more significant in poodles than any other breed. An estimated 40 to 50 percent of standard poodles are either carriers or afflicted with this hereditary disease. The sebaceous glands, which produce an oily substance that keeps skin moist, become inflamed and fail over time. It causes hair loss on top of the head, back of the neck and back. Owners will notice a strong odor and dry silvery scales. Shampoos and dietary supplements are recommended, but dogs' reactions vary. It is cosmetic rather than lethal. Breeders whose dogs produce offspring with the condition should be notified.
Bacterial Skin Infection
This infection, also called pyoderma, appears in three forms. Surface pyoderma gives the poodle itchy, red skin with elevated scabs. Superficial pyoderma features pustules that break into larger scabs. Deep pyoderma creates abscesses with oozing red surface ruts. The infection can appear anywhere but is seen most on the chin, trunk, toes, inside the ears and on the backs of the elbows. While treatments vary, early detection halts its growth.
Fungal Skin Infection
Caused by fungi, this infection produces ringworm. Poodles will display round lesions with scaling and small pustules. The disease appears most often on the head, tail, legs and feet. Small lesions generally heal without treatment in four months. While antifungal medication is sometimes prescribed, therapeutic shampoos are also helpful.
Allergic Skin Problems
Poodles often develop skin conditions from allergies to dust, pollen and mold spores and also from infection from flea saliva. With such sensitive skin, they benefit greatly from a living area without mold or pollen and from a preventive flea treatment from the vet. These allergies cause skin that itches, lesions on the skin, a discharge from the eyes or nose, and problems with digestion. Symptoms appear on the face, chest, abdomen or feet. Antihistamines and corticosteroids are often given to stem the itching.
Considerations
Itching in poodles often occurs for reasons other than fleas. Prone to skin problems like standard poodles, toy and miniature poodles also frequently inherit alopecia, or partial hair loss. The skin problems listed here are only a sampling of those that affect the breed. Most chronic skin problems in poodles are not life-threatening and can be controlled with veterinary monitoring.
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