This disease is better known by dog-owners as eczema and is one of the most frequent pathologies of the Saint Bernard breed. This kind of disease is not uncommon among rich-haired breeds and those fit for cold climate onditions; it is a fact that long-haired subjects are affected more often that the short-haired ones.
Acute exudative dermatitis is abeted by warm and humid climates.
In clinical terms, the disease is defined by different levels of alopecia, erythema and ulcerations combined with an intense itch.
The lesion appears rapidly because of the self-inflicted trauma the subject causes himself by licking, biting or scratching; the lesion is well defined, reddened, moist, warm and painful.
The superficial keratose layer is removed by abrasive licking, that way a small spot can quickly become very large.
Later bacterias infect the lesion, and it worsens. Dermatitis is usaly localized in the dorso-lumbar area.
This disease may be determined by different causes, such as:
1) Lergical dermatitis as a reaction to fleas
2) Poor hygiene of the coat
3) Alimentar hypersensitiveness
4) Any cause which may determine irritation.
Healing success depends on the promptness of intervention.
THERAPY
1) Shave the hair around and on the infected area.
2) Cleanse the skin with antiseptic soap or with a iodate solution (Betadine).
3) Keep the shaved area dry.
4) Apply topic astrictives (5% tanic acid, 5% salicylic acid in 70% alcohol) and let them dry in the air.
5) Use a broad spectrum antibiotic spray or hydro-solvable cream; bear in mind that most of
cutaneous diseases are due to the Staphilococcus intermedius.
6) During the healing process, the use of emollients is helpful: the emollient helps to remove the
exudation crusts as they appear.
7) For those who prefer homeopathic cures, I can say I found helpful to use a mix of Aloe leaves.
8) If the lesion is severe and the itch intense, it is useful to apply a temporary systemic application of
cortisone and a medical collar (collare elisabettiano).
Since eczema is never the primary pathology, it is necessary to identify the main pathogenetic factor and cure it (ectoparasites, diet, anal glands constipation, etc.).
Article by
* Gianluigi Streparola
* Gianluigi Streparola
*Professional veterinarian
*Breeder titleholder of the "di Campolupo" affix
*C.I.S.B. Governor and member of the Technical Board of C.I.S.B.
print