Dog - Pruritus

What is pruritus?

It is the scientific name for skin irritation or itching. It is associated with many skin problems, often involving allergies or external parasites, e.g. fleas. Although only a sign (symptom) and not a condition in itself, the pruritus often leads to continuous scratching of the area resulting in acutely inflamed skin. This is eczema.

Due to the skin damage this can ultimately result in serious skin infection (pyoderma). In long standing cases the skin becomes thickened and pigmented.

Are skin problems always associated with itching?

The skin, although the largest organ in the body, with many functions, can only react to any insult in a limited number of ways, pruritus being the most usual. Itchy skins are one of the most common reasons for dog owners to seek veterinary advice.

Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging and frustrating both for the owners and the vets.

What can be done?

Initially every attempt should be made to obtain an accurate diagnosis. This sometimes involves a wide range of laboratory tests and even trial treatments. In some cases diagnosis alone may take months and then is obviously quite expensive. In a few cases, despite all the tests, the underlying cause of the irritation may never be completely determined and in these cases lifelong symptomatic therapy may be required.

Does this apply to every pruritic dog?

No. With the majority of dogs pruritus is seasonal. Common causes include parasites such as fleas or mange mites and sometimes certain pollens may play a part causing an inhalant allergy (atopy). After flea allergy, atopy is the most common cause of allergic skin disease in the dog.

Food allergies can also result in pruritus but this is a less common cause.

Is pruritus more common in some breeds?

Yes. West Highland White Terriers are known for their 'Westie skin' or 'Westie eczema'. Labradors and Retrievers appear to be prone to ‘hot-spot’ or ‘wet eczema’, more correctly termed acute moist dermatitis.

Is it possible to treat these difficult cases?

Successful treatment largely depends on accurate diagnosis which in some cases is not always possible. However these cases are small in number compared with the majority of skin problems that are successfully treated although it has to be said recurrence of the problem is possible.

What causes pruritus and eczema?

Skin disease is one of the most common reasons for dog owners to seek veterinary advice. The skin, although it is the largest organ of the body and has many functions, can only react to insult in a limited number of ways, pruritus being one of the major signs when there is a problem.

Is the chance of cure remote?

It depends upon how far we go with testing and the results of those tests. As mentioned previously you could spend a considerable amount of money and still end up with no diagnosis. In these cases treatment may have to be intermittent or continuous for the rest of the pet’s life. However, these are extreme cases and the majority of itchy dogs do respond very well to relatively simple treatment.

If the condition is seasonal your dog may stay in remission until the following year.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any further queries or concerns. We will do our best to help.