Page 76 - Canine-Diseases

Y lesions may vary in their appearance. Hyperkeratosis is common.
Two major presentations are described: 1) Erythema, alopecia,
crusting, scaling with a supperative dermatitis at body openings
(eyes, mouth, chin especially). Lesions may be pruritic. Crusting
Yeast dermatitis: Also known as Malassezia dermatitis is caused appears at pressure points. Dogs have a dull, oily coat and may
by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. It is a lipid-loving, have footpad and claw lesions. Young adults are most commonly
normal inhabitant of canine skin residing in the ear canals, rectum/ affected, especially Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and
anal sacs and vagina. Though a normal inhabitant, an abnormal Bull Terriers. 2) Young puppies or adults on zinc deficient diets
overgrowth of the yeast can cause dermatitis, or inflammation of may have stunted growth, hyperkeratotic plaques form on pressure
the skin. Areas of the body affected include skin folds such as the points, pads and nasal planum. Large fissures may appear in these
ventral neck, axillae, groin, umbilical fold, nailbeds, perineum, lesions. For both presentations, secondary infections may occur.
muzzle and ears. It is an extremely common cause of skin disease in
dogs. High humidity and temperature may increase the frequency Zoonotic diseases: A disease, parasite or pathogen that may be
of the cases. Other factors that may be a predisposing factor to this transmitted from animals to people. Examples include hookworm,
hypersensitivity disease include concurrent infections and food cheyletiella, ringworm and Sarcoptes scabies.
and flea allergies. Genetic factors are also suspected for young
onset in predisposed dog breeds. Clinical signs include thickened
skin (“elephant skin”), greasiness, hyperpigmentation, musty odor,
scaly/crusty skin, itching, redness, and chronic or recurrent otitis
externa (ear infections). Malassezia dermatitis can affect any age,
breed, or gender of dog but some breeds appear to be predisposed
including the West Highland white terrier, Basset Hounds, Cocker
Spaniels, Silky Terriers, Australian Terriers, Maltese Terriers,
Chihuahuas, Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Lhasa apsos, Shih
Tzus, Jack Russel Terries, German Shepherds, Springer Spaniels
Golden Retrievers, and Dachshunds.

Yellow skin: See Jaundice.

Z

Zinc poisoning: Ingesting coins that contain large amounts of
zinc results in zinc poisoning. When the zinc-containing coin
enters the acid environment of the stomach, the zinc breaks down,
causing stomach upset and zinc absorption into the blood stream.
In addition, zinc may be found in common household products
such as skin creams (diaper rash cream, protective ointments,
sunscreens, etc.), shampoos, deodorants, vitamins, and over-the-
counter cold remedies, lozenges, metal nuts, bolts, board game
pieces, zippers, toys, jewelry, staples, and galvanized metal items.
Zinc poisoning can lead to destruction of red blood cells, liver
damage, kidney failure and heart failure. Clinical signs of zinc
poisoning include weakness, pale gums (anemia), vomiting,
increased breathing, increased heart rate, discolored urine,
jaundiced gums, lack of appetite, and collapse.

Zinc responsive dermatosis: A skin condition which improves
with zinc supplementation, indicating a deficiency as the
underlying cause. Zinc is an important mineral in many critical
biological processes within the body. Zinc deficiency is a rare
cause of skin disease in dogs. Deficiencies may result from
inability to absorb the mineral from the intestine (genetic, chronic
enteritis, minerals competing for absorption) or dietary imbalance.
Severe deficiencies may result in stunted growth in young animals
or poor wound healing. Depending on breed and underlying cause,

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