Dog Drugs Applied to Skin

The person who did not own pets B.S.D. (before sulfa drugs) cannot possibly appreciate what their discovery has meant to pet owners. True, most sulfa drugs are outdated and most are being replaced for some purposes by the antibiotics, but veterinary medicine is now a far happier profession because of them.

The first to be discovered was sulfanilamide. Shortly thereafter unfounded claims were made for it as a cure all; it was said to be a specific for coccid, viruses, including distemper in dogs, and all kinds of bacteria. But further research showed that its field was very narrow that it killed only a limited number of bacteria and was ineffectual against viruses, coccid, warts, bad disposition, or in growing toe-nails! Moreover, it killed some patients.

One sulfa drug after another appeared for many years until so many shortcomings were observed that most have quietly faded away. How-ever, a few remain and are lifesavers. Others are returning to be used with other drugs much more effectively than by themselves.

Powdered sulfa drugs are often sifted into surgical incisions and wounds, where they are of great help. Now they are being used in solutions, such as in propylene glycol, and poured into inaccessible wounds where they often prove to he true miracle drugs.

The following are the medicines that are generally administered depending upon the type of skin disease.

Bacterial Infection – The bacterial skin infection is also known as pyodermas. The treatment of the infection takes place by removal of the itchy lesions by taking your dog to bathing and washing the entire body with benzoyl peroxide. After bathing an antibiotic ointment should be applied on top of the abscess. Oral antibiotics can also be given for a continued period of 3 to 4 weeks. Bandages can also be done over the infected area to restrict the lesions for growing. Drugs based on Glucocorticold steroids may also be prescribed in severe cases.

Fungal Skin Infection – The fungal infection caused on the skin surface of the dogs is known as ring worm. There are very infectious in nature and are generally diagnosed with the aid of wood’s lamp test or using ultraviolet rays. The test helps to diagnose the presence of microsporum species. Fungal culture is also a common way to diagnose the cause of the skin infection. Antifungal shampoos and topical drugs based on the lime sulfur is generally administered.

Allergic Skin Diseases – You dog is probably suffering from an allergy if you find it to be sneezing, having watering eyes, experiencing digestive disruptions, nasal and skin discharges along with skin rashes. In general cases the drugs like Antihistamines and corticosteroids are administered for curing them. While giving the drungs you are recommended to give them in measured amounts as prescribed as they are potent drugs and should not be used for a prolonged period of time.

If your dog is suffering from lice you may apply permethrin or pyrethrin. For sore joints vets may prescribe drugs based on methylsalicylate. If you find that your dog is suffering from hair loss taking them to a vet surgeon should be ideal for you.