Dog skin and ear infections

Subcutaneous lumps appear in dogs as abnormal growths or masses located under the skin. If the lump is manipulated manually, the feeling of a subcutaneous lump varies depending on the cause but it is a bump separate from the skin.

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails in dogs. Ringworm is a common and highly contagious disease which presents with patches of hair loss alongside red and crusty lesions.

Cuterebriasis is a parasitic infestation caused by the larvae of Cuterebra species (Botflies). Botflies are typically parasites of rabbits and other rodents, but sometimes they may infect dogs and other pets. 

Mast cells are part of the immune system. Uncontrolled growth of these cells leads to mastocytoma, or mast cell tumors (MCTs), which are the most common type of skin tumor in dogs. These tumors commonly present as a lump in or under the skin.

Frostbite occurs when parts of the body freeze after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Severe cases cause death or damage to affected tissues in dogs. 

Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma is cancer of the blood vessels of the skin. This type of tumor is generally fragile, blood-filled, and can be found anywhere on the skin.

Papillomatosis, also known as warts, is an infection caused by papillomavirus in dogs. Papillomatosis presents as benign skin tumors (warts) most commonly in the oral cavity and lips, but can affect any part of the skin

Aspergillosis is infection with the fungal organism Aspergillus spp. in dogs. Aspergillus is found world-wide in soil, and does not usually cause disease. In some dogs, especially immunocompromised individuals, eating or inhaling the fungal spores of Aspergillus causes infection,

Eosinophilic granuloma and  furunculosis are skin conditions which manifest in dogs as red or yellow bumpy nodules which can be itchy or painful. They result from skin inflammation triggered by hypersensitive reactions and are associated with insect bites.

Mastitis is the inflammation of breast (mammary) tissue. Mastitis in dogs usually results from a bacterial infection and almost exclusively affects nursing mothers.

Lupoid onychodystrophy is an uncommon disease that affects the nails or claws of dogs. Dogs with lupoid onychodystrophy typically have multiple nails on more than one paw affected, but are otherwise healthy.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor formed of keratinocytes, a type of skin cell. SCCs are often characterized by the location of the tumor (e.g. oral, digital, etc.).

Hair loss, or alopecia, is characterized by hair loss leading to bald patches and places in the coat that are abnormally sparse.

Mammary gland tumors (MGTs) result from the uncontrolled growth of mammary gland (breast) cells, which group together to form lumps in the mammary glands.

Cheyletiellosic mange, or walking dandruff, is an uncommon parasitic infestation of Cheyletiella sp. mites in dogs.

Demodectic mange occurs when large numbers of Demodex mites infest a dog’s skin. When small in number, Demodex mites are considered a normal part of the canine biome.

Sarcoptic mange is a specific type of mange that occurs in dogs with an infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei - a parasitic mite that burrows along the surface of the skin in places with sparse hair including the outer ears, abdomen, and elbows.

A claw disorder is a disease or trauma which affects the claw and surrounding tissue. There are several disorders that fall under this classification including traumatic injuries, Symmetric Lupoid Onychitis (SLO), bacterial and fungal infections, tumors, and keratinization defects

The anal glands (AGs) are two small glands situated either side of the anus which produce secretions that are deposited on the feces during normal bowel movements.

Solar dermatitis is a condition caused by exposure to UV rays, which leads to irritated skin, rashes, and potentially cancerous growths.

Foxtails and other grass awns, are a common form of seed dispersal for many types of grass. Awns have numerous bristles that allow the seed head to embed in the skin and orifices of animals and their shape makes them difficult to remove

Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to an ingested protein.

If a dog tilts his head involuntarily or chronically, especially when along with other symptoms like ear pain or lack of balance, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition

Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are a contagious parasite that live in the ears of their hosts. This parasite resembles a small tick, but is much smaller; too small to distinguish with the naked eye.

Cutaneous lumps are lumps within a dog’s skin which make a nodule, raised area, or discoloration on the surface of the skin.

Lymphadenopathy is enlargement of the lymph nodes, and is a common finding in many diseases, illnesses, and conditions.

Canine allergies are common and occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens the dog is exposed to.

Seasonal allergies are a common condition in dogs. Most seasonal allergy symptoms in dogs result from exposure to flea saliva and/or pollen.

A dog may obsessively lick and chew themselves, objects in their environment, or towards nothing in midair.

Contact dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin in response to an allergen or irritant making physical contact with a dog’s skin cells.