Article published May 20, 2007
Several potential causes for dog’s nose condition
Dear Dr. Thompson: My dog has developed a crusty scab on the bridge of his nose. It will occasionally bleed and seems to be getting worse. Is this something to worry about or is it just some skin irritation?
ANSWER: What you are describing can be a couple of conditions and your veterinarian needs to evaluate your dog. The most common condition is an auto-immune skin disorder called discoid lupus erythematosis or DLE. This has a genetic predisposition in herding breeds and is sometimes referred to as “Collie Nose.” Ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes a change in the skin cells, and inflammation develops at the junction of the skin of the bridge of the nose and the moist tissue of the nose. An early sign is the loss of the cobblestone appearance of the nose. It progresses to crusts and scabs which rarely can be severe.
For mild conditions, topical sunscreen lotion will prevent further damage, and a variety of topical creams have been shown to help. Some of the newer eczema creams like Elidel or Protopic have been shown to be very helpful in managing the disease. A common oral antibiotic (Tetracycline) and niacinamide (vitamin B-3) often are used concurrently for many mild auto-immune skin diseases. It may take weeks of therapy to see improvement and total resolution is uncommon, but most mild to moderate cases can be well-managed.
Severely affected dogs need high doses of oral cortisones to suppress the immune system. Other immuno-suppressive drugs have been used with varying success. Frequent monitoring for side effects is needed with any immuno-suppressive drug, and you will need frequent follow-up care to evaluate the treatment. Other skin diseases can mimic this condition, so your veterinarian may suggest a biopsy or further testing to fully evaluate what is happening.
Dear Dr. Thompson: My cat is gaining weight as he ages. What is considered “pleasantly plump” and what is obese? How can I get him to lose weight?
ANSWER: Obesity is a serious concern in many middle-aged and older cats. Some estimates suggest 80 percent of pets are overweight. Cats can develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and joint problems from unchecked weight gain. Your veterinarian will help you evaluate your cat’s weight gain at his annual check-up (he is getting an annual check-up, right?).
Many cats lead a sedentary life and their environments lack enough enrichment, which leads to weight gain. For some cats, the only interesting part of the day is the trip to the food bowl. You can develop a plan to help increase calorie-burning and decrease food intake with your veterinarian to help get your cat to his ideal weight. Weight loss in obese cats can be tricky. A life-threatening liver disease can develop if your cat loses weight too quickly, so always consult your vet before starting a weight loss program.
Questions for Dr. Thompson can be e-mailed to askthevet@theblade.com or mailed to The Blade, Attn. Ask the Vet, 541 North Superior St., Toledo, OH 43660. Dr. Thompson regrets that he cannot answer individual letters.
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