Educational Articles
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Zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs is a skin condition that results from zinc deficiency in the body. The deficiency can be due to an inability to adequately absorb zinc from the diet (most commonly seen in arctic breeds), zinc binders in dietary supplements, excess calcium (juvenile large breeds) or less commonly, an inadequate amount of zinc in the diet. Clinical signs include crusts and scaling around the eyes, mouth, scrotum and muco-cutaneous junctions. The haircoat can also, be dry and dull. Lethargy, inappetence, and lymphadenopathy may also occur. Diagnosis includes a history and physical exam and a skin biopsy. Treatment may include zinc supplementation, dietary change and ensuring a dog isn’t receiving any supplements that will interfere with zinc absorption.
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A zoonosis is a disease or infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Although dogs only pose a mild risk of causing disease in humans, those with immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV or those receiving chemotherapy will be at higher risk of becoming ill from these infections. The most common and significant infections that humans can get from their pet dogs include rabies, leptospirosis, ringworm, and gastrointestinal illness such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of these diseases, as well as preventive medicine for your dog, including regular deworming and external parasite preventives.
