What does lichen look like in dogs at the beginning? - briefly
Lichen in dogs initially appears as small, red bumps or patches on the skin, often accompanied by hair loss in the affected area. These lesions can be itchy and may cause discomfort for the dog.
What does lichen look like in dogs at the beginning? - in detail
Lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin and mucous membranes. When it comes to dogs, lichen planus typically appears as small, raised bumps or plaques on the skin. These lesions are often accompanied by areas of alopecia (hair loss) and may appear scaly or crusty. In some cases, the affected area might be red and inflamed, giving it a distinct appearance compared to the surrounding healthy skin.
Initially, these lesions can be quite subtle and may go unnoticed by pet owners until they progress in size and number. It's important to note that lichen planus in dogs is not typically itchy or painful, unlike some other skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis. However, the affected areas can sometimes become irritated if the dog licks or scratches at them.
The onset of lichen planus in dogs is usually gradual, with lesions developing over a period of weeks to months. The disease tends to affect multiple sites, with common areas including the face, ears, legs, and sometimes the paws. The pattern of distribution can vary, but it often appears as symmetrically arranged lesions on both sides of the body.
In summary, the initial signs of lichen planus in dogs are characterized by small, raised bumps or plaques on the skin, accompanied by areas of hair loss and sometimes redness or inflammation. These lesions may be subtle at first but can progress over time, affecting multiple sites on the body.