David Senter, DVM, DACVD

This condition affects dogs of any age or breed, although German shepherds are predisposed. It affects the mucocutaneous junctions (MCJs) of the nose and lips most frequently, but other MCJs can also be affected. This is a surface bacterial infection (usually S. pseudintermedius) wherein there is a "standoff" between the bacteria and the immune system at the MCJ.

PF is the most common immune-mediated skin disease of the cat. It often begins on the face and pinnae, but also usually involves the foot pads and claw beds. Crusts and pustules on the face and pinnae, hyperkeratotic footpads, a purulent to caseous discharge with crusting around the nail beds, and crusting of the nipples are all common findings.

Zinc responsive dermatosis is a nutritional skin disease that can be categorized as syndromes I or II. Syndrome I is a disease primarily seen in Siberian huskies and Malamutes. Lesions develop in these breeds despite having adequate zinc in their diets and most commonly occur in young dogs (1-3 years of age).

This is the most common allergic skin disease of the horse, caused by a hypersensitivity to the bites of common insects. There are a variety of common names for this condition including "sweet itch" and "summer eczema".

Antihistamines have variable efficacy in atopic dogs. If at least 3 different antihistamines are tried in an individual dog, you can reasonably expect to find one that works 25-40% of the time.

The following mystery cases will be analyzed from initial presentation to the final diagnosis, treatment, and follow up.