Dermatology

All normal dogs have a small number of Demodex species mites that live in their hair follicles. These mites are not visible to the naked eye. But some dogs develop an overgrowth of these mites, a condition called demodicosis, or demodectic mange.

Diagnosis of pruritic dermatopathies requires the dedication of collecting an historical account of the problem complete with all interrelationships of seasonality, in-contact animals, human disease and treatment, including specific drugs, treatment regimens and therapeutic outcome.

A series of dermatologic case presentations.

Pruritus in cats, like other species, can be caused by a multitude of diseases.

Flea allergy continues to be a common condition affecting dogs and cats despite the major advances in the understanding of flea biology, the immune mechanisms of flea allergy and the availability of newer chemicals providing more optimal flea control.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy and previously called allergic inhalant dermatitis, is considered to be a genetically based condition whereby the animal develops an IgE antibody response to environmental proteins resulting in disease, most commonly allergic dermatitis.

Bacterial skin infections represent a common condition affecting the canine and is often recurrent.

Despite the advent of newer demodicidal therapeutics, management of the chronic relapsing or refractory demodicosis cases remains a frustration.

Cutaneous or subcutaneous nodules are relatively common problems in the dog and cat with assorted etiologies to be considered.

Malassezia pachydermatis is a yeast organism most commonly recognized as an associated cause of otitis externa.

Demodicosis is a common dermatosis in dogs and is now a more recognized problem in cats.

I am often asked about what can be done for "dry skin" for patients on chemotherapy, where steroid is a part of that chemotherapy. However, it is not only patients on steroid for chemotherapy; some canine and feline patients have varying degrees of sensitivity to steroids and the changes they produce in the skin.

Baton Rouge - Learn about claw disease, nasal dermatoses and other dermatological ailments at Louisiana State University (LSU) conference this fall.

Douglas DeBoer, DVM, DACVD, with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Veterinary Medicine, shares his recommendations on how to manage atopic dermatitis.

The article breaks down the method and results of a double-blind study that compares the performance of three commercial veterinary diets during in-home management of clinical signs in atopic dogs. Also included Case study Cindy

A recent double-blind study compares the performance of three commercial veterinary diets during in-home management of clinical signs in atopic dogs. Also included-Case study-"Cindy"

A slideshow by Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz.

Cutaneous cytology immediately and inexpensively reveals whether infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic processes are affecting the skin, and it can help you determine which diagnostic path to continue on.

Need-to-know information about its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects.

A systematic approach to a dermatologic diagnosis begins with a good history followed by a thorough physical examination.

Pruritus is defined as an irritating, nonadapting cutaneous sensation that evokes the impulse to scratch.

Canine pruritus has many different etiologies and pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Keratinization and seborrheic disorders are both used interchangeable to describe microscopic and gross changes resulting from multiple etiologies.

The symptomatic treatment of feline pruritus is often complicated by the multiple predisposing causes including allergy, dermatophytosis, parasitic, viral, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases.

Canine atopy has traditionally been defined as an inherited predisposition to the development of IgE (reaginic antibodies) to environmental allergens resulting in allergic disease.

An 8-year-old 46.3-lb (21-kg) female spayed mixed-breed dog was referred to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, and alopecia of several months' duration.

An ongoing study on flea susceptibility indicates that fleas show no signs of reduced susceptibility to the active ingredient in several flea products.

As a veterinary technician, the vital role you play with dermatology patients cannot be emphasized enough. Obtaining an accurate history, correctly performing diagnostic procedures, and educating clients are essential for the successful management of patients with dermatologic conditions.

Despite modern advances in flea control, flea allergy dermatitis continues to be the most common skin disease seen in general small animal practice. Practitioners and technicians must diffuse owners' belief that it is impossible for ectoparasites to exist on their pets.

The majority of common dermatologic conditions all start with the adherence of pathogens to the skin. A new topical therapy proven to work with the skin's natural defnse mechanisms prevents bacteria from adhering to the skin and thereby reducing infections and inflammation.