Dermatology

The first step in approaching the case of the "alopecic" cat is demystifying and differentiating the true motivation behind the activities of the over grooming cat from the truly intensely pruritic cat, which then drives the diagnostic tests for differentiating medical versus behavioral problems in the feline.

Recognizing breed associated or genetic dermatologic conditions can prove quite challenging on a daily basis. Such conditions are more obvious when multiple animals from a single litter are affected at birth, however clinical signs of many of these conditions are not present until adulthood and many animals have dispersed to new homes.

Canine and feline atopic dermatitis (atopy, allergic inhalant dermatitis) is a hereditary, pruritic (itchy) skin disease. The disease is caused by an allergic reaction to the inhalation of pollens, mold spores, dust, or epidermals (animal dander, feathers wool). Upon future challenge with that specific allergen, IgE molecules are bridged on the mast cell surface.

My goal is to provide you with a set of questions to guide you through the pitfalls and obstacles associated with diagnosing, treating and successfully managing canine and feline otitis cases. Let's get started!

Scaling or keratinization disorders are a common dermatologic condition in dogs. This dermatologic problem can be described in two methods (i.e. clinical signs and etiology).

The allergic patient can present with myriad symptoms, all related to the underlying cause. As is the case with atopic dermatitis, the symptoms manifested result from an "overproduction" of allergen specific IgE to environmental allergens.

There are many reasons to perform dermatologic diagnostics: to guide therapeutic choices, to make decisions regarding further diagnostic testing, to judge response to therapy as well as to actually make a diagnosis! Incorporating these tests into a busy practice schedule mandates that these tests be quick and easy to perform, useful information must be gained in an efficient manner and the results must be easily interpreted within the medical record.

Signalment: 3 years old, castrated male, DSH

Shampoo therapy is an important adjuvant therapy in pets for treating a variety of dermatologic conditions. In order to get the maximum benefit of the shampoos, the shampoos need to be used properly. Contact time is of utmost importance when using shampoos.

Feline otitis can be a challenging clinical problem. A commonly used clinical approach to treatment of canine otitis rarely yields satisfactory results when applied to cats.

The key to success when utilizing topical therapy involves an accurate assessment of the lesion or problem as well as an understanding of the basic principles of topical preparations. In addition, knowledge of the various formulations available as well as of the drugs and their limitations when applied topically, along with choosing an appropriate physical mode of therapy are all critical factors to consider when utilizing topical therapy.

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.

We are fortunate to have a plethora of outstanding antiparasitic agents. In deciding upon which products to place on the shelf, several characteristics must be considered. The purpose of the presentation is to compare many of the available products, citing advantages and disadvantages.

The autoimmune skin disorders are a group of confusingly similar diseases. In this section the most common autoimmune skin diseases will be presented and they will be discussed from a clinical perspective. Most of the autoimmune skin diseases are treated similarly and this will be discussed in the last part of this section.

When you should add this condition to the differential diagnosis list.

A look at dermatologic disorders associated with endocrine disease.

How to obtain dermatophyte culture samples by using a toothbrush.

Where they annoying critters like to hang out.

Research and treatment modalities are evolving for atopic dermatitis, a chronic pruritic skin disease in dogs.

Dr. Paul Bloom suggests options for this Great Dane.

What condition do these skin lesions most likely represent?

Hundreds of skin diseases affecting domestic dogs have been recognized and reported. Here's how to sort through them.

Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Ian Spiegel offers his advice.

A curious coincidence in affected cats?

How to treat this condition long-term.

What's the cause of this pink dermal mass in a pup?

What's causing this dog's hair loss?

Advice from veterinary dermatologist Dr. Ian Spiegel.

Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Paul Bloom discusses how he handles these cases.

Beyond itching and scratching, atopic dermatitis negatively affects both pets and owners.