Dermatology and Wound Management - Recap, terminology, parasites

Integument

Outer covering of the animal (skin, fur, claws, hooves)

Epidermis

Outer, protective layer of skin, made up of multiple layers

Dermis

Inner layer of skin containing the blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and hair follicles

Functions of the skin 

• Sensation 

• Protection 

• Thermoregulation

• Excretion 

• Secretion 

• Vitamin D synthesis 

Sensation - sensory receptors

• Touch

• Temperature 

• Pressure

• Pain 

Protection 

Trauma, microorganisms, dehydration, ultraviolet radiation, chemical and thermal damage 

Thermoregulation

• Vital role in homeostasis

• Helps to maintain a constant core temperature in a varying external environment 

Excretion 

Sweat helps thermoregulate

Secretion

Sebum - to help keep it supple and waterproof + retain moisture and antimicrobial

Vitamin D

Sunlight helps the skin produce vitamin D

Dermatology

The science and medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions

Alopecia 

Hair loss 

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin

Erythema

Redness of the skin from inflammation

Pyoderma

Infection/puss forming

Furunculosis

Rupture of hair follicles from inflammation

Pruritis 

Persistent intense itching which normally leads to self-trauma 

Hyperkeratosis

Increased thickness of the skin. Stratum corneum is top layer of epidermis - caused by excess keratin production 

Seborrhoea

Increased production of sebum by sebaceous glands within the dermis causing a greasy skin and coat

Ctenocephalides

What is this? (insect)

Otodectes cynotis 

What is this arachnid? 

Cheyletiella

What is the name for ‘walking dandruff’? 

Sarcoptes scabiei

What is this - scabies?

Demodex

What is this? (arachnid)

Felicola subrostratus (lice)

What is this insect?

All parasites - Clinical Signs

• Pruritis

• Biting at fur/skin

• Patient irritation

Ctenocephalides - Clinical signs 

• Erythema 

• Inflamed and/or broken skin 

• Flea allergy dermatitis

• Dark brown/black granules on the skin and fur

• Anaemia in severe cases

Lice - Clinical Signs

Anemia in sever cases

Arachnids - Clinical signs

• Erythema

• Secondary infections 

• Inner eat problems (otodectes) 

• Alopecia (demodex) 

Diagnostic technique - Ctenocephalides

Visual assessment and combing of patient’s coat

Diagnostic techniques - Lice

Visual assessment of patient’s coat for presence of life and/or eggs, coat brushing

Diagnostic techniques - Arachnids

Varies depending on species but may include skin scrapes, hair plucks, coat brushing, coat taping, microscopic assessment of ear wax 

Treatment + Nursing care - Ctenocephalides and Lice

Treatment of the patient and it’s environment

Treatment + Nursing Care - Arachnids 

Aural and/or topical treatment (otodectes), topical treatments +/- antibiotic therapy in severe cases