Animal Nursing - Skin & Grooming

Topics of Focus

• Skin Care
• Shampoo
• Bathing
• Grooming
• Pedicures

Skin Care

• Common Questions in a Clinic Regarding Skin Care
  • What are some discussions we might have regarding skin care in a clinic?

Skin Conditions

Seborrhea

• Definition:
  • An increase of the excretion of sebum, resulting in oily skin.
• Goals of Treatment:
  • Soften and remove scales and crusts.
  • Reduce oiliness of skin and coat.
• Important Note:
  • Read the shampoo label and follow directions for effective contact time.

Miliary Dermatitis

• Definition:
  • A specific skin condition characterized by patches of erythema, scabs, and possible alopecia due to incessant licking caused by pruritis.
• Common Cause:
  • Flea allergy, where the bite's saliva causes allergic reactions leading to skin irritation.
• Mechanism:
  • The body becomes sensitized to specific allergens, resulting in allergic responses with repeated exposure.

Bacterial Dermatitis

• Treatment Protocol:
  • Typically treated with topical medications; for larger affected areas, a general bath is recommended.
  • Hair is usually shaved over the affected area before applying topical medication.
  • Advise clients on the need for hair shaving to prevent exacerbating the condition (clipper burn).

Pyoderma

• Definition:
  • Any pyogenic (pus-producing) skin infection, often a secondary infection.
• Common Pathogen:
  • Frequently caused by staphylococcus, with secondary opportunists like pseudomonas and proteus.
• Severity:
  • Severity correlates with the infection's depth.
  • Less common in cats.

Surface Pyoderma

• Characteristics:
  • Acute, moist form, often termed “hot spots.”
• Cause of Condition:
  • Self-trauma due to irritation; the animal licks, chews, or scratches.
  • Results in erythema and irritation, creating a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth.
• Treatment:
  • Remove initial irritant, cleanse with an antiseptic, and apply topical treatments (antibacterial properties and/or steroids).
  • Control self-trauma using an Elizabethan collar or buster collar.
• Common Areas Affected:
  • Skin folds such as lip fold dermatitis or areas with vulvar and tail folds in breeds with significant skin folds (e.g., Shar Pei, Pekingese).

Superficial Pyoderma

• Definition:
  • Encompasses juvenile dermatitis (puppy pyoderma).
• Presentation:
  • Affected areas show pustules and erythema.
• Treatment:
  • Antiseptic cleansing (potentially a shampoo with antibacterial properties); systemic antibiotics may be needed.

Deep Pyoderma

• Definition:
  • A serious condition involving pustules, fistulas, and alopecia, which can be painful due to the affected deeper skin layers where nerve supply is located.
• Causes:
  • Potentially caused by mites (sarcoptes, demodex), fungal infections (ringworm), or general debilitation leading to secondary infections.
• Treatment:
  • Systemic antibiotics are usually required.

Feline Pyoderma

• Causes:
  • Often results from bites from other cats, with pathogens like Pasteurella and staphylococcus, which are typically found in healthy cats' mouths.
• Symptoms:
  • Cats may present with pyrexia, anorexia, depression, pain, and swelling.
• Treatment:
  • Antibiotics and possibly surgical drainage of abscesses.

Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

• Causes:
  • Caused by microsporum or trichophyton in dogs and cats, though more common in cats.
• Transmission:
  • Direct contact and zoonotic transmission potential.
• Clinical Presentation:
  • Symptoms include pruritis, alopecia with scaling, and crusting in affected areas.

Shampooing

• Role:
  • Most skin conditions require topical therapy, with bathing being a primary method.
  • Important Note:
  • Human shampoos should never be used on pets.
• Steps to Remember:
  • Use the correct shampoo suitable for the intended species (as some can be toxic to cats).
  • Be familiar with the contact time instructions for effective outcomes.

Non-Medicated Shampoos

• Definition:
  • Mild shampoos used for general cleaning; often contain moisturizing agents like aloe vera to aid skin hydration.
• Usage:
  • Should generally be used only on normal coats and must be hypoallergenic.

Medicated Shampoos

• Categories and Functions:
  • Antipruritic:
  • Reduces itching to enhance patient comfort.
  • Antiparasitic:
  • Kills or decreases the presence of external parasites.
  • Keratolytic:
  • Removes or dissolves dead surface epithelium (scales).
  • Keratoplastic:
  • Influences the development of the keratinous layer.
  • Antibacterial:
  • Decreases the amount of bacteria present on the skin.
  • Antifungal:
  • Decreases or eliminates fungal growth.
  • Degreasing:
  • Cuts through oils on the coat.

Specific Active Ingredients:

• Sulfur:
  • Mild shampoo agent; helps with pyoderma and dry seborrheas.
• Salicylic Acid:
  • Used in combination with other agents; mild in nature.
• Tar:
  • Formed from crude coal tar, effective on greasy seborrheas but can stain light-furred animals; not for use on cats.
• Benzoyl Peroxide:
  • A strong follicular flushing agent; can be irritating but helpful for greasy seborrheas and secondary bacterial dermatitis.
• Selenium Sulfide:
  • An older harsh agent, irritating and drying, often uncommonly used now; suitable for greasy seborrheas.
• Chlorhexidine/Iodine:
  • Antibacterial properties beneficial for pyoderma and fungal infections.
• Pyrethrins:
  • Antiparasitic products.
• Emollient:
  • Conditioning agent that softens and soothes the coat.
• Humectants:
  • Products designed to hydrate and soften the skin; they should be recommended under professional guidance to prevent future seborrheic issues.

Veterinary-Use Products

• Pro-Seb Shampoo:
  • Antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, keratolytic, and antipruritic for dogs and cats.
  • Active Ingredients:
  • Sulfur (2%), Salicylic Acid (2%).
  • Warnings:
  • Keep away from children.
• DouxOS³ Shampoo:
  • Chlorhexidine Shampoo (3% w/v) for veterinary use only, both antibacterial and antifungal.
• Dermcare MALASEB Medicated Shampoo:
  • Combines chlorhexidine gluconate and miconazole nitrate for topical antibacterial and antifungal purposes for dogs and cats.

Bathing

Purpose

• Control and eliminate ectoparasites.
• Treat skin conditions.
• Clean the entire animal by:
  • Removing undesirable substances (e.g., paint).
  • Improving odor (e.g., when a dog rolls in manure).
  • Enhancing the appearance of the coat.

Equipment Needed

• Shampoo
• Conditioner (if indicated)
• Towels (ample supply)
• Washcloth for face cleansing
• Eye lubrication
• Cotton for ears
• Oil-based ointment (Vaseline)
• Non-slip surface for tub and floor

Precautions

• During Bathing:
  • NEVER leave a patient unattended in the tub.
  • Do NOT tie dogs in the tub to avoid potential jumps.
  • Avoid wrapping a leash around your arm or hand to prevent injury.
  • Apply ophthalmic ointment to protect eyes from shampoo irritation, especially if harsh shampoos are used on sensitive areas.
  • Start wetting from the base of the head, ensuring appropriate water temperature is used.
  • Always wear gloves to protect against chemical exposure.

After Bathing

• Rinse thoroughly (RINSE, RINSE, RINSE).
• Use cloth for head and face washing.
• Towel dry thoroughly.
• Remove cotton from ears and excess ointment from sensitive areas.
• Use a blow dryer on a low setting or allow the animal to dry in a warm environment (NEVER leave unattended).

Additional Safety Precautions

• Possible signs of toxicity:
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, bradycardia, miosis, ataxia, seizures.
• For Handlers:
  • Wear a waterproof apron, boots with non-skid soles, and stand on non-slip surfaces.
  • Always use protective gloves while bathing.

Grooming

Importance

• Cleanliness:
  • Removes dirt, discharge, and loose hair; reduces matting.
• Health:
  • Opportunity to inspect for early skin problems.
• Appearance:
  • Clients judge practice quality based on pet appearance post-grooming.
• Inspection:
  • Detect skin problems or ectoparasites during grooming.
• Relationship Strengthening:
  • Handling enhances the bond with the animal.

Coat Types

• Smooth Coats:
  • Short and fine (e.g., Dachshunds, Chihuahuas) or coarse and dense (e.g., German Shepherds, Corgis).
• Wire Coats:
  • Coarse, wiry hair (e.g., Wire-Haired Terriers).
• Double Coats:
  • A thick undercoat beneath guard hairs (e.g., Long Haired Shepherds, Rough Collies).
• Silky Coats:
  • Smooth, soft, often feathery (e.g., Spaniels and Setters).
• Woolly Coats:
  • Represents breeds like Poodles and Irish Water Spaniels.
• Corded Coats:
  • Notable in breeds like Komondors.

Grooming Procedure

• Assessment:
  • Assess patient's temperament and perform a physical examination to confirm grooming is suitable.
• De-Matting:
  • Loosen dead hair by running fingers against the coat grain.
  • Split large mats into smaller parts for easier handling.
  • Sedation may be needed for severe matting.
• Post-Procedure:
  • Comb and brush out loose hairs, dirt, and debris.
  • Finish by wiping the coat with a damp cloth.

Precautionary Practices

• De-matting and grooming should always be done before the bath.
• Nail Trimming Consideration:
  • Some dogs (e.g., retrievers) may require trimming between toes and pads to prevent matting and subsequent health issues (interdigital dermatitis).
• Client Approval:
  • Always confirm client's acceptance prior to clipping.
• Balancing Cleanliness and Aesthetics:
  • Maintain equilibrium between cleanliness and the client's desire for a pet’s pleasant appearance.

Pedicures

Definition and Importance

• A pedicure refers to the prophylactic or therapeutic trimming of nails to:
  • Prevent or treat ingrown nails (which can curl into the pad).
  • Prevent traumatic nail injuries (long nails can fracture the third phalanx).
  • Avoid abscesses from ingrown nails.
  • Prevent impaired walking caused by long nails, which affects normal gait.
  • Reduce potential damage to the environment and risks to owners/handlers and other animals.

Anatomy of the Claw

• Components include:
  • Paw fur
  • Quick (sensitive inner part of the nail)
  • Toenail (outer shell)

Claw Anatomy in Cats and Dogs

• Feline Claw Structure:
  • Shows retracted and extended positions.
• Canine Claw Structure:
  • Displays a transection view and axial sectional view of the canine digit.

Nail Trimming Methods

• Types of Nail Clippers:
  • White (scissor-type) clippers
  • Resco (guillotine-type) clippers
  • Human toenail scissors (for use only on cats)
• Technique for Exposing the Nail:
  • Proper methodology to expose the nail for trimming.
• Using Silver Nitrate Stick:
  • Helps to cauterize nails if they bleed, application steps include:
  1. Moisten a clean stick in sterile water.
  2. Apply to the targeted area until the tissue cauterizes (turns grayish).
  3. Adjust moisture based on wound condition for effective application.
  4. Inspect the stick tip to ensure adequate covering with silver nitrate powder.

Conclusion

• Documentation:
  • Always record the procedure conducted (bathing, shampoo used) in the patient’s file post-care treatment.