Skin and coat diseases - 2a
Features of the Integument
adnexa production - hair, nails, claws, hooves, etc.
Antimicrobial - secretes an antimicrobial to fight off any bacteria and spores.
Communication - reptiles changing colour, goosebumps when cold, heckles when angry/ scared, etc.
Excretion - sweat, electrolytes - cooling mechanism.
Motion and shape - flexible and allows movement.
Pheromone production - attracting mates, etc.
Pigmentation - colour of skin and hair.
Protection - some melanin have more pigmentation to protect from sun, etc. Prevents heat and water loss - electrolyte and salt loss. If healthy, stop bacteria getting in.
Sensations - heat, cold, touch - send signals to move away from stimuli. Itchiness and pain.
Storage - fats, vitamins, electrolytes, proteins, etc.
Definitions of associated words
Alopecia - hair loss
Pruritus - intense and persistant itching.
Dermatitis - inflammation of the skin.
Erosions - ulcer that goes to depth of basement membrane. (Ulcers and sores that go deep into the skin layers, can go to the bone, deep infection).
Erythema - reddening of the skin caused by capillary congestion.
Excoriation - superficial erosions or ulcers caused by scratching or abrasion - risk of secondary infection.
Furunculosis - deep infection of the hair follicle leading to abscess formation with accumulation of pus or necrotic tissue.
Hyperkeratosis - thickening of the stratum corneum from an increased number of keratinized cells - outer skin and cells.
Plaques - raised flat topped lesions.
Pustule- circumscribed epidermal or dermal accumulation of purulent exudate - circular blob.
Pyoderma - purulent dermatitis - infection, pus present.
Seborrhoea - an increase in the scaling of the skin, with or without an increase in sebum production - damage and leaking fluid.
Role of VN in dermatology cases
Preparation - gathering history.
Skin sampling - different sampling methods.
Dietary trial - explaining what it is and supporting through process.
Treatment - explaining and demonstrating how.
Client education
Dermatitis
Have to work out if the allergen is touching the animal or being ingested.
Atopic Dermatitis
An internal skin condition.
Internal allergy that effects the skin, could have ingested something, etc.
More in canine and equine, rare in feline.
Itchy in response to antigens acquired by:
Inhalation
Ingestion
Lots or pruritus and licking/ nibbling, self-inflicted trauma.
Risk of secondary infections, pyoderma, etc.
Contact Dermatitis
Animal come into direct contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
causes pruritis and self-trauma.
Treatment: find, remove cause and treat symptoms.
The most common environmental allergen is produced by house dust mutes, (dogs and cats), but pollen, fungi, moulds and dust are also seen in susceptible individuals.
Can be process of elimination or dermal testing - allergy testing can be expensive.