Veterinary Dermatology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What treatment is suggested for severe skin lesions in small animals?

Surgery and antibiotics

Chemotherapy and steroids (correct)

Antibiotics and antifungals

Laser therapy and hydration

Which clinical sign is NOT associated with environmental and endocrine dermatosis?

Scaling

Frostbite

Weight loss (correct)

Crusting

Which of the following conditions is categorized as an environmental dermatosis?

Ectopic dermatitis

Hyperthyroidism

Photosensitization (correct)

Autoimmune disorders

What is an important factor to consider when diagnosing skin lesions in animals?

Type and distribution of lesions Signup and view all the answers

What is the prognosis for severe skin conditions in small animals?

Poor if the condition is severe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following procedures is essential in determining the aetiology of dermatosis?

A thorough clinical work-up Signup and view all the answers

What is a common systemic cause of skin lesions in animals?

Allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a condition causing environmental dermatosis?

Bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of pemphigus foliaceous?

Results in scaling and crusting lesions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common dietary cause of zinc-responsive dermatosis?

Poor quality diet deficient in zinc Signup and view all the answers

Which breeds are genetically predisposed to zinc absorption issues?

Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies Signup and view all the answers

What age group is most commonly affected by type 1 zinc-responsive dermatosis?

Young animals aged 1-3 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable clinical sign of lethal acrodermatitis in bull terriers?

Crusted lesions on ears and muzzle Signup and view all the answers

What type of lesions are associated with hepatocutaneous syndrome?

Scaly crusty lesions Signup and view all the answers

How do type 2 zinc-responsive dermatosis animals typically respond to zinc supplementation?

No response to zinc supplementation Signup and view all the answers

Which metabolic disorder is indicated by thickened and fissured footpads?

Hepatocutaneous syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What causes solar dermatitis?

Chronic sun damage due to UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can lead to photosensitization?

Presence of photodynamic agents Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of foreign body presence in dogs?

Pododermatitis and infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a preventive measure for myiasis in rabbits?

Regular grooming and inspection Signup and view all the answers

What type of dermatitis can be caused by contact with many common household items?

Contact dermatitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used to diagnose burns?

Physical examination and patient history Signup and view all the answers

What is associated with thermal and chemical burns in the context of environmental dermatosis?

Direct exposure to hot liquids or chemicals Signup and view all the answers

Which situation poses an increased risk for tick infestations?

Increased awareness and warmer climate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of Trilostane in treating hyperadrenocorticism?

Competitive inhibitor of 3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following breeds is NOT associated with Alopecia X?

Bulldog Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential side effect of Trilostane treatment?

Adrenal necrosis Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is indicated for the management of malignant tumors related to hyperadrenocorticism?

Pituitary irradiation Signup and view all the answers

How often should Trilostane be administered for optimal effect?

Every day with divided doses Signup and view all the answers

What type of alopecia is seasonal flank alopecia commonly associated with?

Breed-specific alopecia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following side effects may occur with Trilostane treatment?

Electrolyte imbalances Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual effective dosage range of Trilostane for treating PDH in kg?

2-5 mg/kg Signup and view all the answers

Which percentage of hyperadrenocorticism cases in dogs is attributed to pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism?

80-85% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following breeds is NOT commonly associated with hyperadrenocorticism?

German Shepherds Signup and view all the answers

What is a common dermatological sign associated with hyperadrenocorticism?

Calcinosis cutis Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is associated with adrenal dependent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs?

Abdominal distension Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common age range for dogs affected by pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism?

7-9 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical laboratory finding in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?

Elevated serum potassium Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of hyperadrenocorticism cases in dogs is related to adrenal dependent hyperadrenocorticism?

15-20% Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically observed in dogs suffering from hyperadrenocorticism?

Hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the hormonal imbalance in cases of hyperadrenocorticism?

Excess cortisol Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a likely consequence of adrenal tumors in dogs?

High blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical sign associated with hypothyroidism in dogs?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test result is indicative of hypothyroidism?

Low Total T4 and low free T4 with high endogenous TSH Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dosage range for levothyroxine treatment in dogs with hypothyroidism?

20-40 µg/kg daily Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following breeds is commonly associated with hypothyroidism?

Boxer Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential skin manifestation in dogs with hypothyroidism?

Bilateral symmetrical alopecia Signup and view all the answers

What factor can affect the availability of levothyroxine in dogs?

Presence of food Signup and view all the answers

What is an additional diagnostic consideration when Total T4 levels are low?

Sight hounds typically have lower levels Signup and view all the answers

Which condition might cause a false low estimate of Total T4 levels?

Cushing's disease Signup and view all the answers

What observation is typically seen first as a sign of improvement in hypothyroidism treatment?

Increased energy levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of thyroglobulin autoantibodies in hypothyroidism diagnosis?

Evidence of an active inflammatory process Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Approach to Crust, Scale, Environmental and Endocrine Dermatosis

Various presentations of crust and scale are discussed.
Crusts are composed of cells and dried exudate, potentially serous, sanguineous or purulent.
Scales are accumulations of horny layer (cornified cells) fragments. Normal loss is of individual cells, but abnormal scaling involves larger flakes.
Primary skin scaling disorders include Ichthyosis, and primary seborrhea which are generally not itchy. Secondary conditions account for over 80% of scaling disorders and are typically itchy.

Hereditary Skin Disorders

Ichthyosis is an abnormal cornification.
Nasal hyperkeratosis is also covered.
Lamellar ichthyosis is discussed specifically in golden retrievers.

Secondary Causes of Crusting and Scaly Conditions

Pruritic (itchy) causes: Parasites (scabies, Demodex, Cheyletiella); allergies (food, environmental); pyoderma (bacterial infections like Staphylococcus spp.).
Non-pruritic/variably pruritic causes: Fungal infections (dermatophytosis), leishmaniasis, sebaceous adenitis, sterile pustular diseases; zinc-responsive dermatosis; lethal acrodermatitis, metabolic disorders (hypothyroidism), erythema multiforme; drug reactions, and neoplasia.

Clinical Approach to Diagnosis

Diagnoses depend on the specific condition.
Diagnostic tests include cytology (skin scraping), cultures (bacterial/fungal), biopsies, allergy testing, and blood tests (if systemic disease suspected). Diet changes may be necessary

Parasitic Conditions (Pruritic)

Sarcoptes scabei: (mites) is highly pruritic, leading to papules, pustules, and crust formation in dogs and cats. The condition is frequently transmitted among animals (zoonotic) and even more commonly seen in foxes.
Cheyletiella: Species-specific mites affecting cats, rabbits, and dogs; characterized by clinical signs of walking dandruff.
Psoroptes cuniculi: Affects rabbits, irritating the ear lining and causing serum and thick brown crusts.

Pruritic Causes

Allergic conditions; characterized by thickened lesions and scale formation.
Pyoderma: Pus-filled bumps (pustules) lead to scaling and crusting from epidermal collarets.

Fungal Conditions (Non-pruritic)

Dermatophytosis (fungal skin infection): Commonly seen in cats and dogs, often exhibiting circular scaling patches. Can involve the head, ears, and other areas.

Protozoal Conditions (Non-pruritic)

Leishmaniasis: A zoonotic protozoal infection, uncommon in the UK, mainly found in imported rescue dogs, often associated with sandflies.

Sebaceous Adenitis

Immune-mediated condition affecting the sebaceous glands. Common in certain breeds like standard poodles, Akitas, and Samoyeds, often appearing as dry skin scaling and alopecia.

Pemphigus Foliaceous

Immune-mediated, leading to pustular diseases and scaling/crusting lesions.

Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis

Type 1—Inability to absorb zinc from the intestines; typically affects Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies.
Type 2—Diet deficient in zinc; often affecting Great Danes.

Metabolic Disorders

Hepatocutaneous syndrome—Older animals, frequently characterized by scaly, crusty lesions, and thickened/fissured footpads.
Hypothyroidism—Facial alopecia and scaling.
Diabetes—truncal hypotrichosis with seborrhea, and sometimes dull coat

Erythema Multiforme

Hypersensitivity reaction to infections, or drugs.
Lesion patterns might be in annular/polycyclic shapes.

Drug reactions

Results of taking drugs.
Usually occurs within two weeks of administrating.
Causes numerous reactions and crust/scale lesions.

Neoplasia (Epitheliotropic Lymphoma)

Condition often seen in older dogs.
Signs include scaly disease, and itching (pruritic).
Definitive diagnosis relies on FNA/impression smears and biopsies.
Treatment often involves chemotherapy and steroids.

Environmental Dermatoses

Solar dermatitis—Chronic skin damage from UV radiation exposure. Photo-sensitization is also discussed here as a condition where skin becomes more susceptible to UV light due to photodynamic agents, often with poorly pigmented nasal skin in dogs.
Tick infestation/Myiasis—More common in warmer climates.
Foreign bodies— Common in dogs; leads to pododermatitis and ear infections; often involving migrating grass seeds, surgical inspection and flushing are required.
Contact dermatitis- Often caused by environmental allergens including plants, gardening supplies, some chemicals, plastics, metals, abrasives, soaps, and other household cleaners for instance.
Burns—Common from thermal or chemical injury, diagnosing by history and thorough physical examinations.
Frostbite—Cold temperature injury, diagnosis by history and a complete physical exam are needed.
Intertrigo—Skin fold dermatitis is typical and is especially common in dogs such as bulldogs and Shar-Peis. Poor air circulation in skin folds can cause increased bacterial or Malassezia overgrowth in the skin fold areas.

Endocrine Dermatoses

Hypothyroidism—An often overlooked diagnosis, typically seen in middle-aged dogs of medium to large breeds and also characterized by symptoms of low thyroid function including lethargy, mental dullness, bradycardia, weight gain, hypothermia, myxedema, otitis externa, reduced fertility, neurological signs (laryngeal paralysis, megaesophagus), and skin lesions. Diagnosing is made using clinical signs, compatible signalment characteristics, physical examination findings and clinico-pathological abnormalities. Also supported by specific endocrine tests. Treatment involves consistent levothyroxine 20-40 µg/kg daily dosage.
Hyperadrenocorticism—A common endocrinopathy in dogs; characterized by excessive ACTH secretion which leads to adrenal hyperplasia, clinically significant signs often include polyphagia, weight gain, abdominal distension, muscle weakness, myotonia, skin atrophy (testicular), and neurological issues. Diagnosis is based on thorough clinical exam, patient history and results of various imaging and laboratory tests. Common treatment is lifelong use of trilostane for pituitary dependent HAC. Adrenal-dependent HAC is often treated surgically.

Alopecia X and Seasonal Flank Alopecia

Alopecia X: a non-well understood condition. Alopecia is a loss in hair, while X is an abbreviated form of unknown, such as X-linked recessive disorder. Typically seen in Nordic breeds with plush coats, it is characterized by symmertical non-inflammatory alopecia with the loss of primary hairs, followed by secondary hair.
Seasonal flank alopecia is a condition seen in certain breeds, like Airedales, Boxers, and Bulldogs, exhibiting hair loss specifically in the flank region during the seasonal changes.

Diagnostic Approaches

Various procedures are followed, relying on patient history, clinical presentation and physical exam findings, and diagnostic testing results to arrive at a diagnosis for cases characterized by crust, scale, environmental, or endocrine dermatosis.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions in small animals. This quiz covers various conditions, clinical signs, and environmental factors associated with dermatosis. Assess your understanding of important factors in veterinary dermatology.