Dermatology

Understanding canine atopic dermatitis

Canine atopic dermatitis is diagnosed initially with the clinical evaluation of a combination of criteria that are closely associated with the disease (DeBoer and Hillier, 2001). Once it is certain...

The geriatric guinea pig

Arthritis is often seen in guinea pigs that are suffering from hypovitaminosis C (scurvy) as this results in intra-articular haemorrhage (Witkowska et al, 2017). It has also been noted in those...

Pruritus in dogs and cats part 2: allergic causes of pruritus and the allergic patient

In modern general practice, because of regular use of efficient ectoparasiticides, the main cause of ectoparasite-linked pruritus likely to be encountered is a hypersensitivity to flea saliva, as...

Pruritus in dogs and cats part 1: what is pruritus and how do we approach the pruritic patient?

It is worth emphasising that pruritus in a patient can be the result of several co-existing pruritogenic processes combining together to push the individual over what is known as the pruritic...

Cutaneous adverse food reactions

The role of food allergies in canine and feline IBD is unknown. In IBD, the immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, which can include food, that causes inflammation of the...

Improving utilisation of RVNs in dermatology cases

Veterinary practices may stock a number of different ear preparations and cleaners based on first- and second-line preferences, which may be set out by a practice protocol or guidelines. In many...

Pseudomonas otitis: what nurses need to know — frequently asked questions

Pseudomonas species are Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. They are widespread in nature but are particularly found in aquatic habitats, soil and in decaying vegetation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is...

Skin cytology for the veterinary nurse

The choice of diagnostic technique will depend on the type of lesion that is presented. Where the lesion is superficial, such as an area of erythema, erosion, ulceration or primary lesions like...

Cutaneous sun damage and skin protection: a focus on FiltaClear

Phototoxicity, often referred to as solar dermatitis, is purely a reaction to over-exposure to the sun's rays. Although the condition develops most commonly when white or non-pigmented skin is exposed...

Canine atopic dermatitis: diagnosis and management

CAD is a complex interaction between genetic, immunological, environmental and microbial factors. CAD has recently been described as: ‘…a genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic...