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...

Figure 2. Skin scraping taken from the dorsum of a Sheltie with diffuse scaling and erythema; note how the dislodged epidermal material adheres to the sharp edge of the scalpel blade because it is coated with liquid paraffin and also that the skin has been scraped repeatedly by the pet to cause erosion of the epidermis.

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...

Diet in canine dermatology part 1: nutrition for skin health and support

Veterinary nurses can play a crucial role in assisting with a full dermatological history to aid the diagnosis of any skin disease. As part of this, obtaining a full dietary history from owners is...

Use of cytology for diagnosis in veterinary dermatology

Focusing the clinic microscope is not difficult: Turn the light on, lower the stage to the lowest point.Place the slide on the stage sample side up. Clip it in place. Place a drop of oil on the slide...