Debunking Pet Care

  Check overall coat quality: Is it full and healthy? Signs to evaluate: Dry → may indicate nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, or environmental factors. Greasy → could signal seborrhea, hormonal imbalances, or dietary issues. Moth-eaten appearance → suggests folliculitis (bacterial infection of hair follicles causing hair loss). Regular coat assessment helps identify underlying systemic, endocrine, or infectious issues before more obvious skin lesions develop. Follicular casting  (when hair follicles aren't working properly, clogged bits at the ends of the hair) Definition: Cylindrical keratin or debris that encases the hair shaft, often seen as small tubular sheaths along hairs. Appearance: White or yellow tubular casts along individual hairs; may be associated with hair loss or scaling. Causes/Triggers: Folliculitis – bacterial infection of hair follicles Demodicosis – mite infestations Seborrhea or other inflammatory skin conditions Clinical relevance: Follicular ca...

   Juvenile cellulitis/ puppy strangles supposedly caused by vaccine reaction however has not been proven. However there is a possibility of predisposition due to mother's nutrition or puppy nutrition prior to weening or due to selected formula after weening.   Faces will swell up with cellulitis, crusty and oozing faces Middle dog has been treated with immunosuppressive doses of steroids for 4 weeks. Submandibular lymphodes get extremely large which can eventually cause strangling of puppy "puppy strangles" Demodicosis (Red Mange) Cause: Overgrowth of Demodex mites, normally present in small numbers on healthy skin. Appearance: Redness, hair loss (alopecia), scaling, and sometimes secondary infections. Forms: Localized: Small patches, often in young dogs; may resolve spontaneously. Generalized: Widespread lesions, more severe; may require long-term treatment. Commonly affected areas: Face, forelegs, around eyes, and paws. **Note: Often linked to immune dysfunction; ...

Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. (2022). [Dermatology] . Brought to you by OAVT Seminar.  EGC- Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex Allergy related  A itchy cat will lick its self with their barbed tongue which leads to self trauma  Inflammatory cells come to the rescue along with  eosinophilic cells reacting creating eosinophilic plaques  Often on the belly but can appear anywhere Papules --> little red bumps can turn into big boulders  Miliary Dermatitis --> Chances are there is an underlying allergy   Texture: millet seeds  CLINICAL PATTERNS  - Secondary infections caused by food allergies, compromised skin barrier and or a compromised immune system  - Then leads to infections - Infections are always secondary no such thing as primary infections ○ Folliculitis ○ Pododermatitis- paw infections ○ Otitis externa/interna- ear infections ○ Yeast Dermatitis  Why? - Pruritus- Itchy? Makes them pred...

  Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. (2022). [Dermatology] . Brought to you by OAVT Seminar. MUCINOSIS - Folds in skin, normal folds due to breed EDEMA Facial edema → “Tragic expression” Mixed edema → may include tail base edema (1) First action : Check thyroid function Tail base edema (“jelly butt”) → indicative of fluid accumulation (1) Erythema (skin redness) → chronic inflammation → post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (2) Persistent inflammation → Lichenification (thickened, leathery skin) (3) Lichenified skin → ideal surface for secondary infections HYPERKERATOSIS  Thickened Skin & Nasal/Foot Pad  Thickened areas are often the first visible sign of systemic or internal disease, especially on nasal and foot pads. Indicator of other diseases:  Canine distemper (foot pads) Leishmaniasis Pemphigus (most common autoimmune skin disease) Zinc-responsive dermatosis (nutritional absorption issue) Hepatocutaneous syndrome / Superficial necrolytic dermat...

  Why Dermatology Can Feel Like Déjà Vu: When Everything Looks the Same In veterinary practice, dermatology can feel like a never-ending cycle: The pet improves… then flares again. Treatments are prescribed… but compliance is difficult. Owners get frustrated, the veterinary team gets frustrated and ultimately, the animal suffers . The truth is: Dermatology Is a Team Sport Success in dermatology cases requires consistent collaboration. Veterinarians, RVTs, and pet owners must work together at every step. When RVTs are actively involved monitoring progress, educating owners, performing rechecks they become a high-value, irreplaceable part of the pet's healthcare team. Why Does Everything Look the Same? Because the skin only has a limited number of reaction patterns . Different diseases can create similar-looking lesions, which is why Derm cases require careful detective work. The Pet Profile Matters Signalment gives vital clues. Species Breed Sex Age C...