Dermatology: Coat Assessment

 


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 casts indicate active follicular inflammation and help differentiate causes of hair loss and scaling.

KERATINIZATION DISORDER


Seborrhea




Definition: Abnormal scaling and oiliness of the skin due to dysfunction of the sebaceous glands.

Types:

  • Seborrhea sicca – dry, flaky skin
  • Seborrhea oleosa – greasy, oily skin

Associated conditions:

  • Demodex mites often thrive in sebaceous glands, worsening inflammation and scaling
  • Underlying endocrine disorders
  • Secondary infections
  • Exacerbated by immune or dietary factors
Ichthyosis (Large scales)


Definition: Genetic or early-life skin disorder characterized by abnormal keratinization, leading to large, thick scales.

Appearance: Dry, thick, platelike scales over the body; skin may appear rough or coarse.

Causes/Triggers:
  • Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy or lactation, and inadequate diet during puppy weaning can contribute to abnormal skin development.
  • Genetic predisposition – certain breeds are commonly affected (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers)
  • Secondary irritation or inflammation can worsen scaling

Clinical relevance: Ichthyosis is primarily a hereditary condition, however early-life dietary deficiencies can exacerbate ichthyosis, highlighting the importance of maternal and puppy nutrition alongside genetic predisposition. Proper skin care and diet can  manage discomfort and prevent secondary infections.

Fistulas / Sinuses / Draining Tracts

Definition: Abnormal channels through the skin allowing pus or fluid to drain.

Appearance: Open tracts, often with discharge, sometimes painful.

Causes/Triggers:
  • Chronic infections (bacterial, fungal, or parasitic)
  • Foreign bodies
  • Immune-mediated or endocrine disorders
  • Nutritional factors: Diets that are raw, improperly balanced, or inadequately processed kibble can predispose to chronic skin infections, delayed healing, and formation of draining tracts.
Clinical relevance: Indicates deep or chronic skin disease; requires thorough evaluation, culture, and targeted treatment. Properly balanced nutrition supports immune function and skin integrity, reducing the risk of chronic lesions progressing to fistulas or draining tracts.

**Large scales in ichthyosis can predispose to secondary infections, which may progress to fistulas or draining tracts if untreated.

Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. (2022). [Dermatology]. Brought to you by OAVT Seminar.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DIRECTLY FROM THE PROFESSIONAL'S: Senior Nutrition

 SUMMERY - Number one most important nutrient: SAFE CLEAN WATER - Protein is not bad for your senior cat. On a case-by-case basis manipulation of protein levels in a diet might be needed, due to the excess protein being filtered through already insufficient kidneys which contributes to glomerular hypertension and damaging the fragile nephrons. - Restricting protein preemptively or too early (before there is a demonstrable late-stage renal disease present) can be detrimental, and potentially cause muscle loss in senior cats - All pets should be fed a complete and balanced diet that provides nutrition for the gut and not disrupt the urinary system. It should also maintain skin and coat health. - Signs of an underlying medical problem: --> Reduced muscle from arthritis --> Reduced appetite due to loss of smell or taste -->Changes in metabolism (a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or neoplasia) --> Reduced protein intake/digestion -->Bladder or urinary issues without cause ...
Read more

Changes in Dog foods 2025

Image
  **Companies playing around with ingredients doesn't apply to just one brand a wide range of pet products are undergoing this shift process depending what the demand of consumers are vs pet needs.   For some dogs the ingredient adjustment may actually benefit for others it may not. The importance of keeping track of your pet's Poop quality and weight as well as allergy activity when there is an ingredient shift in their diet. Do not rely on Fad trends or information. Listen to how your pet responds to the change instead.  Allow 3 weeks and remove all treats, food toppers, no table food to make sure your pet is adjusted.  It also helps to eliminate any other things that may be causing them skin or digestive distress and rule out their main food being the problem.  ** Make sure its the Chicken Recipe for medium size dogs.  ** Ingredients shift late  2025  **Dogs with Skin sensitivities.  Feed below recommended dose if pet is sedentary or ...
Read more