Focal and multifocal alopecia in dogs and cats. – Dr. Chiara Noli Focal and multifocal alopecia are signs of follicular diseases, such as dermatophytosis, demodicosis or bacterial folliculitis. Rarely it is associated with more unusual diseases, such as alopecia areata or sebaceous adenitis. Diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings, trichoscopy, cytology, fungal or bacterial cultures […]
Symmetrical alopecia in dogs. – Dr. Chiara Noli Symmetrical alopecia in dogs can be the consequence of endocrine diseases, such as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, testicular tumor, or non-endocrine causes, such as pattern baldness, alopecia X, anagen or telogen effluvium. Identifying the cause of the alopecia is not always easy and relies on a variety of diagnostic […]
Canine skin diseases with scales and crusts. – Dr. Manolis Saridomichelakis There are many cutaneous and systemic diseases manifesting as extensive scaling and/or crusting. A careful consideration of the history, a detailed systemic examination, a careful dermatologic examination paying particular attention to the distribution of the skin lesions, and carefully selected diagnostic tests that may […]
Blistering (pustular) and erosive skin diseases in dogs and cats. – Dr. Chiara Noli Erosive, blistering lesions are rare in dogs and cats, most typically due to autoimmune or immune mediated diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris, vesicular diseases of the basal membrane or erythema multiforme. These diseases target the epidermis in their immunological reaction, and […]
Skin and haircoat depigmentation in dogs. – Dr. Manolis Saridomichelakis Loss of skin and haircoat pigmentation can be congenital or acquired, can be caused by lack of melanocytes, inability of melanocytes to produce melanin, destruction of melanocytes, or loss of melanin from the epidermis into the dermis. These diseases may be indolent and involve only […]
Nodules, masses, and sinus tracts in dogs. – Dr. Chiara Noli Nodular and plaque like lesions usually are of neoplastic or reactive nature. Numerous are the diseases that manifest with nodules, plaques and sinous tracts, including neoplastic, infectious and sterile immune-mediated causes. Cytology is usually the first and most important diagnostic procedure, followed by histopathology, […]
Skin diseases with ulcers and sinus tracts in dogs and cats. – Dr. Manolis Saridomichelakis There are too many diseases causing skin ulceration and sinus tract formation. They vary from deep infections due to common microorganisms, to hereditary, immune-mediated or idiopathic cases. Some of them are easily diagnosed on clinical grounds but some others need […]