Pruritus in cats and dogs. – Dr. Chiara Noli Pruritus is the most common presenting complaint in cats and dogs, accounting for over half of the dermatological cases. There are several causes for pruritus, among these parasitic, infectious and allergic diseases. A systematic diagnostic approach is necessary to identify the correct diagnosis and plan the […]
Complicated cases of atopic dermatitis in dogs. – Dr. Manolis Saridomichelakis Some dogs with chronic, severe, and poorly controlled atopic dermatitis are presented with worrisome comorbidities, such as end-stage otitis externa, otitis media, and deep bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. A strategic plan is needed to control these comorbidities, to complete the diagnostic investigation […]
Complicated and unusual cases of pruritus in dogs and cats. – Dr. Manolis Saridomichelakis From time to time, we examine dogs and cats with pruritic skin diseases where the primary cause is not easy to identify. They may represent unusual clinical presentations of common skin diseases, less common diseases or the cumulative effect of multiple […]
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 […]