The Wood's lamp versus M. CanisJanuary 18, 2023There were only a few percentages we were told to "memorize for boards" in veterinary school, a dozen years ago now. These included odds of malignancy in dog/cat mammary masses (50 percent/90 percent); canine splenic mass diagnoses (33 percent hematoma/hemangioma/ hemangiosarcoma); failure rates of TPLO versus TPP versus. lateral band in canine cruciate disease (now debunked); and, in dermatology, the sensitivity of the Wood's lamp in diagnosing dermatophytosis: less than 50 percent. Where did "50 percent" come from, and why has it been lodged so firmly in our heads? So firmly that I recently ran across this same number in the crisp 2022 edition of a small animal textbook. That number is wrong, and my veterinary friends, colleagues, students still quote it. It is also possible the first percentages quoted here need updating—they probably do (See: "When in doubt cut it out! But by how much?" by Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMA on VPN Plus+). A closer look at M. canis Dermatophytosis in small animals is generally caused by one of three fungal organisms: Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. M. canis is the only one of these that produces pteridine …
SPONSORED CONTENTOne dose protects for 12 months.One ProHeart® 12 (moxidectin) injection puts compliance in your control. + Get started
Nutritional influences in dermatological disordersAugust 10, 2021The skin is an important immune organ with functions including a barrier against foreign antigens, immunoregulation, vitamin D production, thermoregulation, nutrient storage, sensory perception, reproduction, and antimicrobial action.
Diagnosing and treating alopecia in dogsJune 1, 2021When a dog has an alopecic area, either the hair is not re-growing due to a hair cycle issue (lesions are symmetrical, large areas, and not itchy), or the hair is falling out due to folliculitis: staphylococcus, demodicosis, dermatophytosis, atopic dermatitis, or other causes.
Up to scratch: Topical treatments for skin conditionsOctober 7, 2020Itchy skin conditions are high on the list of problems pet owners bring to veterinarians. Approximately 10 percent of cats and dogs suffer from some type of allergy.
Veterinarians urged to discuss skin health with clientsJuly 30, 2019Recent years have seen a rash of skin conditions in pets, and Zoetis is urging animal health professionals to speak up on the issue.
Getting to the root of pyodermaMay 7, 2019Scaling, hair loss, papules, pustules, and epidermal collarettes. All are clinical signs pointing toward canine pyoderma. The culprit may seem clear at first glance; however, veterinarians must look at the bigger picture to address the underlining issue. It's important to first understand the meaning of pyoderma, particularly regarding the depth of infection, says Elizabeth Layne, DVM, Dipl. ACVD, clinical instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine. The most common form of pyoderma is superficial bacterial folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the upper part of the hair follicle, caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Deep bacterial infections (presented as swelling, nodular lesions, and oozing draining tracts) can occur, but that is a different diagnostic and therapeutic approach, Dr. Layne adds. Superficial bacterial pyoderma is almost always secondary to some kind of skin abnormality, such as atopic dermatitis. Other skin diseases (e.g. flea allergy dermatitis, sebaceous adenitis, or primary seborrhea) can also result in superficial pyoderma, Layne notes. Systemic illness or immune compromise may lead to superficial bacterial pyoderma as well. Since pyoderma commonly masks another condition, a vicious treatment cycle can ensue if the underlining problem isn't identified. "Veterinarians often recognize the signs of infection and treat with antibiotics …
University of Minnesota seeks participants for skin disease studyApril 5, 2019University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for candidates to enroll in an allergic skin disease study. The clinical trial will assess the safety and efficacy of a topical gel for dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD), which is a skin condition that causes severe itching and is hard to manage. According to the researchers, many of the current treatments produce unwanted side effects or they do not fully treat the symptoms. The study will last 14 days and will require the participants to visit UMN on day zero, seven, and 14. The dogs' owners will be required to use a topical gel on areas of their pets' skin and keep a medication diary throughout the duration. During the visits, Sheila Torres, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVD, will examine and assess the participants. Blood samples will be taken every visit and urine samples on day zero and 14. There is no cost, and at the end of the study dog owners will be eligible for to a $200 debit card. To participate dogs must: • have a short hair coat; • have red and inflamed skin, especially on their belly and/or paws; • have a …
Companies partner to perform trials of antimicrobial topical treatmentJanuary 9, 2019Stonehaven Incubate and antimicrobial protein specialist Lysando have agreed to jointly conduct proof-of-concept trials for new topical treatments based on Artilysin, a new antimicrobial platform technology.
The latest advancements in atopic dermatitis treatments in dogs and catsMay 10, 2016It’s no secret that one of the top conditions that compels people to take their pets to the veterinarian is itchy skin and the allergies that can cause it. Thankfully, treatment options for atopic dermatitis (AD) have improved greatly in recent years, and other solutions appear to be on the way.
