ANSWERS

Note that some of the questions in this section (those marked with an asterisk) are more advanced than required for the final V.N. exams. However, they are of interest to those already qualified, or studying for the Medical Diploma.

1. Define the following: pruritis, seborrhoea and pyoderma.
   • Pruritis - a sensation within the skin that produces the desire to scratch in order to relieve the irritation.
   • Seborrhoea - an abnormally copious excretion of sebum that may make the skin appear oily.
   • Pyoderma - any pyogenic (pus producing) skin infection; usually secondary to some other skin disease.
2. What is the term that describes redness of the skin caused by congestion of the capillaries in its lower layers?
   Erythema.
3. *What is the most common pathogen isolated in cases of canine pyoderma?
   Staphylococcus intermedius.
4. *List 3 secondary opportunistic bacteria that are commonly associated with Staphylococcus intermedius in cases of canine pyoderma.
   • Proteus.
   • Pseudomonas.
   • Corynebacterium.
5. What is the general term used to describe the loss of hair from any site and for any reason?
   Alopecia.
6. List 5 hormonal diseases that may cause bilaterally symmetrical alopecia.
   • Canine ovarian imbalances.
   • Feline hormonal alopecia.
   • Hyperadrenocorticalism.
   • Hypothyroidism.
   • Sertoli cell tumour.
7. By what other name might acute moist dermatitis be known?
   Wet eczema.
8. The veterinary surgeon has asked you to bathe a Golden Retriever suffering from acute moist dermatitis. Describe the procedure.
   • Talk to and reassure the animal.
   • Ensure that the animal is adequately restrained (Moist dermatitis can be very painful and therefore sedation may be required).
   • Adorn protective apron and gloves.
   • Gently clip the hair from the affected area/s using clippers. Make sure the clippers do not overheat since excessive heat and friction could worsen the condition. Ensure that a margin of healthy skin is exposed.
   • Use a mild antiseptic solution to gently cleanse the area.
   • Administer drugs according to the veterinary surgeon's instructions (oral antibiotics are usually indicated, topical preparations may be advised).
   • Ensure that the client is given the correct instructions for home care and drug administration.
9. What part of the anatomy is affected by labial dermatitis?
   The lips.
10. Give 2 examples of superficial pyodermas and briefly describe each.
    • Juvenile pustular dermatitis - As its name implies, most often seen in puppies. It is characterised by multiple pustules and yellow scabs, particularly on the ventral abdomen.
    • Folliculitis - Infection of the hair follicles. It is characterised by the formation of pustules that have a hair protruding. The lesions may assume a ring formation and particularly affect the ventral abdomen.
11. By what other name might juvenile pustular dermatitis or puppy pyoderma be known?
    Impetigo.
12. Give 2 examples of deep pyodermas and briefly describe each.
    • Interdigital pyoderma - The paws become swollen and painful, and areas of alopecia and pus exudation are likely to be evident. In severe cases, ulceration and fistulas may result.
    • Furunculosis - A staphylococcal infection represented by many clumps of pustules, ulcers and fistulas. Lesions are most commonly found on the nose, muzzle, flanks and perineum.
13. By what other name might interdigital pyoderma be known?
    Pododermatitis.
14. Give an example of a breed of dog that is predisposed to interdigital dermatitis?
    The English Bull Terrier.
15. State 2 medical conditions that are often associated with furunculosis.
    • Demodicosis.
    • Hypothyroidism.
16. Give an example of a breed of dog that is predisposed to anal furunculosis.
    The German Shepherd.
17. What is the treatment of choice for anal furunculosis (perianal fistulae)?
    Cryosurgery, after debridement and possible anal sac excision.
18. What is urticaria?
    An acute or chronic allergic skin condition characterised by the recurrent appearance of an eruption of weals causing great irritation.
19. List 6 possible causes of urticaria.
    • Drugs or vaccines.
    • Insect bites.
    • Stings.
    • Infection.
    • Stress.
    • Certain foods.
20. What is the name given to a state of hypersensitivity to certain antigens?
    Atopy.
21. *In dogs, state the age range at which atopic dermatitis is most likely to occur.
    At 1-3 years of age.
22. List 5 treatments that may be used in the management of atopic dermatitis.
    • Corticosteroids.
    • Antihistamines.
    • Specially prepared hyposensitivity drugs.
    • Essential fatty acid supplementation.
    • Topical shampoos such as colloidal oatmeal every 3 days.
23. List the 6 most common possible causes of atopic dermatitis.
    • House dust.
    • House dust mites.
    • Pollen.
    • Fungi.
    • Danders.
    • Pollens.
24. What is meant by an "elimination diet"?
    This is a method of diagnosing hypersensitivity to certain types of food. A single protein and carbohydrate source to which the animal has had no previous exposure are fed exclusively for a 6-8 week period. After this period, single food items are reintroduced back into the diet in order to determine which allergens are involved.
25. State 2 diagnostic tests that may aid the diagnosis of allergic skin disease.
    • Patch testing.
    • Intradermal skin testing.
26. Why should only xylazine or medetomidine be used as sedative drugs prior to intradermal skin testing?
    Any other drug may interfere with the test and cause inaccurate results.
27. When performing intradermal skin testing, 2 other substances are administered in addition to the allergen. What are they?
    • A positive control - histamine.
    • A negative control - sterile diluent.
28. List 5 symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis.
    • Erythema.
    • Papules.
    • Pustules.
    • Crusts.
    • Hair loss.
29. By what other name might feline miliary dermatitis be known?
    Miliary eczema.
30. What is the most common cause of feline miliary dermatitis?
    Hypersensitivity to flea saliva or excreta.
31. What is excoriation?
    An abrasion of the skin; often as a result of self-inflicted trauma following conditions such as flea allergy dermatitis.
32. What is acanthosis nigricans?
    A cutaneous reaction characterised by skin thickening, alopecia and excessive pigmentation. The cause may be due to friction, allergy or a hormone imbalance.
33. What breed of dog is particularly predisposed to acanthosis nigricans?
    The Dachshund.
34. State the 2 most likely causes of canine acne.
    • Androgen increase at puberty.
    • Foreign body granulomata (hair and keratin).
35. What is the name given to the skin disease of cats associated with continual licking, cleaning or hair-pulling, attributed to stress factors or anxiety neurosis?
    Psychogenic neurodermatitis (or psychogenic alopecia/dermatitis).
36. What is the name of the skin disease of cats that may predispose to squamous cell carcinoma?
    Solar dermatitis.
37. By what name is juvenile cellulitis commonly known?
    Puppy strangles.
38. List the prescription diets that may be useful in the management of skin disease.
    • Hills Z/D Diet.
    • Waltham Sensitivity Control.
39. From what food source is the carbohydrate proportion in hypoallergenic diets usually derived?
    Rice.
40. What is meant by "novel ingredients", and when might their use be indicated?
    These are ingredients that are not typically used in the pet food industry. Some animals develop an intolerance to certain food stuffs, and the use of novel ingredients means that prior sensitisation to them is unlikely e.g. capolin and tapioca.