9- The general approach to dermatological patient

Question 1

Describe the general approach to investigating cause of skin disease

Answer 1

History
Differential diagnoses
Initial diagnostic tests
Diagnosis
Further investigations
Trial therapy

Question 2

What aspects of signalment are important when investigating skin disease

Answer 2

Age- immature, young, old
Sex- entire male/female
Breed- predispositions

Question 3

List some important things to ask about the history of the patient when investigating skin disease

Answer 3

Any underlying systemic disease
systemic disease that may affect diagnostic or treatment plan
Drug history

Question 4

List some of the important aspects of lifestyle/ management when investigating skin disease

Answer 4

Housed/ stabled
If not housed, nature of environment
Any recent introductions to the group
Contact with other species
Do they hunt

Question 5

List some key questions to ask when obtaining a dermatological history

Answer 5

Details of in-contact animals and people
past dermatological history Onset of current problem- when, nature of lesion, which areas affected, pruritus, seasonality

Question 6

What are the common tests are what are they used for in common dermatological conditions

Answer 6

Coat comb- surface parasites- fleas
Acetate tape strip unstained- surface parasites
Superficial skin scrape- surface parasites
Deep skin scrape- deep parasites
Trichogram- parasites of hair shaft, dermatophytes, hair abnormalities
Cytology- bacteria and yeast detection, cell type
Woods lamp- Microsporum canis
Swab for culture- yeast and bacteria