Dermatology

Question 1

When is it normal to see a bilateral symmetrical alopecia of the tail/perianal area in ferrets?

Answer 1

During the breeding season (March-Aug in N hemisphere)

Question 2

What disease can cause sudden onset crusting and erythema on ventral inguinal area of ferrets and well-demarcated alopecia, erythema, scaling and lichenification of front/rear limbs and ventral region in guinea pigs?

Answer 2

Epitheliotropic lymphoma

Question 3

What parasitic infestation causes intense pruritus (may visually appear as a seizure), alopecia, crusts, etc in guinea pigs?

Answer 3

Trixacarus caviae infestation

Question 4

What mite causes severe crusting, lichenification and quill loss in African hedgehogs?

Answer 4

Caparina tripillis

Question 5

In what 2 ECM species are neoplastic skin lesions uncommon?

Answer 5

Chinchillas and degus

Question 6

A rabbit with skin nodules on the head and genital area, with ocular edema and blepharoconjunctivitis is likely suffering from what disease process?

Answer 6

Myxomatosis

Question 7

Describe the appearance and most common locations of Shope fibroma lesions vs Shope papilloma lesions

Answer 7

Fibromatosis: soft tissue swellings around the head, limbs, perianal regions
Papillomatosis: horn-like lesions around ears, eyelids, neck, shoulders

Question 8

What common tumor in guinea pigs causes large solitary masses along the back and flanks that rupture and exude a sebaceous exudate

Answer 8

Trichofolliculoma

Question 9

What can be added to trichograms to aid in identification of fungal arthrospores or hyphae?

Answer 9

Potassium hydroxide 10% or lactophenol cotton blue

Question 10

What is the fastest way to distinguish normal broken hairs from barbering from abnormal hair caused by follicular dysplasia or infectious agents?

Answer 10

Trichogram

Question 11

What feature makes rodents susceptible to heat stress?

Answer 11

Lack of apocrine sweat glands; (and eccrine sweat glands only in footpads of mice, rats and hamsters)

Question 12

What is the most common dermatophyte isolated from guinea pigs and chinchillas?

Answer 12

Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Question 13

What are the most commonly reported ectoparasites in mice and rats? Hamsters?

Answer 13

Mites and lice; Demodicosis

Question 14

What is the preferred treatment for dermatophytosis in guinea pigs?

Answer 14

Terbinafine (safter and better efficacy vs. azoles and potentially topicals)

Question 15

List 4 potential treatment options for ulcerative dermatitis in mice.

Answer 15

1. Toenail trimming
2. Topical (0.005% sodium hypochlorite SID)
3. Dietary vitamin E supplementation
4. Maropitant

Question 16

A rat presents with a firm, ulcerated SQ mass below the ear. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer 16

Zymbal’s gland tumor

Question 17

What is the cause of ‘bald nose’ in prairie dogs?

Answer 17

Rubbing against cage/excessive grooming due to boredom, stress, lack of companionship

Question 18

What is the most common cause for pruritus in rabbits?

Answer 18

Ectoparasites

Question 19

What infectious agent is most commonly present with pododermatitis in rabbits?

Answer 19

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 20

What is the incubation period for myxomatosis?

Answer 20

8-21 days

Question 21

What is the prognosis for myxomatosis?

Answer 21

Grave - morbidity and mortality approach 100%

Question 22

What is the most common reason for nonpruritic alopecia in rabbits?

Answer 22

Dermatophytosis