Dermatology in small mammals and exotics workshop Flashcards
Give examples of primary causes of feather loss in parrots
Hypovitaminosis A
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Feather cyst
Giardia
Give examples of secondary causes of feather loss in parrots
Fungal/parasitic
Mites (Knemidocoptes)
Ringworm
Systemic illness
Give examples of behavioural causes of feather loss in parrots
Stress
Self mutilation
Boredom
Mating behaviours
Overbonding with owner
Give examples of primary causes of feather loss in chickens
Dermayssus Gallinae (red mite)
Nutritional deficiencies
Give examples of behavioural causes of feather loss in chickens
Feather pecking (hierarchy)
Poor enrichment
Stress
Overmating
Brooding
Give examples of causes of hair loss in guinea pigs
Cystic ovarian disease
Ectoparasites
Pyoderma
Post partum alopecia
Overgrooming
Endocrine disease
Vit C deficiency
Dermatophytes!
What are the 3 most common equine skin neoplasia? Describe their clinical signs
Melanoma
- Black, spherical or plaque like, common around perineum & parotid region of grey horses
Sarcoid
- Multiple types, usually hairless, sometimes ulcerative, common in groin, axilla & around eyes
Squamous cell carcinoma
- Raised, irregular, pink, locally invasive, common around genitals & eyes
What are equine sarcoids?
Most common skin tumour in horses, caused by Bovine Papillomavirus
What are key characteristics of equine sarcoids?
Locally invasive, fibroblastic & wart-like
Can be single or multiple lesions
Six different types exist
How are equine sarcoids diagnosed?
Based on visual appearance, but confirmed by biopsy
Histologically, they show dense dermal fibroblasts in interlacing bundles
How are equine sarcoids (Bovine Papillomavirus) transmitted?
Flies act as vectors, spreading virus between horses
Common in areas where flies frequently bite (e.g. groin, axilla & around eyes)
Describe the appearance of occult sarcoids
Describe the appearance of verrucose sarcoids
Describe the appearance of nodular sarcoids
Describe the appearance of fibroblastic sarcoids
Describe the appearance of malignant sarcoids
Describe the appearance of mixed sarcoids
Describe the treatment options of equine sarcoids
Laser surgical removal
Cryotherapy
Caustic cream application
Elastrator band application (causes hypoxic necrosis in nodular sarcoids)
Radiotherapy (particularly for periocular sarcoids)
How can melanomas around the perineum be treated?
Removed with a surgical lase
What are the key features of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)?
Locally invasive, pink, irregular, sometimes ulcerated lesions
Can grow rapidly
Often affects genitals, eyes, penis & third eyelid
What is the standard treatment for SCC?
Complete surgical excision is recommended as SCC can progress & spread rapidly
Histological confirmation ensures complete removal
Early intervention is curative in most cases
What are eosinophilic granulomas?
Small, firm, non-itchy, non-painful raised nodules with normal hair covering
Commonly found on withers & back
Not neoplastic; their exact cause is unknown
How are eosinophilic granulomas diagnosed?
Based on clinical appearance
Confirmed via fine needle aspirate or biopsy
What is the treatment for eosinophilic granulomas?
Often not required unless interfering with tack
Can be treated with surgical excision or corticosteroid injections if necessary
