Dermatology of small mammals and exotic species Flashcards
What are the most common derm conditions in small mammals? What clinical signs are associated?
Mites
desquamation, erythema, alopecia, pruritus, crusts
Abscess
mass, pain, erythema, pus
Myasis (fly-strike)
exudative, ulcers, larvae!
Dermatophytosis (ring worm)
alopecia, desquamation, erythema, usually circular?
Mast cell tumour
small epidermal mass, pruritus, ulcerated, dark colour. FERRET
Trichofolliculomas
No pain, no attached, sebaceous grey secretion, can get big. GUINEA PIG
What can you see on this guinea pig?
Trichofolliculoma
What are the most common derm diseases in birds? What clinical signs are associated?
Mites
desquamation, erythema, alopecia, pruritus, crusts
beak and legs hyperkeratosis common
Hypovitaminosis A
Hyperkeratosis (beak and leg), blepharitis, rhinitis, sinusitis …
Feather cysts
Subcutaneous mass, wings common location, caseous secretion, cage birds (canaries and budgies)
Pododermatitis (bumblefoot)
Plantar region, swelling, erythema, ulcer, pus, pain
What are the most common derm diseases in reptiles? What clinical signs are associated?
Skin burns
Discoloured areas, ulcers, exudative, blisters
Dysecdysis
Skin retention, usually toes and eye spectacles
Traumatic wounds
Damaged skin, ulcers, erosions, deeper tissue may be affected: from prey animals, other pets or wildlife
Dermatitis/skin ulcers
Erythema, exudate, ulcerated
What disease is this an example of?
Dermatitis
What is this an example of?
Dysecdysis
What is your diagnostic plan when investigating derm problems in exoctics?
Often
* Skin cytology/impression smears
* Acetate tape impression (useful for mites)
* Skin scrapings ——> very careful in birds!
* Hair, feather or shed skin microscopy
Sometimes
* Fine needle aspiration (if there is a mass) (Guinea pigs)
* Skin biopsy
* Culture and sensitivity (bacterial and fungal)
* PCR tests (viral diseases, PBFD)
* Blood test
* Imaging (radiographs or ultrasound)
How can you manage and prevent derm diseases in exotics?
Treat underlying conditions and correct husbandry and diet
What skin signs may be indicative of systemic disorder?
Hyperkeratosis on legs or beak (Birds)
Palpebral oedema and beak changes (reptiles)
Hypovitaminosis A
Skin redness (particularly chelonians)
Septicemia
Shell ulcers (chelonians)
Septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD)
Dysecdysis (reptiles)
Kidney disease or other causes of dehydration
Mites (small mammals)
Associated with debilitating disease (kidney disease, neoplasia, others)
Myasis (rabbits)
Associated with obesity or joint disease
Shell pyramiding (chelonians)
Calcium deficiency, lack of UV, bad nutrition …
Feather stress bars (birds)
Severe stress or poor nutrition
How would you treat the most common derm conditions in small mammals?
Mites
Ivermectin (Xeno), Selamectin, Imidacloprid (Advocate, only ferret)
Abscess
SURGICAL USUALLY NEEDED, topical, antibiotics (C&S!!!!! Capsule)
Myasis (fly-strike)
Ivermectin (Xeno), Selamectin, surgical debridement, topical treatment.
Dermatophytosis (ring worm)
Topical antifungal (F10), systemic antifungals (side effects) Itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine …
Mast cell tumour
Surgical excision, usually good prognosis
Trichofolliculomas
Surgical excision, benign, good prognosis
Correct underlying cause
How would you treat the msot common derm conditions in birds?
Mites
Ivermectin (Xeno), Selamectin
Hypovitaminosis A
Supplementation + treat systemic issues
Feather cysts
Surgical
Pododermatitis (bumblefoot)
NSAID, antibiotic (C&S!!), surgical debridement, topical treatment
Correct underlying cause
How would you treat the most common derm conditions in reptiles?
Skin burns
Topical, surgical debridement
Dysecdysis
Warm baths, brushing?? Correct underlying causes
Traumatic wounds
Surgical debridement, close by 2nd intention, cover with hydrocolloid if exudate, keep moist. C&S if infected. Antibiotics.
Dermatitis/skin ulcers
Topical treatment (F10), antibiotics (C&S!!), analgesia.
Correct underlying cause
What are the causes of intrinsic feather loss?
- Inappropriate caging
- Low humidity
- Inappropriate photoperiod
- Circovirus (PBFD)
- Malnutrition
- Mites
- Polyomavirus
What are medical and psychogenic causes of feather destructive behaviour?
FDB Medical causes
* Renal disease
* Septicaemia
* Hepatic disease
* Hypothyroidism
* Allergy
* Dermatitis
FDB Psychogenic causes
* No enrichment
* Lack of exercise
* Inadvertent reinforcement
* Inadequate bond with owner
* Hormonal stimulation
* Conflict behaviours
