Exam 1 Dermatology Flashcards
Skin Scrapings function
This diagnostic test has 1 function: to evaluate for parasites. Diagnose ectoparasite discorders.
Keys to Diagnostic skin scrapings
- clip the hair or scrape a hairless area - squeeze the skin (gently) prior to scraping - scrape a sufficient area - scrape to the proper depth!
Why do you squeeze the skin while doing a skin scraping
this helps diagnose Demodex, or parasites that live in the hair follicles.
what direction do you scrape when you are doing a skin scraping
With a scalpal scrape in the direction of the hair. 1-2 cm area in diameter is generally sufficient and you do not need to scrape tot he capillary hemorrhage.
You identify this on Histology. What is it
Keratinocytic plug
If you do not see any of these on a slide, then you know you did not squeeze the skin hard enough
Evaluation for Yeast (Malassezia spp.)
- Demonstrate the organism
- impression smear
- cotton-tipped applicator swabs
- skin scraping
- Culture
- Histopathology
What technique do you need when making a slide for yeast
press the glass slide against the skin. To get the yeast to stick, you have to have a firm background
Should you use a fixative when staining a slide with tape on the slide
no, it will make the slide hazy
Trichogram - How to
Grasp the hairs firmly with forceps
Gentle, but firm, removal from follicle
Place on a slide in mineral oil
Add a cover slip
Examine microscopically
What is evidence of pruritus when performing a trichogram
The distal ends of the hair will appear to be damaged. This supports the claim of pruritus.
What type of hairs are in a “resting” state
Telogen hairs
when these are removed, they pull the whole root with it.
What are the growing hairs?
Antigen hairs- these tend to break off when they are removed.
Diagnosis of Dermatophytosis
Wood’s lamp examination
KOH preparation (trichogram)
Fungal culture
Histopathology of a skin biopsy
what are the folicular mites of the Genus Demodex
Demodex canis
Demodex injai
Demodex cati
What is an example of surface mites of the genus Demodex
Demodex gatoi (found in cats)
What is the pathogenesis of Demodicosis
- A mite-specific immunoincompetency allows for proliferation of mites
- Mites secrete some factor that suppresses T lymphocyte function resulting in general immunoinsufficiency
- Secondary infections are common
- Causing additional immunosuppression
Describe Localized Demodicosis
- Lesions restricted to one (or two) body areas
- Signs include alopecia, erythema, mild scaling
- 90% spontaneously resolve
- Treatment is not necessary, but if it is done, it will make lesions look worse initially
- Topical medications such as lotions or creams- hairs will shift from antigen and telogen, this causes the hairs to come out easier. Using a lotion will dislodge the hairs and make the area of alopecia large. The condition is not worsening but clients may believe so
If you have an area of alopecia around the patients eyes, and you suspect demodecosis, what diagnostic tool would you use?
You could do a skin scraping or a trichogram. The skin scraping is high risk because of it’s close association with the eyes.
A trichogram is lower risk and equally as effective.
Describe Generalized Demodicosis
- Multiple leasions: alopecia, scaling, crusts, pustules, erythema, draining tracts
- folliculitis and furunculosis
- Bacterial:generally Staph pseudintermedius
- Systemic signs: anorexia,lethargy depression
Furunculosis
Furunculosis is a deep infection of the hair follicle leading to abscess formation with accumulation of pus and necrotic tissue. Furuncles appear on the hair-bearing parts of the skin.
Treatment of Localized Demodicosis
- Topical medications
- Benzoyl peroxide gel
- Rotenone
- Amitraz
- consider products designed for flean control - Isoxazolines etc.
- Client education is important.
Treatment of Generalized Demodicosis
- Treat underlying pyoderma
- Systemic antibiotics for 3-4 weeks
- Topical antimicrobial/anti-seborrheic shampoos
- Hydrotherapy (bath)
- Cleansing
- Facilitates treatment of pyoderma
Why would you treat the secondary infection first?
Reduces pruritus - Pruritus is generally associated with the scondary infection. Reducing this will increase the comfort for the patient.
Removes the “yuk” factor for the clients
Can you treat Demodicosis with Avermectins or Milbemycins?
yes, but this is not the treatment of choice anymore
What is the significance of Amitraz?
- Approved for use in dogs
- This requires a total body clip in medium-long-coated dogs
- contact time is crutial for 10-15 minutes
- Do not rinse off
- Weekly treatment for 8-12 weeks.
Prior to this drug’s discovery, patients would die from Demodicosis infections