Histories, Physical Exams, and Skin Lesions

Question 1

Patient Signalment:

Answer 1

Look For: Gender, Breed, and Age of the patient

Question 2

Gender Example:

Answer 2

Male Cryptorchidism can cause complications like Sertoli Cell Tumors

Question 3

Breed Example:

Answer 3

Blue (Or silver) dobermans are bred for their coat color (color dilution) which leads to hair pigment clumping and subsequent hair fragility & alopecia

Question 4

Breed Example 2:

Answer 4

Shar Peis often have mucin overproduction in the skin due to their genetics

Question 5

Breed Example 3:

Answer 5

Warmblood geldings get skin lesions on the whites of their legs due to solar-induced dermatitis (Photo-sensitivity)

Question 6

Age Example:

Answer 6

Ear Canal Masses: In young cats = is often inflammatory polyps; In older cats = malignant growths typically

Question 7

General Exam:

Answer 7

“Everything but skin”

Question 8

Dermatologic Exam:

Answer 8

-Systematic, complete, thorough
-Coat: Is it shiny, dull, scaly, greasy, or thinned? Are there bald areas or evidence of ectoparasites?
-Lesion Morphology

Question 9

Lesion Morphology:

Answer 9

-Primary Lesions: Initial eruptions that develop spontaneously as a direct reflection of underlying disease
-Secondary Lesions: Evolve from primary lesions (Pustule –> Crust) or are artifacts induced by the patient/trauma (hair loss form scratching)

Question 10

Primary Lesions:

Answer 10

-Vesicles, pustules, bulla
-Macule: Circumscribed flat area of color change < 1 cm (A patch would be > 1 cm)
-Papule: Elevated solid palpable lesion <1 cm
-Wheal: Circumscribed, raised lesion consisting of edema
-Nodule: Circumscribed solid elevated lesion > 1 cm and often extends into the deeper layers of the skin
-Plaque: Elevated solid palpable lesion > 1 cm

Question 11

Secondary Lesions:

Answer 11

-Excoriation: Self-induced erosions or ulcers; Often linear
-Erosions: Shallow epidermal defect that does not penetrate basal laminar zone
-Ulcer: Break in continuity of mucosa with exposure of underlying dermis
-Lichenification: Elephant-like skin surface, exaggeration of superficial surface architecture, thickening of skin

Question 12

-Either/Or Lesions:

Answer 12

-Alopecia, pigment changes
-Scales: Accumulations of cornified cells
-Comedo (Blackheads): Dilated hair follicles filled with sebaceous material and cornified cells
-Epidermal Collarette: Special type of scale arranged in a circular rim of loose keratin flakes or peeling keratin