Non-pruritic alopecia Flashcards
List 3 things to assess on physical exam associated with alopecia
character and distribution of lesion
character of alopecia
distribution/ other dermatological changes
List 7 possible inflammatory causes of alopecia
bacterial folliculitis
dermatophytosis
demodicosis
leishmaniasis
alopecia areeata
dermatomyositis
sebacous adenitis
what is the most common species of dermatophytosis to affect dogs and cats
Microsporum canis (zoophilic)
Describe the typical presentation of dermatophytosis
Multifocal patches often circular
typical size 4-6 cm
mostly non-pruritic
often the head, ears and chin affected
How can we diagnose dermatophytosis
wood’s lamp exam- most will fluoresce - better to do indirectly
trichography
external lab fungal culture- gold standard
Describe how to treat dermatophytosis
topical- chlorhexidine/ miconazole shampoo
environmental decontamination- destroy bedding, isolate animal
systemic therapy- itraconazole or ketoconazole
Describe how to monitor dermatophytosis treatment success
Monitor fungal culture every 2 weeks ideally using toothbrush technique
Describe juvenile onset canine demodicosis
Immature immune system
Localised (<6 patches alopecia)
Generalised (includes body region – feet, head)
Describe adult onset of canine demodicosis
Immunosuppressive disease
Idiopathic (immunosuppressive drugs)
needs aggressive treatment
This is most often a manifestation of profound systemic illness
Describe typical presentation of juvenile onset demodicosis
alopecia
scaling
blue-grey hyperpigmentation
comedones
follicular casts
Describe how to diagnose canine demodicosis
clinical appearance
Positive skin scrapings, hair plucks or biopsy
Reserve biopsy for areas with severe secondary changes
what do follicular casts indicate- commonly caused by…..
follicular disease
common in:
demidicosis
dermatophytosis
sebaceous adenitis
Describe how to treat canine demodicosis in adults
only need to do if significant bacterial infection
clip
treat bacterial infection
treat ANY underlying immunosuppression
anti-mite treatments - Isoxazoline
Describe demodex cati
follicular mites- rare cause of disease
diagnosis via deep skin scrapes
treatment- isoxazolines
List 7 general dermatological features of endocrine disease
symmetrical/ generalised alopecia
dull and dry coat
comedones
hyperpigmentation
atrophic skin
poor wound healing
post-clipping alopecia
List the derm signs seen with hyperadrenocorticism
thinning
poor wound healing
Describe telogen defluxion (effluvium)
sudden onset hair loss
occurs 1-3 months post- stressful incident
hairs are synchronised into telogen
Describe feline paraneoplastic alopecia
caused by pancreatic and bile duct carcinomas
alopecia of ventrum and legs
skin shiny and translucent skin
poor prognosis
Describe cyclic flank alopecia
linked to changes in day length
need to rule out HAC and hypoT4 - skin biopsy to diagnose
use melatonin to treat
what do you need to rule out with post-clipping alopecia
endocrinopathies and severe illness
regorwth 6 months usually
List 4 hair synthesis defects
Congenital alopecia
Pattern alopecia
Follicular dysplasia
Anagen defluxion/effluvium
Describe how to treat hair synthesis defects
avoid damage to coat
high quality nutrition- essential FA supplementation
gentle anti-sclaing shampoos
prevent/ treat secondary bacterial infection
protect from sun
How do endocrinopathies cause alopecia
hair follicle arrest
most common cause of bacterial folliculitis in dogs and cats
Staphylococcus pseudointermedius
