Skin Flashcards
Skin diseases in horses
steps to dermatologic diagnosis
Chief complaint Signalment- sp, breed, age, sex Dermatologic history medical history Physical exam Differential diagnosis Diagnostic and therapeutic plan Ancillary diagnostic methods Trial therapy Narrowing differential diagnosis
Physical exam
Gather basic clinical values
Do routine phys exam (IPAPOM)
Primary lesion types
Macule papule vesicle pustule urticaria nodule tumor cyst
Secondary skin lesions
Occurs when primary are left too long untreated Alopecia Scaling Crusting Scar Erosion Lichenification
Localisation of lesions
Viral- specific
Predilection sites of parasites
Anatomical localisation of tumors e.g in grey horses melanomas around throat/perianal region
Characteristics of skin lesions
Advantage: the entire skin surface can be observed and palpated therefore easier to identify lesions
Skin has limited ability to respond to aetiological factors
Disadvantage: Several different diseases have similar clinical signs – so it’s difficult to come to diagnosis?
Special areas
Mucocutaneous junctions
Chestnuts
Hooves
Coronary bands
Ancillary diagnostic methods
Haemotology- systemic inflamm Biochem- photosensitivity- on white-haired areas, is primarily a liver issue Skinscraping- parasites Hair and follicle Brushing- arthropods Cellotape- Oxyuriosis- around anus Swab Aspiraition Impression smears Biopsy- histopath and immunohistochemistry
When is it necessary to take a skin biopsy?
Procedure
new lesions on multiple sites
Without clipping or surgical intervention (this would be excision)
Local anaesthetics SC
Formalin 5-10 times more than the sample
Detailed description of lesions- provide photos
Types of biopsy
Shave
punch
wedge
excisional
Indications of biopsy
Specific diagnosis
Rule out differential
Follow course of a disease
Confirm the completeness of tumor excision
