Skin Pathogens

Question 1

Blisters

Answer 1

fluid (serum or lymph) filled lesions

Question 2

pustules

Answer 2

pus filled lesions

Question 3

furunculosis

Answer 3

deep infection of the hair follicle

Question 4

scab/crust

Answer 4

crust of coagulated blood,pus, and skin debris

Question 5

scales

Answer 5

dry flaky exfoliations

Question 6

excoriation

Answer 6

traumatic abrasions and scratches

Question 7

eczema

Answer 7

erythematous itching skin inflammation

Question 8

fissures

Answer 8

deep cracks

Question 9

hyperpigmentation

Answer 9

increased deposites of melanin

Question 10

hyperkeratosis

Answer 10

excessive overgrowth of keratinized, epithelium-like scab

Question 11

cellulitis

Answer 11

diffuse, deep acute inflammation that involves both the dermis and the hypodermis

Question 12

urticaria

Answer 12

raised, itchy rash that appears on the skin

Question 13

seborrhea

Answer 13

excess secretion by sebaceous glands

Question 14

What are the most common opportunistic bacteria of the skin

Answer 14

Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Enterococcus

Question 15

What are the most common opportunistic bacteria of the oral cavity of dogs and cats

Answer 15

PASTEURELLA MULTOCIDA, staph, strep, Neisseria, Corynebacterium

Question 16

When should you use a topical over a systemic therapy?

Answer 16

when the infection is superficial (epidermis)

Question 17

Why is the choice of antimicrobial critical for prolonged therapy?

Answer 17

Adverse effects, destruction of other commensal bacteria, AMR

Question 18

Aminoglycosides: Adverse effects

Answer 18

nephrotoxic, ototoxic, neuromuscular blockade

Question 19

Fluoroquinolones: adverse effects

Answer 19

can damage cartilage in young animals

Question 20

tetracyclines: Adverse effects

Answer 20

nephrotoxic, tooth discoloration, GI upset

Question 21

T/F: antimicrobials are always needed, as bacteria are the underlying cause of bacterial skin infection

Answer 21

false. they are not always needed, and bacterial infections can be secondary to things like fleas, allergies, compromised immune systems, etc

Question 22

pyoderma: two presentations

Answer 22

superficial and deep

Question 23

superficial pyoderma presentation

Answer 23

pustular dermatitis that does not involve hair follicles

Question 24

deep pyoderma presentation

Answer 24

furunculosis, cellulitis

Question 25

Where does pyoderma tend to form in dogs

Answer 25

any area not covered by hair

Question 26

where does pyoderma tend to form in kittens

Answer 26

dorsum on the neck and shoulders. This is because the queen grasps kittens with her mouth here

Question 27

pyoderma is caused by the uncontrolled growth of

Answer 27

Resident Staphylococcus spp intermedius/pseudointermedius (dogs) Oral Pasteurella spp/ Streptococcus spp (kittens)

Question 28

What are predisposing risk factors for pyoderma

Answer 28

fleas, food allergy, insect bites, mange, urine scalding, compromised immune system or weakened endocrine system

Question 29

In pyoderma, what are three virulence factors that protect Staphylococcus from the immune system, and what do they do>

Answer 29

1. capsular polysaccharide, teichoic acids, protein A -> interfere with phagocytosis 2. catalase -> aids in survival within phagocytes 4. Coagulase -> shield from phagocytic cells via induction of protective fibrin coat

Question 30

Pyoderma treatment

Answer 30

topical antiseptic shampoos systemic antimicrobials (clindamycin, clavamox, TMS, erythomycin) for 6-8 weeks

Question 31

Exudative epidermitis (greasy pig disease) is caused by

Answer 31

staph hyicus

Question 32

morbidity and mortality of greasy pig disease

Answer 32

morbidity = 20-100%, mortality = 50-90%!!!!

Question 33

What is the typical presentation of exudative epidermitis

Answer 33

extensive non-pruritic dermatitis with greasy exudate, leading to excess ebacious secretion, exfoliation, cellulitis, scabs, blistres, pustules