Special Senses & Integument Flashcards
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Aetiology?
Immune mediated
Reduced or absence of ability to form tears
Breed predisposition (cockers, bulldogs)
Secondary to some endocrine conditions
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca pathophysiology?
Reduced activity in the lacrimal glands leads to inadequate formation of the aqueous tear film
As adequate tear film is essential for corneal health this leads to corneal drying and inflammation
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca clinical signs?
Mucoid conjunctivitis (sticky)
Clouding of cornea
Dull or dry appearance
Painful and can lead to blindness if not treated
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca diagnosis?
History and clinical signs
Fluorescein to rule in/out ulceration of cornea
Schooner tear test
What is a schirmer tear test?
Tests tear production
Strip of paper placed in eye
Test production should be more than 15mm per min
What can cause otitis external?
Infection
Parasites
Trauma
Allergies
Neoplasia
Otitis external pathophysiology?
Irritation or self trauma leads to tissue hyperplasia, inflammation and excess production of wax
Any obstruction of the ear canal may lead to accumulation of cerumen, discharge and predispose to infection
Otitis external clinical signs?
Head shaking
Ear scratching
Self trauma
Pain
Inflammation
Thick/waxy discharge with foul/yeasty smell
Thickening of ear lining
Otitis external diagnosis?
History and clinical signs
Observation and aural examination
Otoscope exam
Swabs taken for culture and sensitivity
What can cause atopic dermatitis?
Parasites
Infection
Allergies
Neoplasia
Hormonal imbalance
Atopic dermatitis aetiology?
Genetic predisposition to become sensitised to allergens
Also have abnormal skin barrier function
Atopic dermatitis pathophysiology?
IgE molecules affix themselves to tissue mast cells or basophils
When these primed cells come in contact with the specific allergen again, mast cell degranulation results in the release of proteolytic enzymes, histamine, bradykinins and other vasoactive amines
Atopic dermatitis clinical signs?
Inflammation
Lesions
Alopecia
Lichenification
Erythema
Papules
Atopic dermatitis where are dogs most affected?
Feet
Face
Ears
Abdomen
Flexural surfaces of front legs
Axillae
Can be seasonal or no seasonal flare ups
Atopic dermatitis diagnosis?
History and clinical signs
Favrots Criteria
(Must meet 5 of the criteria)
Exclusion of other causes
What signs are included in favrots criteria?
Affected ear pinnae
Affected front paws
Age of onset below 3yrs
Chronic or recurrent yeast infections
Mostly indoor lifestyle
No affected dorsolumbar area
Puritie without skin lessons at onset
