Special Senses & Integument

Question 1

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Aetiology?

Answer 1

Immune mediated

Reduced or absence of ability to form tears
Breed predisposition (cockers, bulldogs)
Secondary to some endocrine conditions

Question 2

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca pathophysiology?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca clinical signs?

Answer 3

Mucoid conjunctivitis (sticky)
Clouding of cornea
Dull or dry appearance

Painful and can lead to blindness if not treated

Question 4

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca diagnosis?

Answer 4

History and clinical signs

Fluorescein to rule in/out ulceration of cornea

Schooner tear test

Question 5

What is a schirmer tear test?

Answer 5

Tests tear production
Strip of paper placed in eye

Test production should be more than 15mm per min

Question 6

What can cause otitis external?

Answer 6

Infection
Parasites
Trauma
Allergies
Neoplasia

Question 7

Otitis external pathophysiology?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Otitis external clinical signs?

Answer 8

Head shaking
Ear scratching
Self trauma
Pain
Inflammation
Thick/waxy discharge with foul/yeasty smell
Thickening of ear lining

Question 9

Otitis external diagnosis?

Answer 9

History and clinical signs
Observation and aural examination
Otoscope exam
Swabs taken for culture and sensitivity

Question 10

What can cause atopic dermatitis?

Answer 10

Parasites
Infection
Allergies
Neoplasia
Hormonal imbalance

Question 11

Atopic dermatitis aetiology?

Answer 11

Genetic predisposition to become sensitised to allergens

Also have abnormal skin barrier function

Question 12

Atopic dermatitis pathophysiology?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What are allergens?

Answer 13

Proteins that when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract or GI tract - they evoke specific IgE production

Question 14

Atopic dermatitis clinical signs?

Answer 14

Inflammation
Lesions
Alopecia
Lichenification
Erythema
Papules

Question 15

Atopic dermatitis where are dogs most affected?

Answer 15

Feet
Face
Ears
Abdomen
Flexural surfaces of front legs
Axillae

Can be seasonal or no seasonal flare ups

Question 16

Atopic dermatitis diagnosis?

Answer 16

History and clinical signs

Favrots Criteria
(Must meet 5 of the criteria)

Exclusion of other causes

Question 17

What signs are included in favrots criteria?

Answer 17

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