Topic 3 - Describe the findings of the skin examination in the dog! Flashcards
Steps of a skin examination of dog:
- History
- General impression
- Hair exam
- Skin exam
- Claws/nails
- Footpads
Normal texture of hair i a dog:
Shiny with density
Which parameters is included in an hair exam?
- Colour
- Stiffness of the hair
- Looseness of the hair (easy to pluck)
- No abnormalities
Normal looseness of hair in a dog;
Can be pulled with medium effort
Name abnormalities affecting the haircoat:
- Alopecia
- Hyperkeratosis
- Hypokeratosis
Definition of alopecia:
Lack of hair
Definition of hyperkeratosis:
Partial hair loss
Definition of hypokeratosis:
Excessive hair
Parameters for skin exam:
- condition of epidermis
- Colour
- Presence of haemorrhages
- Smell
- Temperature
- Moistness
- Thickness
- Elasticity
- Sensitivity
- Abnormalities
Normal condition of epidermis:
The surface is intact
Normal colour of skin:
Light pink or greyish white, depends on pigmentation
Normal smell of skin:
no smell
Normal temperature of skin on body:
Similar to surrounding skin parts
Normal temperature of footpads:
Lower than the body, but almost the same as the surroundings
Normal skin elasticity
Medium skin turgor
Skin can be folded easily and pings back into place quickly
Normal thickness of skin:
Skin is thickest on the back, rump, base of tail and dorsal neck
Skin is thinnest on pinnae, inguinal and perianal areas
Abnormal findings of skin:
- Ectoparasites
- Lesions
- Swelling
Parameters to check on claws/nails:
- Shape
- Pigment
- Temperature
- Pain/no pain
- Consistency
- Intact surface
Normal shape of claws/nails:
Differs from breed to breed
Normal temperature of claws/nails:
Same as the floor
Normal consistency of claws/nails:
Hard
Parameters to check in footpads:
- Colour
- Temperature
- Surface
- Thickness
- Pain/no pain
- Sensititivy
- Lesions
Normal colour of footpads:
Light pink or Black, and also Pigmented
Normal temperature of footpads:
Same as the floor
