Small Animal Dermatology for Technicians and Nurses

Kim Horne, Marcia Schwassmann, Dawn Logas, Kim Horne, Marcia Schwassmann, Dawn Logas

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9780470958155
• eBook ISBN: 9781119108627
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Veterinary Medicine

Small Animal Dermatology for Technicians and Nurses is a practical manual specifically designed for veterinary technicians, nurses, and other staff members. This easy-to-read book covers common dermatologic diseases frequently seen in private practice, with information on history taking, sample collection, diagnostic testing, therapeutic options and patient follow up. Each disease described includes important background information to help technicians explain treatment plans and improve client compliance.

The book presents step-by-step instructions with illustrative, full-color photographs to aid in accurately collecting samples and performing in-house diagnostics. The authors have drawn on their real-world experience as practicing dermatologists and dermatology technicians to create a must-have guide for those working in the small animal veterinary field. This important resource:

• Provides practical information on veterinary dermatology tailored to veterinary technicians and nurses

• Offers details and tips on history taking, sample collection, diagnostic testing, and patient follow up

• Takes a practical, easy-to-follow approach with illustrative, full-color photographs that demonstrate techniques

• Supports veterinary staff by providing a solid foundation in dermatology that can improve communication with clients

• Includes all the information technicians need to support their veterinarians in managing dermatology cases with confidence

Written for veterinary technicians, nurses, and veterinary technology and nursing students, Small Animal Dermatology for Technicians and Nurses offers an indispensable reference for any veterinary team member assisting with common small animal dermatology cases.

Section II
Skin and Ear Diseases

2
Bacterial Infections

Dawn Logas and Christie Yamazaki Delan

Introduction

Pyodermas are usually classified by the skin layers that are involved. Surface pyodermas affect mainly the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. Superficial pyodermas affect the entire epidermis and the hair follicles. Deep pyodermas also involve the dermis and occasionally the subcutis (Noli and Morris 2012).

Since this chapter is about common bacterial infections seen in practice, we will limit our discussion to infections caused by Staphylococcal bacteria, primarily Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the Staphylococcus species found most commonly on the dog. Staphylococcus schlieferi and Staphylococcus aureus can also cause canine and feline pyodermas, but are much less common. Detailed information about other bacterial skin infections can be found in references listed in the recommended reading section at the end of this chapter. Canine pyodermas will be discussed in more depth than feline pyodermas, since they are seen much more often in clinical practice.

Pathogenesis

Dogs and cats, like all other mammals, have a variety of bacteria that normally inhabit their skin surface. These bacteria make up the host epidermal microbiome, whose role in skin function and development is still not completely understood. Under normal circumstances these bacteria are kept in check by the host epidermal barrier and the skin's immune system. The presence of another dermatological disease such as allergic dermatitis, endocrinopathy, autoimmune disease, or parasitic infestation can compromise the epidermal barrier and the skin immune system function. This allows these resident bacteria to multiply and become pathogenic, causing the skin disease commonly referred to as pyoderma. For this reason, these infections are considered a secondary problem. Therefore, diagnosis and control of the underlying disease is essential in the management and prevention of these bacterial infections. Client education is consequently extremely important so the owner understands that not only the active infection must be controlled, but the underlying condition as well.

Surface Pyodermas

Surface pyodermas include pyotraumatic moist dermatitis (hot spots) and intertrigo (skin fold dermatitis).

Clinical Features

Pyotraumatic moist dermatitis (Figure 2.1) is caused, as the name suggests, by self‐trauma, usually licking. Therefore, areas of moist dermatitis found in places where the dog cannot lick such as under the ear are not true hot spots and will be discussed later in this chapter. Hot spots are usually extremely pruritic and can come up within a few hours. They are frequently associated with flea bite allergy, so are commonly found on the caudal half of the body. They consist of an erythematous, moist, partially to completely alopecic, exudative area of skin that is pruritic and sometimes painful to the touch.

Figure 2.1 Dog with pyotraumatic moist dermatitis on the lateral thigh; note erythema and moist exudate.

Source: Courtesy of Wayne Rosenkrantz DVM, DACVD, Animal Dermatology Clinic, Tustin, CA.

Intertrigo can develop in any dog with skin folds. This condition is common in brachycephalic breeds such as pugs and English bulldogs, but can also be seen in obese dogs of any breed. The lesions can be found anywhere there are skin folds. Some of the more commonly affected areas are the face, ventral neck, axillae, intermammary space, perivulvar fold, and tail fold (Figures 2.2–2.4). The lesions usually consist of an area of swollen, erythematous skin that is odiferous and moist. In severe cases the skin may be eroded or ulcerated and painful. Pruritus varies from absent to severe.

Figure 2.2 Intertrigo of facial fold area.

Source: Courtesy of Amy Weller, Dermatology Clinic for Animals, Tacoma, WA.

Figure 2.3 Dog with intertrigo of umbilical fold (white arrow).

Source: Courtesy of Wayne Rosenkrantz DVM, DACVD, Animal Dermatology Clinic, Tustin, CA.

Figure 2.4 Dog with intertrigo of tail fold; note the swollen appearance and hyperpigmentation.

Surface pyodermas are also seen in areas of chronic dermatitis where the skin has thickened and lichenified, forming small folds and crevices (Figure 2.5). These areas can also be fairly odiferous with a great deal of exudate. They are usually pruritic.

Figure 2.5 Dog with chronic dermatitis showing alopecia, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation in the axilla.

Source: Courtesy of Amy Weller, Dermatology Clinic for Animals, Tacoma, WA.

Diagnostic Tests

Pyotraumatic dermatitis and intertrigo usually present with a classic history and clinical appearance, so are typically diagnosed on physical examination. Cytology should be done to look for the presence of inflammatory cells, bacteria, and yeast. With pyotraumatic moist dermatitis, you would expect to find bacteria on your cytology. Intertrigo can be associated with both bacteria and yeast overgrowths. By identifying the bacteria as cocci (usually Staphylococcus sp.) or rods (Pseudomonas, Proteus, or Escherichia coli), the cytology will help determine which topical therapies will be best to use.

It is also important to look for the underlying cause of the surface bacterial infection. Pyotraumatic de...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• List of Contributors
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Section I: The Role of the Veterinary Technician and Nurse
• Section II: Skin and Ear Diseases
• Section III: Allergic Skin Diseases
• Section IV: Parasitic Skin Diseases
• Glossary of Terms
• Index
• End User License Agreement