Scaling and Crusting

Question 1

Define scale

Answer 1

accumulation of loose cornified fragments of the stratum cornuem

Question 1

Define seborrhoea

Answer 1

Flow of sebum (descriptive term, not diagnosiis or pahtoglogy!)
- scaling.greasy exudate
> sicca: dry
> oleosa: oily scaling
> seborrhoeic dermatitis: greasy, inflamed (common with malasezia)

Question 2

Define crust

Answer 2

presence of a dried exudate on the skin surface

Question 3

Define defects of keratinisation and/or conrnification. (Cornification probably more correct)

Answer 3

• scaling/follicular casting dominant clinical feature
• 2* to parasites [esp. fleas and cheyletiella], infection, nutritional
• 2* to allergy [rarely unless complicated with 2* infection etc.], neoplasia [cutaneous lymphoma] or endocrinopathy
  1* idiopathic or genetic defect

Question 5

What is “spaniel seborrhoea”? Dx?

Answer 5

1* defect in cockers (genetic basis)
- scaling disease
- ^ mitotic rate / v turnover time
- skin grafts remain hyperprolific (so local cellular problem not systemic)
- ceruminous otitis externa with 2* microbial infection
Dx: exclude 2* causes, biopsy, clinical signs start young

Question 6

Tx spaniel seborrhoea?

Answer 6

> Control (no tx as genetic)

• scaling disease
• shampoo
• vit A (readily available, beware not overdosing with vit D if in same tablet)
• retinoids (synthetic vit A, do not give to crazy owners as risk of teratogenic action in babies, side effects: dry eye)

Question 7

What is sebaceous adenitis?

Answer 7

• various breeds (st poodle, akita)
• scaling disease
• sebaceous gland inflammation and destruction -> localised or generalised scaling and casting
• varying alopecia (sebacious gland sits near follicle)
• Ddx for demodecosis (if demodex ruled out)

Question 8

What is crusting and commonly triggers it?

Answer 8

• consequence of epidermal inflammation
• severe oedematous response or marked cellular recruitmnent
  > physical damage, infection, infestationi

Question 9

Tx of sebaceous adenitis?

Answer 9

• shampoo
• EFA
• cbA
• retinoids
• cyclosporin gold standard but $$$

Question 10

Tx of sarcoptes?

Answer 10

• amitraz washes
• body clip
• prednisolone
• cephalexin
• selamectin (stronghold/revolution)
• imidacloprid/moxidectin (advocate)

Question 11

Synonyms for superficial necrolytic dermatitis? What is this?

Answer 11

• diabetic dermatosis
• hepatocutaneous syndrome
• metabolic epidermal necrosis
• necrolytic migratory erythema
  > uncommon erosive, crusting, ulcerative disease
• commonly affects footpads, extremities, periorificial skin
• middle aged and old dogs

Question 12

What is seen on biopsy with superficial necrollytic dematitis?

Answer 12

• pallor (oedema, hydropic degeneration) upper epidermis
• ortho-parakeratotic hyperkeratosis
• superficial dermal infiltrate (mononuclear cells)

Question 13

Prognosis of superficial necroplytic dermatitis?

Answer 13

poor

Question 14

What deficiency may cause scaling?

Answer 14

Zinc