Scale

Question 1

Define scale

Answer 1

the presence of flakes of keratinized skin in the hair coat and on the skin.

Question 2

List 5 things that scale can result from

Answer 2

normal skin function- small amounts normal
abnormal desquamation
Abnormal cornification
Inflammation
Bacterial and fungal enzymatic action

Question 3

what is crust

Answer 3

result from the hardening of pus, serum and/or blood with scale to form a solid material which like scale is variably adherent to the skin

Question 4

What is more common primary or secondary scale

Answer 4

secondary scale much more common

Question 5

what is the most common form of scale

Answer 5

scale secondary to bacterial infection
the amount of scale depends on bacterial toxins

Question 6

Decsribe the diagnostic plan in cases of scale

Answer 6

1. check for parasites
2. check for infection
3. older animals- general health screening (e.g. biochem, urinalysis, haem)
4. Biopsy
5. Genetic testing if indicated

Question 7

Describe Type 1 Zn-respinsive dermatosis

Answer 7

Genetically predisposed breeds eg Husky (type I)
Don’t absorb Zn very well - often young adult
see dull coat and specific hard plaques with marked scale and crusting

Question 8

what is Zn needed for in the skin

Answer 8

Zinc is required for normal keratinisation

Question 9

Describe how to treat Zn-responsive dermatosis

Answer 9

Zn supplementation (zinc sulphate - can cause v+)
correct diet

Question 10

what is typically seen with ichthyosis of the golden retriever

Answer 10

seen from few weeks of age- scale is variable over life but can be severe
symptomatic treatment only
is a genetic disease

Question 11

Describe canine ear margin seborrhea

Answer 11

uncommon - seen in dachshunds
thick white crust around ear margin
rubbing of these produces erosions and ulceration

Question 12

Describe how to treat canine ear margin seborrhoea

Answer 12

incurable condition
surgery- can perform edge resection
medical- topical anti-seborrhoeic shampoos, combined with moisturisers

Question 13

what is Nasodigital hyperkeratosis

Answer 13

A broad term for dogs with non-inflamed, quiescent and tightly adherent hyperkeratosis affecting the nose and sometimes the feet.

Question 14

what is nasodigital hyperkeratosis associated with

Answer 14

distemper virus
has genetic component?

Question 15

Desribe how to treat nasodigital hyperkeratosis

Answer 15

cutting off prominent fronds with scissors or a scalpel blade
hydrating the keratin using shampoos and soaks as described elsewhere
Essential fatty acids

Question 16

Describe nasal parakeratosis of labradour retrivers

Answer 16

First observed between 6 & 12 months
genetic
roughening of nasal skin
treatment is for life- animals should not be bred from

Question 17

Describe how to diagnose NPLR (nasal parakeratosis of labrador retrievers)

Answer 17

biopsy
genetic testing

Question 18

Describe how to treat NPLR (nasal parakeratosis of labrador retrievers)

Answer 18

topical vitamin E
petroleum jelly
propylene glycol

Question 19

Describe Footpad hyperkeratosis of the Dogue de Bordeaux

Answer 19

fist signs at 4-6months
Foot pads only, with severe thickening with deep cracks appearing centrally

Question 20

Describe how to treat Footpad hyperkeratosis of the Dogue de Bordeaux

Answer 20

50% propylene glycol soaks
antibiotics for secondary infection
retinoids- very expensive

Question 21

where does callus generally occur

Answer 21

hocks, elbows, sternum and ischium

Question 22

what are callus

Answer 22

round or oval hyperkeratotic plaque that develops on the skin at points of trauma.

Callus is the normal response to pressure induced ischemia and inflammation.

Question 23

Describe how to treat callus

Answer 23

treat secondary infection
removal of trauma/pressure
bandaging and padding??
surgery is possible- Don’t really do though

Question 24

Describe Thymoma induced exfoliative dermatitis

Answer 24

Diffuse, non-pruritic erythema and exfoliation (large 1+ cm flakes if skin) +/- alopecia
Concurrent signs from respiratory compromise

Question 25

Describe how to treat Thymoma induced exfoliative dermatitis

Answer 25

immunomodulatory drugs
surgery is curative

Question 26

What is Idiopathic canine sebaceous adenitis

Answer 26

Inflammation in the sebaceous glands resulting in reduced activity to complete loss
not uncommon

Question 27

List the clinical signs of Idiopathic canine sebaceous adenitis

Answer 27

dry scale- fine
hair loss
Perifollicular hyperkeratosis is prominent
Follicular casts are common
Pruritus when 2˚ infection present

Question 28

Describe how to diagnose Idiopathic canine sebaceous adenitis

Answer 28

clinical signs highly suggestive

biopsy- will see absent sebaceous glands

Question 29

Treatment of Idiopathic canine sebaceous adenitis

Answer 29

Use emollient and lubricating shampoos
fatty acid and oil supplementation
ciclosporin
prognosis good if seen early enough

Question 30

what do Keratoplastic / keratolytic products
do

Answer 30

reduce scale production
but cause excessive drying so need to be used before moisturizing products

Question 31

what do Moisturising and emollient products
do

Answer 31

These reduce transepidermal water loss and prevent inflammation
Best used after other products have removed scale

Question 32

what is the action of keratoplastic products

Answer 32

reducing cell turnover in the skin to reduce scale production
e.g. sulphur and tar

Question 33

what is the action of keratolytic products

Answer 33

the shampoo removes cells from the surface of the skin
e.g. salicylic acid

Question 34

when do we use Selenium sulphide to treat scale

Answer 34

Older anti-seborrheic but can be used to treat severe cases of oily greasy skin non-responsive to other agents- not used much
causes marked drying
stains coat pink in white animals

Question 35

Describe nasodigital hyperkeratosis lesions

Answer 35

nasal lesions - nose is dry with hard projections, cracks and fissures may occur
pad lesions - all the pads lack flexibility, they are cracked and corns can form

Question 36

How do steroids affect keratinisation

Answer 36

reduce turnover of epithelial cells

Question 37

Describe type 2 Zn-responsive dermatosis

Answer 37

In nutritional restriction seen in young rapidly growing larger breeds