Small Animal Dermatology for Technicians and Nurses

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.

Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS (Dermatology), is a technician at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, MN, USA.

Marcia Schwassmann, DVM, DACVD, is a dermatologist at Veterinary Dermatology Center in Maitland, FL, USA.

Dawn Logas, DVM, DACVD, is a dermatologist at Veterinary Dermatology Center in Maitland, FL, USA

Table of contents

List of Contributors xiii

Preface xv

Acknowledgments xvii

Introduction xix

Section I The Role of the Veterinary Technician and Nurse 1

1 Managing the Small Animal Dermatology Patient 3
Kim Horne

Introduction 3

History 3

Dermatological Procedures 6

Flea Combing 6

Ear Cytology/Swab 9

Skin Cytology 11

Tape Prep (Especially Useful for Finding Yeast on the Skin) 12

Sampling a Pustule 14

Sampling a Crust 14

Skin Scraping 14

Sarcoptes scabiei and Notoedres cati (Feline Scabies) 15

Demodex canis, Demodex cati, Demodex injai 16

Cheyletiella spp., Demodex cornei, Demodex gatoi, Lynxacarus radovsky, Lice (Linognathus setosus, Trichodectes canis, Felicola subrostratus, etc.) 17

Fecal Flotation 17

Trichography 17

Dermatophyte Culture 19

Mackenzie Brush Technique 20

Tape Prep Procedure 20

Skin Punch Biopsy 21

Client Education and Client Compliance 23

Helpful Hints to Improve Client Compliance 24

Capsules and Tablets 24

Injections 24

Bathing 25

Ear Cleaning 25

Handouts 25

Recheck Appointment Options 25

Phone Calls 26

Conclusion 26

References 26

Section II Skin and Ear Diseases 27

2 Bacterial Infections 29
Dawn Logas and Christie Yamazaki Delan

Introduction 29

Pathogenesis 29

Surface Pyodermas 29

Clinical Features 30

Diagnostic Tests 31

Treatment 31

Superficial Pyodermas 32

Clinical Features 32

Diagnostic Tests 34

Treatment 35

Deep Pyodermas 35

Clinical Features 35

Diagnostic Tests 38

Treatment 39

Client Education 40

Feline Bacterial Skin Infections 41

Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcal Infections 42

Conclusion 43

References 43

Recommended Reading 44

3 Malassezia Dermatitis 45
Barbara Haimbach

Introduction 45

Clinical Features (Canine) 45

Clinical Features (Feline) 47

Diagnostic Tests 48

Treatment 49

Client Education 50

Conclusion 51

References 51

4 Otitis Externa 53
Dawn Logas

Introduction 53

Pathogenesis 53

Clinical Features 57

Diagnostic Tests 58

Treatment 59

Predisposing Factors 59

Primary Causes 60

Perpetuating Factors 60

Ear Cleaning 60

Client Education 63

Conclusion 64

References 64

5 Dermatophytosis 65
Sandra Grable

Introduction 65

Pathogenesis 65

Clinical Features 66

Diagnostic Tests 68

Woods Lamp Examination 68

Trichography 69

Fungal Culture 69

Fungal Culture Media and Systems 71

Gross Analysis and Microscopy 71

Common Contaminants 75

Safety Precautions 76

Biopsy/Histopathology 77

Polymerase Chain Reaction Test 77

Treatment 77

Topical Therapy 78

Systemic Antifungals 79

Environment 80

Client Education 80

Conclusion 81

References 84

Recommended Reading 84

Recommended Fungal Identification References 84

Section III Allergic Skin Diseases 85

6 Flea Allergy Dermatitis 87
Missy Streicher

Introduction 87

Clinical Features 89

Diagnostic Tests 91

Treatment 92

Client Education 95

Conclusion 100

References 100

Webliography 101

7 Atopic Dermatitis 103
Amanda Friedeck

Introduction 103

Pathogenesis 103

Clinical Features (Canine) 104

Clinical Features (Feline) 107

Diagnostic Tests 108

Treatment 111

Client Education 116

Conclusion 117

References 117

8 Food Hypersensitivity 121
Shelley Shopsowitz

Introduction 121

Pathogenesis 121

Clinical Features 122

Diagnostic Tests 123

Choosing an Elimination Diet 124

Performing the Diet Trial 125

Dietary Challenge 125

Treatment 125

Client Education 125

Conclusion 128

References 128

Section IV Parasitic Skin Diseases 129

9 Sarcoptic Mange 131
Stephanie B. Duggan

Introduction 131

Pathogenesis 131

Clinical Features 132

Diagnostic Tests 133

Treatment 135

Client Education 137

Conclusion 138

References 138

10 Cheyletiellosis 139
Jennie Tait

Introduction 139

Pathogenesis 139

Clinical Features 139

Diagnostic Tests 142

Treatment 142

Client Education 145

Conclusion 145

References 145

11 Canine Demodicosis 147
Kim Horne

Introduction 147

Clinical Features 149

Diagnostic Tests 150

Treatment 152

Localized Demodicosis 152

Generalized Demodicosis 152

Amitraz 152

Macrocyclic Lactones 153

Isoxazolines 154

Adjunctive Therapy 155

Patient Monitoring 155

Client Education 156

Conclusion 156

References 156

Webliography 157

12 Feline Demodicosis 159
Kim Horne

Introduction 159

Follicular Demodicosis (D. cati) 159

Clinical Features 159

Diagnostic Tests 160

Treatment 160

Superficial/Surface Demodicosis (D. gatoi) 161

Clinical Features 161

Diagnostic Tests 162

Treatment 162

Client Education 162

Conclusion 163

References 163

Glossary of Terms 165

Index 171

Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS (Dermatology), is a technician at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, MN, USA.

Marcia Schwassmann, DVM, DACVD, is a dermatologist at Veterinary Dermatology Center in Maitland, FL, USA.

Dawn Logas, DVM, DACVD, is a dermatologist at Veterinary Dermatology Center in Maitland, FL, USA