Small Animal Dermatology, 3rd edition

232 DISEASES/DISORDERS

Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing: results from surface and tissue cultures

frequently differ; deep bacterial infection present in a majority of cases

Fungal culture: exclude dermatophytosis

Skin scraping: exclude external parasites

Trichogram: presence of broken hairs (self-trauma); anagen follicles (active hair

growth); fungal hyphae and spores (dermatophytosis);Demodexmites

Diagnostic testing and evaluation for musculoskeletal disease, neuropathy or

referred pain

Dermatohistopathology: exclude neoplasia and/or infectious granuloma; severe

epidermal hyperplasia with compact hyperkeratosis; hidradenitis, dermal fibro-

sis (“vertical streaking”), follicular thickening and elongation; mixed dermal

(especially perivascular) inflammation, folliculitis, and furunculosis.

 Feline symmetric alopecia:
Allergy work-up: adequate flea control; intradermal allergen testing; restricted-

ingredient food trial

Trichogram: presence of broken hairs (self-trauma); anagen follicles (active hair

growth); fungal hyphae (dermatophytosis);Demodexmites

Skin scraping: superficial and deep

Fungal culture

Skin cytology: evidence of yeast and/or bacteria

Dermatohistopathology: most often normal; mild trichomalacia; evidence of

inflammation supports an underlying cause.

 Flank sucking:
Association with topical therapy
Fungal culture
Bacterial culture/sensitivity
Neurologic assessment.

 Tail biting or chasing:
Allergy work-up: adequate flea control; intradermal allergen testing; restricted-

ingredient food trial

Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing (especially if tail gland affected)

Neurologic assessment

Orthopedic assessment

Anal sac palpation and examination of contents (cytology, culture and sensitivity

testing).

 Anal licking:
Anal sac palpation and examination of contents (cytology, culture and sensitivity

testing)

Skin cytology: evidence of yeast and/or bacteria

Allergy work-up: adequate flea control; intradermal allergen testing; restricted-

ingredient food trial

Fecal parasite and ova testing

Gastrointestinal assessment: exclude colitis or colon neoplasia

Neurologic assessment

Orthopedic assessment.