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.