CHAPTER 40 PODODERMATITIS AND CLAW DISORDERS 593
Severe ascarid infestation, hookworms
Nutritional deficiencies (zinc)
Toxins (thallium)
Idiopathic (breed-related and senile changes).DIAGNOSTICS
Antinuclear antibody (ANA): systemic lupus erythematosus.
Complete blood count and urinalysis.
Serum chemistry to evaluate for diabetes mellitus, thyroid function, liver function,
other systemic illness.
FeLV and FIV antibody titers.
Radiographs: osteomyelitis of third phalanx, neoplastic change.
Biopsy: often involves a third phalanx amputation; inclusion of the coronary band
required for diagnosis of most diseases.
Cytology of exudate from the nail and/or fold.
Peripheral lymph node aspirates of affected limbs.
Skin scraping.
Bacterial and/or fungal culture.
Fecal examination.
Limited allergen diet trial.
Intradermal allergy testing/serologic allergy testing.
Ultrasonography: renal or uterine tumors with dermatofibroma; cystic with renal ade-
noma/adenocarcinoma syndrome.
THERAPEUTICS
Paronychia:
Surgical removal of nail plate (shell)
Antimicrobial soaks
Identify underlying condition and treat specifically.
Onychomycosis:
Antifungal soaks: chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, lime sulfur
Surgical removal of nail plate: may improve response to systemic medication
Amputation of third phalanx.
Onychorrhexis:
Repair with fingernail glue (the type used to attach false nails in humans)
Remove splintered pieces
Amputate third phalanx
Treat underlying cause.
Onychomadesis:
Antimicrobial soaks
Treat underlying cause.
Neoplasia:
Determined by biologic behavior of specific tumor