Caring, competency, compassion and always learning

Skin Vet
Skin Vet
  • HOME
  • DERMATOLOGY PHOTOS
  • ARTICLES AND INFORMATION
  • STAPHYLOCOCCI
  • IMPORTANT LINKS
  • More
    • HOME
    • DERMATOLOGY PHOTOS
    • ARTICLES AND INFORMATION
    • STAPHYLOCOCCI
    • IMPORTANT LINKS
  • HOME
  • DERMATOLOGY PHOTOS
  • ARTICLES AND INFORMATION
  • STAPHYLOCOCCI
  • IMPORTANT LINKS

Allergic Pododermatitis and Viral Papilloma

Allergic Pododermatitis and Viral Papilloma

Allergic Pododermatitis and Viral Papilloma

Alopecia X

Allergic Pododermatitis and Viral Papilloma

Allergic Pododermatitis and Viral Papilloma

Most commonly seen in Pomeranians, Poodles and Nordic breeds. This disease needs to be differentiated from hormonal conditions such as Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism.  The patient is not normally itchy but as the skin becomes dry it becomes darkened in colour and may become infected. If there is infection the patient may be itchy.

T

Most commonly seen in Pomeranians, Poodles and Nordic breeds. This disease needs to be differentiated from hormonal conditions such as Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism.  The patient is not normally itchy but as the skin becomes dry it becomes darkened in colour and may become infected. If there is infection the patient may be itchy.

Treatment options include:

De-sexing either surgically or using medication if the patient is entire.

Melatonin. Safe and effective in about 50% of cases

Micro needling with the dermal roller. Has shown good success that the patient must not have infected skin.


For unknown reasons some of these patients will respond to trilostane, a drug used for the treatment of Cushing's disease. I do not recommend this because alopecia X is a benign disease and treatment with trilostane is both expensive and needs monitoring in case of serious side effects of excess adrenal suppression.

Atopic Dermatitis

Allergic Pododermatitis and Viral Papilloma

Belly changes Staffy with atopic dermatitis 

Atopic Dermatitis + Secondary Infection

Pustules and papules due to Staph infection secondary to atopic dermatitis 

Bacterial and Yeast Overgrowth

Bacterial and Yeast Overgrowth

Bacterial and yeast overgrowth secondary to allergic dermatitis 

Bullous Impetigo in a Dog

Bacterial and Yeast Overgrowth

Severe infection after long term corticosteroid use

Calcinosis Cutis Secondary to Cushing’s Syndrome

Calcinosis Cutis Secondary to Cushing’s Syndrome

White or pink raised areas, can have secondary infection resulting in crusts and exudate. Treatment is to correct the underlying Cushing's disease issue (spontaneous or as a result of corticosteroid administration), infection treatment, and topical DMSO to disolve calcium depositis. This can be VERY itchy and Apoquel (oclacitinib) can help.

Cat Fungal Infection

Calcinosis Cutis Secondary to Cushing’s Syndrome

This could also be tumour (esp squamous cell carcinoma), herpes virus infection or  eosinophilic granuloma. Occasionally coalescing mosquito bites can mimic these. Biopsy is needed  

Cat Middle Ear Polyp

Colour Dilution Alopecia

Note Horners syndrome (pupil constriction and drooped eyelid).

Colour Dilution Alopecia

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Colour Dilution Alopecia

Chiahuahua. Most common in Dobermans

Corticosteroid Overuse

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Effects of prolonged use of corticosteroids. Thin skin, hair loss, muscle wasting and pot belly. Calcinosis cutis has not occured

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

 Involvement of mouth 

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Differential diagnosis is immune mediated disease 

Demodex cati Infection

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Often associated with FIV infection but some cases have an unknown primary cause

Dermatomyositis in a Collie

Cutaneous Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides

Dermatomyositis in a Collie

Dermatomyositis is a familial disease of blood vessels (vasculitis) that is seen in Collies, Shelties, and some other breeds, especially the Jack Russell Terrier.


Typically, it has a long course of repeated skin death and scarring. Tail tips, ears, and extremities may also be involved. Sunlight makes it worse. Responds well to immuno-modulating treatment

Dermatophyte Kerion

Discoid (Cutaneous) Lupus Erythematosus

Dermatomyositis in a Collie

Fungal lesion caused by soil-based dermatophyte

 

Maybe inflamed and have secondary bacterial infection. Often misdiagnosed as a "Hot Spot". Differential diagnosis is tumor such as mast cell tumor or histiocytoma. Fine needle aspirate shows mixed inflammatory cells. Local and systemic anti-fungal treatment is usually highly successful.

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm) in a Cat

Discoid (Cutaneous) Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid (Cutaneous) Lupus Erythematosus

NEVER treat this with just topical treatment as there will be other sites. Conform with a toothbrush sample to a veterinary laboratory. Topical treatment with miconazole or terbinafine cream plus Malaseb (R) washes speed resolution but the treatment of choice is itraconazole orally 7.5mg/kg initially daily then daily  1 week on and one week off  

Discoid (Cutaneous) Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid (Cutaneous) Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid (Cutaneous) Lupus Erythematosus

This disease mostly responds well to immunomodulatory drugs and sun restriction

Doodle Dysplasia in a Caboodle

 

Doodle dysplasia is a form of follicular dysplasia affecting the hair follicles of "oodle" breeds, including Cavoodles, Spoodles, and Labradoodles. It can also affect pure poodles.
Causes:It's believed to be inherited, likely from the poodle line. We don't understand the genetics but because it is breed related there has to be a breed re

 

Doodle dysplasia is a form of follicular dysplasia affecting the hair follicles of "oodle" breeds, including Cavoodles, Spoodles, and Labradoodles. It can also affect pure poodles.
Causes:It's believed to be inherited, likely from the poodle line. We don't understand the genetics but because it is breed related there has to be a breed related underlying condition.Symptoms:Specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria are still being researched, but it's a skin condition affecting the hair follicles. The hair may be shorter and thinner in character with marked discolouration and distinct borders. The primary condition is not itchy however some cases develop secondary infection which appears as itchy scabby pimples or circles with possible red leading borders.
  Diagnosis: There is no specific diagnostic test. The diagnosis is based on typical lesions in the "oodle" breed and excluding other conditions. This includes:Lab tests to eliminate hormonal conditions
Absence of systemic signs such as lethargy and excess drinking and urination
Skin biopsy to exclude other diseases of the hair follicles. Doodle dysplasia may have slightly abnormal hair shafts which have access pigment and mild accumulations of inflammatory cells in the hair follicles but these signs may be absent or mild and skin biopsy is to rule out other diseases.
Treatment:There's no specific treatment, and some cases may spontaneously resolve. Secondary infections can occur and need to be treated.I suspect as these  oodle breeds become more popular we will see more of this disease unless we can define its cause and genetics and develop a way of breeding the defect out. There is nothing groomers can do except recognise it and send the dogs to a veterinarian, preferably one trained in dermatology to confirm the diagnosis by ruling out other conditions.

Food Reaction

Severe allergic reaction to food items. Clinically indistinguishable from environmental atopic dermatitis. Needs a properly conducted food trial. Blood tests for food allergy NOT recommended

Hepatocutaneous Syndrome (MEN) Dog Foot

Serious liver or pancreatic disease. Blood tests sometimes don't show how serious the problem is. Main differentials are pemphigus foliaceus, split pad syndrome and idiopathic hyperkeratosis. Biopsy should confirm



Juvenile Cellulitis

Juvenile cellulitis in a 10-week-old puppy

This is an emergency situation as failure to recognise it will result in scarring that is permanent. A biopsy should differentiate this condition from infection, possibly secondary to democratic mange or severe ringworm. Immediate immunosuppressive corticosteroids are indicated upon diagnosis


Leproid granuloma in the dog often presents as ulcerated and eroded nodules on one or both ears. It

Leproid (Mycobacterial) Granuloma

Leproid granuloma in the dog often presents as ulcerated and eroded nodules on one or both ears. It is caused by some species of Mycobacteria and may be spread by insect bites. The Mycobacteria are difficult to grow and PCR is sometimes useful. Histopatology of a biopsy is used for confirmation but sometimes the organisms are hard to find

Leproid granuloma in the dog often presents as ulcerated and eroded nodules on one or both ears. It is caused by some species of Mycobacteria and may be spread by insect bites. The Mycobacteria are difficult to grow and PCR is sometimes useful. Histopatology of a biopsy is used for confirmation but sometimes the organisms are hard to find on acid fast stains

The differential diagnosis is other types of bacterial or fungal infection or tumour,

A few cases undergo spontaneous resolution but most need systemic combination treatment and topical silver sulphadiazine. Small residual lesions can be surgically resected

Leproid Granuloma

Leproid granuloma in the dog often presents as ulcerated and eroded nodules on one or both ears. It is caused by some species of Mycobacteria and may be spread by insect bites. The Mycobacteria are difficult to grow and PCR is sometimes useful. Histopatology of a biopsy is used for confirmation but sometimes the organisms are hard to find

Leproid granuloma in the dog often presents as ulcerated and eroded nodules on one or both ears. It is caused by some species of Mycobacteria and may be spread by insect bites. The Mycobacteria are difficult to grow and PCR is sometimes useful. Histopatology of a biopsy is used for confirmation but sometimes the organisms are hard to find on acid fast stains


A few cases undergo spontaneous resolution but most need systemic combination treatment and topical silver sulphadiazine. Small residual lesions can be surgically resected

Mosquito Hypersensitivity / Allergy Cat

Responds well to short term restriction and confinement especially early evening

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma

Infection commonly associated with allergy.


This condition will respond to three weeks of antibiotics at the correct dose. It may re-occur if the underlying allergies are not controlled. Mucocutaneous pyoderma must be differentiated from yeast (Malassezia) infection and immune-mediated diseases. German Shepherds seem predisposed.

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma of the Nose Pre-Treatment

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma of the Nose Pre-Treatment

Mucocutaneous pyoderma can mimic DLE of the nose and biopsy is NOT useful in many cases to distinguish. A three week antimicrobial response trial is the best means to differentiate MCP from DLE and other immune mediated diseases of the nose

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma of the Nose Pre-Treatment

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma of the Nose Pre-Treatment

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma of the Nose Pre-Treatment

Mucocutaneous pyoderma can mimic DLE of the nose and biopsy is NOT useful in many cases to distinguish. A three-week antimicrobial response trial is the best means to differentiate MCP from DLE and other immune-mediated diseases of the nose. Treatment was in this case topical chlorhexidine lotion and three weeks of cephalexin at 25 mg/kg 2x day 

Paronychia Cat; Pemphigus Foliaceus

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma of the Nose Pre-Treatment

Paronychia Cat; Pemphigus Foliaceus

In cases of feline pemphigus, most nails can be affected


Thick cheesy pus involving multiple nails is characteristic

Pemphigus Erythematosus

Mucocutaneous Pyoderma of the Nose Pre-Treatment

Paronychia Cat; Pemphigus Foliaceus

Confined to head only. A more benign disease than pemphigus foliaceus.

 

Often responds to less aggressive therapy than pemphigus foliaceus.

Pemphigus Erythematosus Before Treatment

Pemphigus Erythematosus Before Treatment

Pemphigus Erythematosus Before Treatment

Pemphigus erythematosus nose

 

This case could be discoid lupus or pemhigus erythematous. The yellow crusts and large number of neutrophils on cytology suggested PE. This was confirmed by biopsy

Pemphigus Erythematosus Post-Treatment

Pemphigus Erythematosus Before Treatment

Pemphigus Erythematosus Before Treatment

Pemphigus erythematosus post treatment


Short corticosteroid course and maintained on doxycycline and niacin amide combine with sun restriction

Pemphigus Foliaceus

Pemphigus Erythematosus Before Treatment

Pemphigus Foliaceus

Pemphigus foliaceus - auto-immune disease

Pemphigus Foliaceus

Pemphigus Foliaceus Footpads

Pemphigus Foliaceus

Acantholytic cells and intact neutrophils

Pemphigus Foliaceus Footpads

Pemphigus Foliaceus Footpads

Pemphigus Foliaceus Footpads

What are your differentials? 


Footpad crusts, scale, fissure formation and erosion

Idiopathic hyperkeratosis
Split pad syndrome
Pemphigus foliaceus
Hepatocutaneous syndrome

Cytology under crusts revealed many neutrophils and some acantholytic keratinocytes. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology 

Pododermatitis

Pemphigus Foliaceus Footpads

Pemphigus Foliaceus Footpads

Chronic atopic dermatitis with yeast overgrowth

Pododermatitis chronic

Sterile Pyogranuloma - Granuloma Syndrome

Sebaceous Adenitis Hungarian Visla

This can be an extremely difficult disease to keep under control.

How does it begin? Most cases begin on the underside of the foot with confirmation deformities resulting in walking on the sides of the pads. This causes rupture of hair follicles and a sterile foreign body reaction that breaks out at the top of the foot. Secondary infection

This can be an extremely difficult disease to keep under control.

How does it begin? Most cases begin on the underside of the foot with confirmation deformities resulting in walking on the sides of the pads. This causes rupture of hair follicles and a sterile foreign body reaction that breaks out at the top of the foot. Secondary infection follows and this complicates the process.

What do we do? Treat the infection based on culture. Recognise that the problem begins underneath and steps like weight loss and soft booties may help. Once the problem is ongoing long-term solutions include cyclosporine to reduce the inflammatory response from the ruptured hair follicles. Recently, treatment with CO2 laser to remove the diseased tissue is becoming the treatment of choice for advanced lesions.

Sebaceous Adenitis Hungarian Visla

Sterile Pyogranuloma - Granuloma Syndrome

Sebaceous Adenitis Hungarian Visla

Sebaceous Adenitis Hungarian Visla

 

Immune-mediated disease attacking the oil-producing (sebaceous) glands. In the Visla, it presents as light scale and very dry skin with hair loss. Itchy only if it becomes infected. Responds to moisturizing therapy and cyclosporine

Sterile Pyogranuloma - Granuloma Syndrome

Sterile Pyogranuloma - Granuloma Syndrome

Sterile Pyogranuloma - Granuloma Syndrome

This is an immune-mediated disease of unknown origin. It appears as nodules and ulcerations on the head and body. It is a diagnosis of EXCLUSION. Differentials include tumors, eosinophilic furunculosis, bacterial, fungal, and mycobacterial infection. These are excluded by culture and histopathology. Mycobacterial PCR is usually negative, 

This is an immune-mediated disease of unknown origin. It appears as nodules and ulcerations on the head and body. It is a diagnosis of EXCLUSION. Differentials include tumors, eosinophilic furunculosis, bacterial, fungal, and mycobacterial infection. These are excluded by culture and histopathology. Mycobacterial PCR is usually negative, but false positives from contaminates can occur.  Responds well to short-term corticosteroids and cyclosporine maintenance 

Trichophyton Rinworm (Dermatophytosis)

Trichophyton Rinworm (Dermatophytosis)

Sterile Pyogranuloma - Granuloma Syndrome

Trichophyton Rinworm (Dermatophytosis) in a Jack Russell Terrier, a breed predisposed to this. Transmitted from soil or rats and mice. Can spread to humans.


Very itchy and responds poorly to anti-itch drugs and gets worse with corticosteroids,


Typically scaly with hair loss and involves head and front limbs.


Responds well to topical and systemic antifungals (Terbinafine or itraconazole)

Vasculitis Nose

Trichophyton Rinworm (Dermatophytosis)

Vasculitis Nose

Flare up of vasculitis in a dog. Ears, toenails and feet also affected

Vitiligo

Trichophyton Rinworm (Dermatophytosis)

Vasculitis Nose

Noninflammatory depigmentation. Note intact cobblestones of nasal planum.


The lips, eyelids, and foot pads were also affected. Compare with inflammatory changes seen in cutaneous discoid lupus of the nose.

Zinc Responsive Dermatosis

Malamute Husky cross. Ear with scale and secondary infection

Vitiligo in a young Burmese cat

Vitiligo Is an immune-mediated attack on the pigment cells within the skin (melanocytes) it has an unknown breed predisposition in certain breeds of dogs and the Burmese cat.

Copyright © 2025 Skin Vet - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept