Veterinary dermatology
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Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a hereditary mechanobullous disease of animals and humans, characterized by an extreme fragility of the skin and mucous membranes. The main feature of EB in humans and animals is the formation of blisters and erosions in response to minor mechanical trauma. Epidermolysis bullosa is caused by mutations in the genes that code for structural proteins of the cytoskeleton of the basal keratinocytes or of the basement membrane zone. ⋯ In all animal species, except in buffalo with epidermolysis bullosa simplex, multifocal ulcers are observed on the gums, hard and soft palates, mucosa of the lips, cheek mucosa and dorsum of the tongue. Dystrophic or absent nails, a frequent sign seen in human patients with EB, corresponds to the deformities and sloughing of the hooves in ungulates and to dystrophy or atrophy of the claws in dogs and cats. This review covers aspects of the molecular biology, diagnosis, classification, clinical signs and pathology of EB reported in animals.
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Veterinary dermatology · Apr 2014
Feline atopic dermatitis: a retrospective study of 45 cases (2001-2012).
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is recognized as a common cause of pruritus in cats, but it remains incompletely characterized. ⋯ The prevalence of feline AD was higher than previously suggested, and breed predispositions were confirmed. Severe nonseasonal pruritus was most common, with a varied spectrum of lesions affecting a range of body areas.
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Veterinary dermatology · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe efficacy of cetirizine hydrochloride on the pruritus of cats with atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
Various antihistamines have been used in the management of feline atopic dermatitis, with variable reported benefit. To date, there have been no randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trials on the use of this drug class in cats. ⋯ This study suggests that cetirizine hydrochloride cannot be recommended for the management of feline atopic dermatitis.
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Veterinary dermatology · Aug 2013
Case ReportsCat scratch-induced Pasteurella multocida necrotizing cellulitis in a dog.
In humans, rapidly developing Pasteurella multocida cellulitis after a cat scratch or bite is a well-known entity that sometimes progresses to necrotizing fasciitis and can be fatal. ⋯ Complications of cat bite-associated P. multocida infections in humans are well known. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documentation of P. multocida necrotizing cellulitis in a dog following a cat scratch wound. This case highlights the rapidity and severity of P. multocida cellulitis, if not recognized and treated early. Veterinarians should include P. multocida in the differential diagnosis of any local wound infection following a cat scratch.