CNYACE Webinar: Topics in Dermatology

Otitis externa is a very common and multifactorial disease appreciated both in the canine and feline species. Patients can develop recurrent ear infections due to predisposing factors such as external ear canal conformation, primary causes such as allergic disease, and perpetuating factors such as bacterial and fungal infections. Treatment of otitis includes identification of possible causative factors, management of active infections, and prevention of pathologic changes that can perpetuate disease. This lecture will explain the pathogenesis of otitis, summarize the presentations of otitis in dogs and cats, and list the current therapeutic options for management of disease.

Feline Atopic Syndrome refers to a spectrum of hypersensitive disorders characterized by clinical presentations including skin (flea allergy dermatitis, feline atopic skin syndrome), gastrointestinal (cutaneous adverse food reaction or food allergy) and respiratory systems (feline asthma). Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome (formerly known as nonflea nonfood-induced feline hypersensitivity dermatitis) specifically refers to the hypersensitivity reaction associated with environmental allergens. The main presenting complaint associated with allergic disease in cats is pruritus (seasonal or nonseasonal). Concurrent clinical signs involve cutaneous reaction patterns such as head and neck pruritus, symmetrical alopecia, miliary dermatitis and eosinophilic granuloma complex. Diagnosis of allergic disease in cats is formulated off of initial dermatologic database such as superficial and deep skin scrapes, clinical history and presentation, trial of medications such as flea prevention and strict elimination diet trials. Therapeutic management options for cats include antihistamines, anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy, supplements, and allergen specific immunotherapy.

Itch or pruritus is an unpleasant sensation which causes an intense desire to scratch. Itch sensation is limited to the skin, mucosa and cornea. Itch can be classified into three groups: itch on primary inflamed skin, itch on primary but non-inflamed skin and itch presenting with severe chronic secondary scratch lesions. This lecture focuses on explaining and understanding the complex pathogenesis of pruritus, diseases associated with the clinical sign of pruritus, and current therapeutic options available to manage pruritus in small animal patients with allergic skin disease.