Dermatologic diagnosis in the dog

Using a variety of graphical resources, this atlas describes the cutaneous clinical patterns most commonly encountered in dogs (accounting for 90 % of cases seen in veterinary clinics), as well as the associated aetiologies. For each pattern, corresponding guidelines are provided to ensure correct diagnosis. This book has been designed as an educational guide for veterinary practitioners to facilitate the diagnosis of skin diseases. The wealth of graphical material complementing the text provides veterinary surgeons with reference images with which to compare the cases they encounter in the clinic.

1. General considerations for diagnosis based on clinical patterns
 Introduction
 Identify and define the dermatological pattern
 Collect basic information
 Establish the list of possible causes of the pattern
 Propose tests in a logical order
2. Defining cutaneous patterns
 Introduction
 Pathophysiological responses of the epidermis to aggressions of the skin
  Hyperkeratosis: alterations in the cornification process
  Acanthosis: epidermal hyperplasia
  Apoptosis
  Necrosis
  Atrophy of the epidermis
  Alterations in the epidermal fluid equilibrium
  Acantholysis
  Exocytosis
 Pathophysiological responses of the dermis to skin aggressions
 Pathophysiological responses of skin appendages
 Pathophysiological responses of the adipose tissue
 Cutaneous clinical patterns
  Focal-multifocal alopecia pattern
  Symmetrical alopecia pattern (regional or generalised)
  Scaling/crusting and seborrhoeic pattern
  Erosive-ulcerative pattern
  Vesicular papulopustular pattern
  Nodular pattern
  Pigmentary alteration pattern
  Pruritus
3. Focal or multifocal alopecia
 Introduction
 Underlying causes of the pattern
 Diagnostic procedure
  Analysis of the medical history
  General examination
  Dermatological examination
  Diagnostic protocol
4. Symmetrical alopecia (regional or generalised)
 Introduction
  Factors involved in hair growth and formation
 Underlying causes of the pattern
 Diagnostic procedure
  Analysis of the medical history
  General examination
  Dermatological examination
  Diagnostic protocol
5. Scaling/crusting and seborrhoeic pattern
 Introduction
 Underlying causes of the pattern
  Primary keratinisation alterations
  Secondary keratinisation alterations
 Diagnostic procedure
  Analysis of the medical history
  General examination
  Dermatological examination
  Diagnostic protocol
6. Erosive-ulcerative pattern
 Introduction
 Underlying causes of the pattern
 Diagnostic procedure
  Analysis of the medical history
  General examination
  Dermatological examination
  Diagnostic protocol
7. Papulopustular and vesicular pattern
 Introduction
 Underlying causes of the pattern
 Diagnostic procedure
  Analysis of the medical history
  General examination
  Dermatological examination
  Diagnostic protocol
8. When the clinical presentation is pruritus
 Introduction
  Pathophysiology of pruritus
 Causes of pruritic signs
 Diagnostic procedure
  Analysis of the medical history
  Characteristics of pruritus
  General examination
  Dermatological examination
  Diagnostic protocol
 Treatment
9. References

Maite Verde graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Zaragoza. She holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and is a Professor of Animal Medicine and Surgery. She has served as vice-dean of Clinical Services and dean of the Faculty of Zaragoza (1995–2003), as well as vice-president and president of AVEPA (Spanish Association of Small Animal Specialists, 2006–2012). She has been a member of the council of the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) (2002–2004), is a current member of the National Commission on Veterinary Specialties of the Spanish Council of Veterinary Colleges, and is the director of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zaragoza.

A Professor of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, AVEPA-accredited in Dermatology and Internal Medicine, she is a member of the European Society of Dermatology (ESVD) and has participated in the organisation of the 3 European ESVD congresses held in Spain. She has also served as secretary and president of GEDA, AVEPA’s group of experts in dermatology. She currently heads the Dermatology Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zaragoza. She has published several works and book chapters on dermatology and internal veterinary medicine and has spoken at congresses and seminars for both academia and private industry.