Archive for the ‘ DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS ’ Category
Mast Cell Tumor in Dogs
Mast Cell Tumor in Dogs
A mast cell tumor is a type of tumor consisting of mast cells that is found in many species of animals. Up to 20 to 25 percent of skin tumors in dogs are mast cell tumors, with a similar number in cats.
Causes
A mast cell originates from the bone marrow and [...]
Mast Cell Tumor Diagnosis
Mast Cell Tumor Diagnosis
A needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor will typically show a large number of mast cells. This is sufficient to make the diagnosis of a mast cell tumor, although poorly differentiated mast cells may have few granules and thus difficult to identify.
The granules of the mast cell stain blue to dark purple [...]
Mast Cell Tumor Treatment And Prognosis
Treatment And Prognosis
Removal of the mast cell tumor through surgery is the treatment of choice. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are given prior to surgery to protect against the effects of histamine released from the tumor. Wide margins (two to three centimeters) are required because of the tendency for the tumor cells to be spread out [...]
CUTANEOUS HISTIOCYTOMA CARCINOMA IN DOGS
Histiocyte biology
These cells are members of the histiocyte group, which are part of the body’s immune surveillance system. They take up and process foreign antigens, such as pollens and viral, bacterial and fungal microorganisms.
They then migrate to the local lymph nodes (“glands”). Here they present the antigens to other immune system cells (T lymphocytes) [...]
HISTIOCYTOMA CARCINOMA DIAGNOSIS
How will this tumor affect my dog?
The most obvious effect of this tumor is the lump. Many will regress spontaneously over a few months, these tumors are usually removed because ulceration, infection and bleeding are significant problems. It has been known for a dog to die from secondary infection of an untreated tumor.
Occasionally the local [...]
CUTANEOUS HISTIOCYTOMA CARCINOMA IN DOGS TREATMENT
What treatment is available?
Treatment is surgical removal of the lump to confirm the diagnosis.
Can this tumor disappear without treatment?
Yes. This is one of the rare types of tumor that the body’s own immune system can
eliminate. However, ulceration, itching, secondary infection and bleeding are often problems so surgery may be needed.
How can I nurse [...]
Epitheliotrophic Lymphoma (Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma, Mycosis Fungoides)
Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma
Epitheliotrophic lymphoma is a rare, cutaneous neoplasm of dogs and cats haracterized by epidermotrophic T lymphocytic infiltration of the skin.
In the normal animal certain T lymphocytes express membrane receptors that ensure that they continuously migrate through the layers of the skin (dermis and epidermis). Epitheliotrophic lymphoma occurs when one, or several, clones [...]
Canine Otitis Externa
DERMATOLOGY
Otitis externa is a common presenting complaint in veterinary and referral practice. The prevalence of otitis externa in dogs is 10-20%, perhaps as high as 30-40% in tropical and subtropical environments. Otitis in the cat is much less common, with a prevalence of 2-10%, depending on the study population.
Many controversies exist even within the dermatologic community. [...]
Canine Otitis Externa Treatment
Treatment of Otitis Externa
The inflamed ear is an extremely moist and warm environment with readily available nutritional sources and often with a compromised epithelium.
Under these conditions, the ear canal is extremely favourable to bacterial and yeast growth, including for species that otherwise are not present and are simply unable to reproduce successfully in the [...]
Puppy Strangles (canine juvenile cellulitis )
Puppy Strangles (canine juvenile cellulites )
I want to alert you to a condition that may onset in puppies between the ages of two and four months. Because it is often misdiagnosed and because it has potentially fatal consequences, you may want to bring this information to your veterinarian’s attention should your puppy present any of the typical symptoms:
The [...]