Page 1458 - Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine

1396 Section 12 Skin and Ear Diseases

incision is then closed utilizing 1–2 simple interrupted various treatments. Specific endocrine tests are available
VetBooks.ir or cruciate sutures. for the evaluation of hypothyroidism, hypercortisolism,
and sex hormone abnormalities. Various imaging modal-
Provide a thorough history on your biopsy submission
form, as well as a description of the physical exam.
Preliminary diagnostic tests and their results should also ities may also be indicated such as radiography and ultra-
sound. Advanced imaging modalities, including magnetic
be included if applicable, along with a list of differential resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography
diagnoses. Current and past therapy, including response, (CT) scans, may also be needed in some cases. The indi-
may also be beneficial. Submission of digital photographs cations and use of these various tests will be elaborated
can be very helpful and ideally a dermatohistopatholo- upon in the relevant chapters of this section.
gist should be utilized.

Therapeutic Plan and Client Education
Tests of Noncutaneous Organs
When a dermatopathy is suspected to co‐exist with an After thorough evaluation, the therapeutic plan most
underlying systemic disease or endocrinopathy, a com- beneficial to the patient can be formulated. Client educa-
plete blood count, small animal chemistry profile, and tion is one of the most important aspects of treating the
urinalysis may be indicated. These basic tests are also dermatologic patient adequately. Because many skin dis-
advised to obtain baseline information prior to initiating eases are controllable but not curable, close communica-
tion is essential for a satisfactory long‐term result.

Further Reading

Foster AP, Foil CS. History, examination and initial Dermatology, 7th edn. St Louis, MO: Elsevier, 2013,
evaluation. In: BSAVA Manual of Small Animal pp. 57–107.
Dermatology, 2nd edn. Gloucester: British Small Animal Mueller RS. Dermatology for the Small Animal Practitioner.
Veterinary Association, 2003, pp. 11–19. Jackson, WY: Teton NewMedia, 2000, pp. 2–50.
Miller WH, Griffin CE, Campbell KL. Diagnostic Smith SA, Tobias AH, Fine DM, Jacob KA, Ployngam T.
methods. In: Miller W, Griffin C, Campbell K, Corticosteroid‐associated congestive heart failure in 12
eds. Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal cats. Int J Appl Res Vet Med 2004; 2(3): 159–70.