Module 8 Study Questions
1. Compare sarcoptic and demodex mange, including location, clinical signs, and other pertinent
differences.
Demodex lives hair follicles (dermis) most dogs and some cats. diagnosed with deep skin
scrape. Demodex is not itchy . most common in young dogs. Not zoonotic, not highly
contagious between dogs as demodex naturally lives in skin but demodex mange is from
overabundance from immunodeficiency. Can be localized or generalized in any area of the
dog. (Summers,2014)
Scabies is very itchy burrows into epidermis of the skin. Diagnosed superficial skin scrape. No
specific signalment. Zoonotic and highly contagious. Like ears and elbows but can be
anywhere on the trunk of the animal. (Summers,2014)
2. Dermatophytes are a very important zoonotic disease in veterinary medicine. Discuss
environmental clean-up of a home after a patient has been diagnosed with dermatophytes.
Carpets and furniture should be vacuumed. Wash all clothes, towels, dog bed or anything that
could’ve been in contact with animal. Hard surfaces should be cleaned with a 1:10 ratio of
bleach. Throw away toys that cannot be easily cleaned. Handle the animal as little as possible.
(Summers,2014)
3. Discuss how to classify the findings on a cytology along with the importance of doing so.
Helps diagnose specific fungus, mite or bacteria for specialized treatment.
Wood’s lamp is used to identify fungus m.canis it will show apple green. (Branham,2019)
Toothbrush method is used to collect as much sample from skin/fur of animal to be added on a
growth plate for culture. Once cultured we can look under the microscope to determine what
the culture is. Skin cytology is done with a tape test and dipped in gram stain it shows
bacteria and yeast and we can count the amount, determine the type, and select an
appropriate antibiotic. (Branham,2019)
4. Describe the two main components to treatment for dermatitis.
Anti itch- includes antihistamines, steroids, topicals etc
Treat infection- antibiotics, antifungals, special shampoos that kill invaders.
(Branham,2019)
5. Describe the most common secondary invaders found in an otitis externa patient.
Yeast- Malassezia is the most common secondary invader of outer ear infection. Dark brown
discharge and scaly debris still needs cytology to confirm.
(Branham,2019)
6. Discuss the important aspects of treatment for an anal gland rupture.
Release the fluid with digital pressure if unblocked or if blocked sedate the animal to unblock
and wash the anal gland. Medicate the anal glands. (Branham,2019)
7. Describe the most likely signalment, history, and clinical signs of a patient with suspected
pyometra.
The most likely signalment is Middle aged cat or dog non spayed 4-8 weeks after ovulation. ( Bassert,
J.M.,Thomas,J.A ,2014,p.1235)
History- 4-8 weeks after ovulation (Estrus)
Clinical signs- intact females with combination of fever, lethargy, PU/PD, abdominal pain, abdominal
enlargement, vomiting and diarrhea. Open pyometra will have vaginal discharge (Bassert, J.M.,Thomas,J.A
2014,p.1235)
8. Discuss the importance of intravenous fluids during pyometra therapy.
Used to stabilize the patient for emergency hysterectomy. (Bassert, J.M, Thomas, J.A.,
2014,p.690)
9. Describe the most likely signalment, history, and clinical signs of a patient with suspected
acute pancreatitis.
Signalment- obese dog middle age to older.
History- obesity, excess high fat food, blunt force trauma, use of pancreotoxic drugs. (Bassert,J.M,
Thomas.J.A.,2014,p.690)
Clinical signs- Clinical signs associated with canine pancreatitis include anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea,
and fever. Clinical signs associated with feline pancreatitis include anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, hypothermia, and
vomiting. Dogs are more likely to have acute pancreatitis while cats are more likely to have chronic pancreatitis. Severe
acute pancreatitis clinical signs are low blood pressure, and multi organ failure. (Bassert ,J.M.,Thomas,J.A,2014,p.690)
10. Discuss the important aspects of treatment for a patient with acute pancreatitis.
Mostly supportive care- fluids, analgesics, antiemetics, antibiotics to prevent sepsis. (Bassert,
J.M.,Thomas,J.A,2014,p.691)
Fasting for 36 hours (Bassert, J.M,Thomas,J.A,2014,p.691). refeed with low fat bland diet when not vomiting
(Bassert,J.M.,Thomas J.A.,2014,p.691) Probiotics introduce good bacteria for healthy digestion. Mucosal protectants
protect the stomach lining. (Bassert,J.M,Thomas,J.A.,2014,p.690)
Bassert, J.M., & Thomas, J.A. (2014). McCurnin's clinical textbook for
veterinary technicians (8th ed.). Elsevier
Branham,2019. Canine and feline inflammatory diseases [recorded lecture] canvas.
https://mycourses.spcollege.edu/d2l/le/content/286778/viewContent/11619147/View
Summers.A,(2014). Common diseases of companion animals third edition.
