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CONTENTS

SUMMARY OF

1    Structure and functions of skin and coat

Chiara Nołi

The skin and cutaneous adnexae make up the most important anatomical and physiological barrier between the extemal environment and the intemal organism. Knowledge of the anatomy and histology of the various cutaneous structures, some of which are specific to cats, allows better understanding of all the functions of the skin in the cat (e.g. mechanical protection against water and light, thermoregulation, biochemical homoeostasis, metabolic regulation, immunoregulation, sensory perception and social functions). Genetic determination of coat type and colour, and specific aspects of feline skin and its ecosystem are discussed in detail.

2    Diagnostic approach

Didier Noel Carlotti - Didier Pin

The diagnostic approach in feline dermatology must be methodical and include the various steps of a conventional medical consultation as well as additional ones relevant to feline dermatology. Information gleaned from the history and clinical examination, both generał and dermatological, allow the practitioner to construct a differential diagnosis. Appropriate diagnostic tests are then chosen to narrow down this list and produce a definitive diagnosis.

3 Ectoparasitic skin diseases

Erie Guaguere

Skin diseases caused by mites and insects are of prime importance in feline dermatology and enter into the differential diagnosis of many different conditions. Although some are often suspected, others are less so because the signs associated with them are non-specific. Some ectoparasitic conditions may be the source of human infestations, unrecognised by either the vet or the dermatologist. This chapter deals with notoedric mange, sarcoptic mange, otodectic mange, cheyletiellosis,- trombiculiasis, demodicosis, pediculosis and flea infestation. Methods of flea control, both mechanical and Chemical, are described.

| 4 Dermatophytosis

Karen A. Moriello - Douglas J. DeBoer

Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. Microsporum canis, the most common cause of feline dermatophytosis, is not part of the normal fungal flora of cats and its isolation warrants special attention. As dermatophytosis is an important zoonosis, it is very important for veterinary surgeons to be familiar with the condition. Dermatophytosis is transmitted by direct contact involving an infected cat or indirectly via a contaminated environment. Clinical signs are very pleomorphic and dermatophytosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all feline skin conditions. Fungal culture is still considered the gold standard for diagnosing feline dermatophytosis as it allows genus and species identification of the causal organism. Although the disease will resolve spontaneously, treatment is required to speed up resolution, limit the risk of spread to other animals and man, and prevent contamination of the environment. Systemie antifungal treatment is the treatment of choice. Clipping promotes faster healing and is recommended for long-haired cats and cats with severe infections. Topical therapy limits transmission and the spread of spores in the environment. It needs to be continued until fungal cultures are negative on two or three successive occasions in all animals examined. A contaminated environment is often an important reservoir of spores. Environmental decontamination requires repeated cleaning to eliminate organie debris and frequent application of an antifungal disinfectant. Vaccination is not currently an effective means of preventing dermatophytosis.

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