PLEASE NOTE A NEW 4TH EDITION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY AND IN PRINT

Dogs and cats presented for the investigation and treatment of skin disease can show a variety of clinical signs. The investigation into the cause of the dermatosis can be planned using a problem-solving approach based on the signs present at examination. The cutaneous signs include pruritus, erythema, papules, pustules, alopecia, crusts, scales, erosions, ulcerations, nodules and pigment changes. One or more of these signs may be present and the balance of clinical features, along with the signalment and history, allows the dermatologist to create a list of differential diagnoses and diagnostic tests, and/or to prescribe treatment. The chapter looks at: Gross lesions and Histological changes.