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Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and aetiological aspects of contact dermatitis of the scrotum in dogs., Methods: The medical records of 13 dogs with suspected scrotal contact dermatitis were retrospectively included in the study. For each case, historical findings, results of physical and dermatological examination and of avoidance tests as well as follow-up were included. Results of re-exposure tests and patch tests were also included when available., Results: Avoidance tests to various suspected substances such as floor detergents, bleach, cement, laundry detergent and plastic fabric were performed and led to clinical improvement in all patients. Provocative re-exposure was performed in six cases, with five positive responses. Patch tests were undertaken in three of the five re-exposed cases, with two responding positively., Clinical Significance: Scrotal skin is thin and with few hair follicles, and is therefore very susceptible to contact dermatitis. A range of substances can induce contact dermatitis. The diagnosis of contact dermatitis is made by results of avoidance and/or provocation tests and/or patch tests. Once an aetiological agent has been identified, treatment is straightforward consisting of avoidance of this agent., (© 2011 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

Objectives: We described epidemiological, clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural features of ichthyosis in the golden retriever breed in a prospective study. We also investigated the mode of transmission of this disease., Materials and Methods: We examined 150 golden retrievers, 73 of which were affected by ichthyosis (35 males and 38 females). We carried out detailed clinical and histopathological examinations for 40 affected dogs. Transmission electron microscopy was performed for two of them. We used pedigree analysis with the Cyrillic software to determine the mode of transmission., Results: Dermatological signs included a mild to moderate or severe generalised scaling with initially small to large whitish scales and progressively blackish scales. The ventral glabrous skin was hyperpigmented and rough, similar to sandpaper. Histopathological features were characterised by moderate to severe laminated or compact orthokeratotic epidermal hyperkeratosis without significant involvement of the stratum granulosum. Ultrastructural findings revealed laminated or compact keratin layers and numerous persistent corneodesmosomes within the stratum corneum. Analysis of the pedigree suggested an autosomal recessive inheritance., Conclusion: The histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics strongly suggest that golden retriever ichthyosis is a retention ichthyosis, caused by absence of corneodesmosomal degradation, transmitted through an autosomal recessive mode.

The authors report 10 cases of localised sarcoptic mange in dogs. In each case, lesions were localised to one precise area of the skin. Pruritus was present in nine cases and absent in one. Affected areas were the feet (one case), the face and/or the pinnae (six cases), the abdominal skin (one case), the flank (one case) and the lumbar area (one case). The types of lesions were erythema, papules, lichenification, scales, crusts and alopecia. Parasites were found in all cases except one, in which anti-immunoglobulin G Sarcoptes serology was positive. The acaricidal treatments given were lindane, ivermectin or selamectin and were all successful.

Scleroderma is a rare chronic disease of connective tissues, involving the skin and/or internal organs in humans, and rarely described in the dog. A case is reported of localised scleroderma in a cat which presented with two well delineated alopecic, sclerotic, raised and shiny lesions localised on the trunk. Diagnosis was made by histopathological examination of skin biopsies which showed the replacement of all dermal components by dense thick collagen bundles. No therapy was instituted and a spontaneous recovery occurred three months later. Clinical and histopathological aspects of this feline dermatosis are compared with human and canine morphea.