Clinical Studies on the Correlation Between the Common Skin Diseases and Their Histopathology in Dogs

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ of the body that has many functions. Canine dermatology remain a challenging field that requires a variety of knowledge as dermatological problems are reported to be the most common health problem in small animal practice. Blood, skin and biopsy samples were collected from 50 dogs of different breeds and sexes. These dogs were grouped into two groups, the first one was the control group (n=10) apparently healthy dogs and the second group (n=40) diseased dogs presented with different skin ailments. Evaluation of the hematological parameters revealed presence of anemia and leukocytosis with apparent neutrophilia and eosinophilia. Biochemical parameters lied within the reference range. Staphylococcus spp. was the most common bacterial isolate in canine pyoderma. With respect to histopathological picture, results indicated presence of large focal area of epidermal liquefactive necrosis associated with dense neutrophils infiltration. Severe dermatitis, folliculitis, perifollicular and perivascular inflammatory cells infiltration, all these changes associated with cases of pyoderma. Demodicosis cases demonstrated as heavy mite infestation in different developmental stages in the stratum conium of the epidermis and in the follicles. Laminar orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, vacuolated epidermal prickle cells, acanthosis and vaculation of keratinocytes of the infundibula. Dermatitis characterized by moderate to marked inflammatory infiltration. Necrosis of adnexa, folliculitis and perifollicultis were also recorded in examined cases.