Category Archives: Disease Spotlight

Disease Spotlight: Skin Tumor—Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia

Post Image

What is it? Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia is a non-cancerous skin tumor that can develop anywhere on the skin. It is an overgrowth of sebaceous gland cells that are associated with hair follicles located in the skin. What can cause Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia tumors? The exact cause is unknown. What do these tumors look like? A Sebaceous […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Solar Induced Hemangiosarcoma

Post Image

Do you have a pink skinned and white haired dog or cat? You may want to read about Solar Induced Hemangiosarcoma! What is it? Solar Induced Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that line blood vessels (veins and arteries) and often involves the skin. Solar damage (sun bathing) can cause these changes on […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Post Image

What is it? Atopic dermatitis is an inherited skin allergy directed against environmental substances such as pollens (from weeds, trees, and grasses), mold spores, or dust mites in the house. It is caused by a combination of immune system overreaction and a weakened skin barrier. What are the signs? Itching and redness of the skin […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Feline Miliary Dermatitis

Post Image

 What is it? Miliary dermatitis is a unique cutaneous reaction pattern seen only in cats. Clinical signs include crusted papules (bumps) that are often easier to feel than see. Sometimes the crusted papules are edematous (swollen) and exude a clear fluid. The distribution is variable as it can be localized or widespread throughout the haired […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Fleabite Hypersensitivity

Post Image

lay term: Flea Allergy What causes it? When a flea bites an animal, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin. Many cats and dogs develop an allergy to a protein in the flea saliva. In these pets, small numbers of flea bites will lead to an intense allergic reaction and severe itching. […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Actinic (Solar) Dermatosis

Post Image

lay term: Pet Sunburn Spring time is here and we are all ready for a little sunshine! Did you know that pets can have skin damage from too much sun? Keep your pets protected from the sun to prevent actinic (solar) dermatosis. Pets at risk are those with white skin, light skin, or damaged skin […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Interdigital Cysts

Post Image

lay term: Interdigital Cysts This is one of the most frustrating conditions seen in the veterinary dermatology practice. What causes it? We see this condition as a structural/functional problem with dogs who have a limb deformity; for example, bulldogs with bow legs. In Texas, we most commonly see these lesions secondary to atopic dermatitis (environmental […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Staph Infection

Post Image

aka Superficial Pyoderma or Bacterial Skin Infection [i] Just like humans, dogs normally carry bacteria on their skin in balanced numbers. The bacteria that dogs carry is called Staphylococcus pseudintermedius while humans carry Staphylococcus aureus. In healthy dogs the bacteria do not pose a problem. It is common for veterinarians to see dogs with an […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Pemphigus Foliaceus (PF)

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF)[i] is an auto-immune disorder in which the patient’s immune system attacks components of their own skin, specifically the structures that hold the skin cells together. It is a pustular disease but progression from red bumps called a papules to pustules to rupture of the pustules can happen quickly so that the pet […]

Read More

Disease Spotlight: Acral Lick Dermatitis (ALD)

What are acral lick sores? Acral lick dermatitis (ALD), also called acral lick granuloma or acral pruritic nodule is one of the most frustrating diseases that pet parents, family veterinarians and veterinary dermatology specialists encounter. The sores develop from compulsive licking, usually of a lower limb. Small to large, firm, proliferative, and ulcerative plaques develop. […]

Read More