CPG Skin & Coat Conditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dog presents with circular patches of hair loss, scaling, and a 'bullseye' pattern on the skin. The most likely diagnosis is:
- Ringworm (dermatophytosis) (Correct answer)
- Alopecia X
- Demodectic mange
- Contact dermatitis
Correct answer: Ringworm (dermatophytosis)
Ringworm (a fungal infection) classically produces circular, scaly, crusty lesions with hair loss in a bullseye pattern.
Question 2: Which type of mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei and is highly contagious between animals and humans?
- Demodectic mange
- Sarcoptic mange (Correct answer)
- Cheyletiellosis
- Notoedric mange
Correct answer: Sarcoptic mange
Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, is intensely pruritic and zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans.
Question 3: A client's cat has dandruff-like flakes that appear to move when the coat is parted. This is characteristic of:
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Cheyletiellosis (walking dandruff) (Correct answer)
- Dry seborrhea
- Ringworm
Correct answer: Cheyletiellosis (walking dandruff)
Cheyletiellosis is nicknamed 'walking dandruff' because the large mites are visible moving through the coat's flakes.
Question 4: Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) are most commonly triggered by:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Self-trauma from scratching, biting, or licking (Correct answer)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Fungal infections
Correct answer: Self-trauma from scratching, biting, or licking
Hot spots develop rapidly when a dog traumatizes its own skin through repeated scratching, biting, or licking in response to an underlying itch.
Question 5: Which skin condition in dogs is associated with a 'moth-eaten' or patchy coat appearance and is caused by Demodex mites?
- Sarcoptic mange
- Demodectic mange (Correct answer)
- Ringworm
- Seborrhea oleosa
Correct answer: Demodectic mange
Demodectic mange causes patchy or generalized hair loss with a moth-eaten appearance due to Demodex mite proliferation in hair follicles.
Question 6: A dog's coat has a greasy feel, a rancid odor, and yellowish-brown scales. This presentation is most consistent with:
- Dry seborrhea (seborrhea sicca)
- Oily seborrhea (seborrhea oleosa) (Correct answer)
- Alopecia X
- Hypothyroidism
Correct answer: Oily seborrhea (seborrhea oleosa)
Seborrhea oleosa (oily seborrhea) is characterized by excessive greasiness, a characteristic rancid odor, and yellowish waxy scales.
Question 7: When a groomer notices a skin condition that may be contagious, the correct protocol is to:
- Complete the groom and note the condition in the record
- Refuse service and refer the client to a veterinarian (Correct answer)
- Apply an over-the-counter antifungal and proceed
- Isolate the pet and still complete basic services
Correct answer: Refuse service and refer the client to a veterinarian
Groomers should refuse service for potentially contagious skin conditions to protect other animals and staff, and always refer to a veterinarian.
CPG Skin & Coat Conditions 2
A dog presents with circular patches of hair loss, scaling, and a 'bullseye' pattern on the skin.
The most likely diagnosis is: