Interactive Case Discussion on Nonpruritic Skin Problems in Cats

In these diseases pruritus is not the primary complaint of the owner. a precise history is necessary to exclude the presence of pruritus and if there is some pruritus it is impor- tant to know if this is rather secondary due to secondary microbial infection. if it is not clear if the lesions are self-induced or not the localization of the hypotrichia and a trich- ogramm to exclude broken hair tips are helpful.
Diagnostic approach of more superficial diseases includes multiple skin scrapings, trich- ogramm, cytology of impressions smears and often fungal culture. in contrast to dogs the presence of microbial infections is less frequent. if a fungal infection is less likely it is wise to collect hairs and leave them in in dry aired container while waiting for pathol- ogy results. Histopathology is however a less sensitive method for detection of dermat- ophytes compared to fungal culture. Histopathology of skin biopsies is often needed for a final diagnosis. a symptomatic treatment with corticosteroids can be detrimental when infectious diseases are not excluded in advance. [...]