Strange SA Dermatology Case

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

Elisabeth Knappett — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:25:49 GMT

David - I am interested in why you don't trust suprelorin in this case to give the same result as castration? Obviously its not a permanent solution like the surgery may/not be, but what else and why? Thanks!

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:42:01 GMT

Thanks, David and everyone else who replied and PM'd. Going to suggest gelding the dog if he wants a cheap gamble or full work up if not.

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

David Scarff — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:24:18 GMT

Hi, did the pathology report mention 'flame follicles' at all. I have had a few dogs with similar signs that have responded to castration which could perhaps fit 'Alopecia X' or 'growth hormone responsive dermatosis' I would consider castration, wouldn't necessarily trust Suprelorin to give the same result, but would also warn that the effect of castration may not last forever.

Finally I would also suggest that finding a testicular neoplasm can be very difficult, and that if the dog is not castrated sun avoidance will be necessary later in the year.

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

Elisabeth Knappett — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:53:39 GMT

I would hazard the same answer - if they are directly related then neutering would lead to the same result. Could try suprelorin as a 'reversible' castrate first? How quickly did the initial case improve - I would suspect that the 6 month cover the implant gives would be enough to assess whether or not the op would be necessary.

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

James Laidlaw — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:55:26 GMT

Is the first case fine now? If so and given they are directly related, I'd hazard a guess that neutering would lead to the same result. Skin problems always cost a bit to get a working diagnosis and they often end up vague - like "hormonal" which then opens the door to a barrage of endocrine rule in/rule out testing too. If costs are an issue and they aren't totally against neutering I'd give that a shot - at the very least he's maybe not great breeding stock anyway?! If not you'd start the work up from square one as mentioned - scrapes/tape preps/hair plucks etc etc.

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

Michael Woodhouse — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:10:26 GMT

Thanks Rosie. We did biopsies in the first dog with no sign of fungal infection. Head is worst affected but some on the trunk also. Does give me a fortnight 'thinking time' to see if nature will cure all!

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

Rosie_Skinner — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:07:00 GMT

maybe worth doing a dermafyt test in case of dermatophytosis? it's pretty cheap if you have the kits... It's probably a likely differential in working dogs, and can be fairly variable in appearance. Is the alopecia confined to the face? Otherwise skin scrapes, impression smears, hair plucks from the edges etc to start with, followed by biopsies and wherever those point you.

Re: Strange SA Dermatology Case

Michael Woodhouse — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:02:40 GMT

Anyone?