Veterinary Dermatology Course

Lesson 1 • Skin Immunology Essentials

Introduces innate and adaptive immune mechanisms within the skin. Provides the immunological framework needed to understand allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Lesson 2 • Species-Specific Skin Differences

Compares skin thickness, hair follicle density, and glandular distribution across dogs, cats, horses, and exotic species. Prepares students to adapt diagnostic approaches by species.

Lesson 3 • Skin Microbiome and Normal Flora

Describes resident microbial communities and their protective roles. Contextualises how dysbiosis contributes to dermatological disease.

Lesson 1 • Secondary Lesion Identification

Covers scales, crusts, erosions, ulcers, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation. Secondary lesions reveal disease chronicity and guide treatment planning.

Lesson 2 • Structured Dermatological History Taking

Teaches a stepwise history framework covering onset, distribution, pruritus, diet, and environment. Accurate history guides differential diagnosis formation.

Lesson 3 • Systematic Full-Body Skin Examination

Establishes a head-to-tail examination protocol including mucocutaneous junctions, interdigital spaces, and ear canals. Ensures no lesion distribution is overlooked.

Lesson 4 • Primary Lesion Identification

Defines and distinguishes macules, papules, pustules, vesicles, nodules, and plaques. Accurate primary lesion recognition is the cornerstone of dermatological diagnosis.

Lesson 1 • Cytological Sampling Methods

Covers tape strips, impression smears, fine-needle aspirates, and swabs. Correct sampling technique directly determines cytology result quality.

Lesson 2 • Allergy Testing Methods

Introduces intradermal skin testing and serum allergen-specific IgE testing. Understanding test limitations ensures appropriate patient selection and result interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Dermatophyte Culture and Wood's Lamp

Explains DTM and Sabouraud culture setup, incubation, and colony identification alongside Wood's lamp use. Accurate fungal diagnosis prevents misdiagnosis and zoonotic spread.

Lesson 4 • Skin Biopsy Techniques and Submission

Covers site selection, punch and excisional biopsy methods, fixation, and pathology submission protocols. Optimal biopsy technique maximises histopathological diagnostic yield.

Lesson 5 • Cytology Interpretation

Teaches identification of bacteria, yeast, inflammatory cells, and neoplastic cells on stained slides. Cytology interpretation drives immediate treatment decisions.

Lesson 1 • Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Explains flea biology, hypersensitivity mechanisms, and the clinical presentation of flea allergy dermatitis. Integrated flea control is essential for resolution.

Lesson 2 • Sarcoptic and Notoedric Mange

Covers Sarcoptes scabiei and Notoedres cati biology, clinical signs, and diagnosis. Zoonotic potential and treatment selection are emphasised.

Lesson 3 • Cheyletiellosis and Walking Dandruff

Describes Cheyletiella spp. biology, clinical signs, and contagion risk. Diagnosis and treatment across in-contact animals are covered.

Lesson 4 • Demodicosis: Localised and Generalised

Distinguishes juvenile-onset from adult-onset demodicosis and localised from generalised forms. Immunological context and long-term management strategies are addressed.

Lesson 1 • Canine Atopic Dermatitis

Covers diagnostic criteria, breed predispositions, and the role of skin barrier dysfunction. Students apply established diagnostic criteria to confirm atopic dermatitis.

Lesson 2 • Pharmacological Management of Allergic Disease

Reviews glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, oclacitinib, and biologics for allergic skin disease. Rational drug selection balances efficacy, safety, and cost.

Lesson 3 • Contact and Irritant Hypersensitivity

Differentiates allergic contact dermatitis from irritant contact reactions and identifies common causative agents. Patch testing and avoidance strategies are covered.

Lesson 4 • Cutaneous Adverse Food Reactions

Explains immunological and non-immunological food reactions and the dietary elimination trial protocol. The hydrolysed or novel protein diet trial is the diagnostic gold standard.

Lesson 5 • Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

Covers immunotherapy mechanisms, allergen selection, injection and sublingual protocols, and response monitoring. Immunotherapy is the only disease-modifying treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Lesson 1 • Canine Pyoderma: Surface to Deep

Classifies pyoderma by depth and covers Staphylococcus pseudintermedius as the primary pathogen. Depth classification determines treatment duration and route.

Lesson 2 • Viral and Miscellaneous Skin Infections

Reviews papillomavirus, poxvirus, and herpesvirus skin manifestations in companion and large animals. Recognition prevents misdiagnosis and guides appropriate management.

Lesson 3 • Antimicrobial Resistance in Dermatology

Addresses methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus and multidrug-resistant organisms in skin infections. Culture and sensitivity testing guides responsible antibiotic use.

Lesson 4 • Malassezia Dermatitis and Otitis

Covers Malassezia pachydermatis overgrowth triggers, cytological diagnosis, and antifungal treatment. Concurrent allergic disease is the most common predisposing factor.

Lesson 1 • Lupus Erythematosus in Animals

Distinguishes discoid lupus erythematosus from systemic lupus erythematosus and covers diagnostic criteria. Nasal planum depigmentation is a hallmark of discoid lupus in dogs.

Lesson 2 • Vasculitis and Ischaemic Dermatopathies

Covers immune-mediated vasculitis, dermatomyositis, and ischaemic skin disease with breed predispositions. Vascular lesions often present as punched-out ulcers at pressure points.

Lesson 3 • Pemphigus Complex

Covers pemphigus foliaceus, erythematosus, and vulgaris with emphasis on autoantibody targets and histopathology. Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs and cats.

Lesson 4 • Drug Reactions and Erythema Multiforme

Identifies cutaneous adverse drug reactions and erythema multiforme spectrum disorders. Drug withdrawal is the most critical first step in management.

Lesson 1 • Sex Hormone-Related Dermatoses

Reviews intact male and female hormone-related skin changes and post-neutering alopecia. Hormonal skin disease requires ruling out adrenal sex hormone imbalances.

Lesson 2 • Hypothyroidism and Skin Disease

Covers thyroid hormone effects on skin and coat, clinical signs, and diagnostic testing. Symmetric non-pruritic alopecia with myxedema is a classic presentation.

Lesson 3 • Alopecia Workup and Differential Diagnosis

Provides a systematic approach to non-inflammatory and inflammatory alopecia using history, trichogram, and biopsy. Integrates endocrine, nutritional, and hereditary differentials.

Lesson 4 • Nutritional Deficiencies and Skin Health

Covers zinc-responsive dermatosis, essential fatty acid deficiency, and vitamin A-responsive dermatosis. Diet history is essential for identifying nutritional skin disease.

Lesson 5 • Hyperadrenocorticism and Skin Manifestations

Describes cortisol excess effects on skin including calcinosis cutis, comedones, and fragile skin. Dermatological signs often precede systemic signs in early disease.