Dry Dermatoses (Scaling and Flaking) - Donkey

Scaling and flaking arises when there is either excessive production of keratinocytes with a high rate of loss from the superficial layers of the skin, or when there is a degree of epidermal separation. In the former case, continued trauma is a common cause of localised scaling, such as might arise from repeated tack or harness rubbing. Many keratin disorders, including some important immune-mediated skin diseases, are characterised by excessive flaking and scaling. A few will have concurrent, wet dermatosis with crusting if the pathology is sufficiently deep. Flaking and scaling can be differentiated relatively easily from crusting and this is an important concept in dermatological diagnosis.

References

• Knottenbelt, D. (2008) Skin disorders In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 8

SKIN PRESENTING SYNDROMES - DONKEY

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