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Courtesy of C. Antonczyk

Signalment

"Molly", a 10 year old, female, neutered Border Collie is presented for investigation of a skin complaint.

History

Molly's owner has brought her in because she is scratching, especially on her head. She is also shaking her head. The owner thought that Molly had a louse infestation and has treated her with louse powder from a pet store. Despite this, Molly's skin condition has got worse. The owner reports that his other dog's skin is normal. The owner has no skin lesions.

Clinical Examination

The vet performs a clinical exam and finds the following:

  • The right pinna is alopecic and there is crusting around the ear margins.
  • The right pinna is several centimeters thick and feels soft and fluctuant.
  • There is bilateral, periorbital alopecia.
  • There are patches of alopecia and erythema laterally on both forelimbs, near the elbows.
  • Molly is obviously very pruritic
  • No parasites are seen.


A close-up of the left elbow lesion is shown.

(Courtesy of C. Antonczyk)


What would you do next?

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