Changes

It is seen most frequently in dogs between 4 and 9 years of age.

It is seen most frequently in dogs between 4 and 9 years of age.

==Clinical signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Keratoacanthomas develop most commonly on the '''back, tail and neck'''.

Keratoacanthomas develop most commonly on the '''back, tail and neck'''.

The neoplasm generally appears as a '''well-circumscribed dermal or subcutaneous mass''' ranging in size from 0.4 to 4 cm in diameter, with a pore that opens to the skin surface. The '''pore''' may be filled with inspissated keratinous material which can be expulsed by appying digital pressure to the mass. A '''keratinised plug''' may protrude from the pore and, if large, may appear as a cutaneous horn.

The neoplasm generally appears as a '''well-circumscribed dermal or subcutaneous mass''' ranging in size from 0.4 to 4 cm in diameter, with a pore that opens to the skin surface. The '''pore''' may be filled with inspissated keratinous material which can be expressed by appying digital pressure to the mass. A '''keratinised plug''' may protrude from the pore and, if large, may appear as a cutaneous horn.

If the neoplasm does not communicate with the skin surface it appears as an encapsulated intradermal mass. If the tumour wall becomes disrupted, keratin leaks into the surrounding tissues, evoking a '''foreign body reaction''' and a severe inflammatory response.

If the neoplasm does not communicate with the skin surface it appears as an encapsulated intradermal mass. If the tumour wall becomes disrupted, keratin leaks into the surrounding tissues, evoking a '''foreign body reaction''' and a severe inflammatory response.

Kahn, C. (2005) '''Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merck and Co''

Kahn, C. (2005) '''Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merck and Co''

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[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Dog]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]