Changes

There are various hormones that may influence the structure of the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]].  These influences may be made apparent by the repeated long-term administration of various glucocorticoids or their analogues.  Endogenous imbalances are generally seen in adult mature animals although congenital forms have been seen, especially with [[Endocrine System - Thyroid Gland - Anatomy & Physiology#Problems associated with the Thyroid Gland|hypothyroidism]].  The hormones implicated as important for maintaining skin structure are '''thyroxine, cortisol''' and '''estradiol'''.  Deficiencies or excessive production may result from abberations in the function of the [[Endocrine System - Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|hypothalamic-adrenal axis]],  the '''adrenal gland, thyroid gland''' or the '''gonads'''.

There are various hormones that may influence the structure of the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]].  These influences may be made apparent by the repeated long-term administration of various glucocorticoids or their analogues.  Endogenous imbalances are generally seen in adult mature animals although congenital forms have been seen, especially with [[Endocrine System - Thyroid Gland - Anatomy & Physiology#Problems associated with the Thyroid Gland|hypothyroidism]].  The hormones implicated as important for maintaining skin structure are '''thyroxine, cortisol''' and '''estradiol'''.  Deficiencies or excessive production may result from abberations in the function of the [[Endocrine System - Adrenal Glands - Anatomy & Physiology|hypothalamic-adrenal axis]],  the '''adrenal gland, thyroid gland''' or the '''gonads'''.

Cutaneous changes may include [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology#Hair Types|telogen]] hair follicles leading to [[Skin Glossary - Pathology|alopecia]], epidermal and dermal thinning, atrophy of [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#Glands|sebaceous glands]] and the [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology#Hair Types|arrector pili]] muscles.  There may also be an increased risk of [[Bacterial skin infections - Pathology|microbial infection]] due to poor immune surveillance and delayed wound healing.  There are significant differences between species in the manifestation of symptoms.

Cutaneous changes may include [[Skin Glossary - Pathology|alopecia]], epidermal and dermal thinning, atrophy of [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#Glands|sebaceous glands]] and the [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology#Hair Types|arrector pili]] muscles.  There may also be an increased risk of [[Bacterial skin infections - Pathology|microbial infection]] due to poor immune surveillance and delayed wound healing.  There are significant differences between species in the manifestation of symptoms.

==Nutrition and the Skin==

==Nutrition and the Skin==

Most animals are fed balanced diets and are therefore unlikely to exhibit symptoms when in veterinary care.  There are some systemic conditions that can reflect deficiency as a result of [[Liver - General Pathology|hepatic]] or [[The Small and Large Intestines|intestinal]] diseases for example.

Most animals are fed balanced diets and are therefore unlikely to exhibit symptoms.  There are some systemic conditions that can reflect deficiency as a result of [[Liver - General Pathology|hepatic]] or [[The Small and Large Intestines|intestinal]] diseases for example.

Malnutrition whether due to a deficiency of protein or other nutrients or secondary to a debilitating condition may lead to a dull, brittle and thin [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|haircoat]] and to dry, scaly [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]].  This in part reflects the high requirement for dietary amino acids to supply requisite building blocks for epidermal turnover and hair growth. Sulfur-containing amino acids are common in the skin and therefore sulfur supplementation is popular for dealing with skin conditions.

Malnutrition whether due to a deficiency of protein or other nutrients or secondary to a debilitating condition may lead to a dull, brittle and thin [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|haircoat]] and to dry, scaly [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]].  This in part reflects the high requirement for dietary amino acids to supply requisite building blocks for epidermal turnover and hair growth. Sulfur-containing amino acids are common in the skin and therefore sulfur supplementation is popular for dealing with skin conditions.