Page 75 - Canine-Diseases

Vesiculopustular dermatoses: Is a small blister, defined elevation Volvulus: See Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) up to 1cm diameter. It is
filled with serum, the clear watery fluid that separates from the von Willebrand disease: Also called vWD, is the most common
blood. Vesicles are fragile and transient so may be infrequently inherited blood clotting disorder in dogs. It is characterized by a
seen. Blisters greater than 1cm diameter are called bullae. Vesicles deficiency of a protein called von Willebrand factor ((vWF), an
may occur in viral or autoimmune skin disease (systemic lupus adhesive glycoprotein in the blood required for normal blood
erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, bullous pemphigoid, clotting at the sites of small blood vessel injuries. In addition,
pemphigus vulgaris), fungal infections such as dermatophytosis vWF is a carrier protein for coagulation Factor VIII (necessary
(ringworm) or in response to irritants (chemicals, trauma, and for blood to clot). A lack of vWF impairs platelet stickiness and
burns). Symptoms may be generalized or they may be confined clumping. vWD can lead to excessive bleeding following an injury,
to a specific area and include areas of blistering skin, pus-filled due to the lack of clotting. The disease varies from mild to severe,
pockets resembling pimples, severe sores and ulcerations, scabs, depending on the amount of von Willebrand factor present in the
flaking/scaling skin, loss of pigment in the nose, erythema (patches dog. Signs include spontaneous bleeding and excessive bleeding
of reddened skin), alopecia, blistering areas confined to the head following surgery, injury, or during an estrous cycle. At least thirty
and feet, and blistering in the junction of mouth, nose, anus, and different breeds are affected but the Doberman pinscher is the
vagina. breed with the highest incidence of vWD. Although Dobermans
are commonly affected, they usually have the mildest form of the
Viral papillomas: Often referred to as oral papillomatosis, also disease. 30% of Scottish Terriers and 28% of Shetland Sheep Dogs
known as oral warts, are benign, non-cancerous tumors caused had abnormally low concentrations of vWF. Chesapeake Bay
by a papilloma virus. They generally appear as wart-like or Retrievers and Scottish Terriers are affected with the most severe
“cauliflower-like” growths around the lips, tongue, mouth, and form of the disease.
rarely can also be located on other mucous membranes. Most dogs
are asymptomatic unless the papillomas become infected. Infected
oral papillomas can cause pain, swelling and bad breath. The W
tumors often disappear spontaneously because the animal slowly
develops immunity to them. Although this is an infectious tumor,
the viruses are species specific and not transmissible to humans.
Walking dandruff mite: See Cheyletiellosis.
Vitamin A-responsive dermatosis: Is a rare condition that usually
affects the skin predominately on the dog’s chest and abdomen, White shaker syndrome: Also known as steroid responsive
resulting in dermatitis-like scaly crusty skin. Dogs develop a shaker syndrome, generalized tremor syndrome, shaker dog
seborrhoea which is non responsive to standard treatments. syndrome and “little white shakers” syndrome, is a condition
Follicular plugs and hyperkeratotic plaques are seen particularly involving generalized head and body tremors in dogs. Affects
on the ventral and lateral chest and abdomen. Dogs have a primarily small breed dogs with white hair coats. Affected dogs
rancid skin odour and may also show signs of crusting, scaling, suddenly develop continuous shaking or tremors during early
alopecia and follicular papules. Signs are often accompanied by a adulthood, at one to two years of age. Tremors are rhythmic,
characteristically waxy otitis externa. Condition is mildly pruritic. repetitive, and involuntary muscle movements that look like
Coat is dry, dull and falls out easily. Generally dogs are otherwise ‘shaking.’ Tremors may be localized to one area of the body or
well. An abnormal presentation with pruritus and papular may involve the entire body. These tremors may vary in severity,
dermatitis in the dorsal regions has been reported. The condition from very mild to incapacitating (preventing eating, walking, etc.).
responds well to treatment with large doses of Vitamin A. Breeds It is most common in West Highland White Terriers, Maltese,
of dogs usually affected by this condition are the Cocker Spaniels, Bichon Frise, Samoyeds, and Poodles. The condition is thought to
Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, and the Shar Peis. be autoimmune in origin, given its response to steroids.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH disease): Also referred Wheal: Is a circumscribed, circular, raised area of skin caused by
to as uveodermatological syndrome (UDS), is a condition seen in edema in the dermis. Wheals are seen in urticaria, an immediate
dogs characterized by uveitis (inflammation of the inside of the hypersensitivity reaction. Wheals are also produced at the site of
eye), poliosis (whitening of hair), and vitiligo (loss of pigment positive skin test reactions when animals are allergy tested.
in the skin). VKH disease is an autoimmune disease that attacks Wobbler syndrome: Is a disease of the cervical vertebrae that
the melanocytes, the skin cells that produce the pigment melanin. causes an unsteady gait and weakness in dogs. Wobbler syndrome
Symptoms may include inflammation of the eyes, bloodshot eyes, is characterized by compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve
excessive tearing, squinting, sensitivity to light, and whitening of roots, which leads to neurological signs and/or neck pain. See
the coat, skin, nose, lips, nails, footpads, and scrotum. 80% of the Cervical vertebral instability.
cases with VKH disease occur in the Akita breed. It is also more
frequently found in male dogs. Symptoms may appear in puppies
as young as 6 months of age or in older dogs. Other breeds that
may be predisposed to VKH disease include Samoyeds, Siberian
Huskies, Old English Sheepdogs, and Australian Shepherds.

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