Publisher's Synopsis
Veterinarians are confronted with a variety of food and nutrition-related skin diseases, with cutaneous food adverse reaction the most common in small animal dermatology. Both human and animal dermatologists owe much to the dedication of Alibert and other pioneers, with their desire to further scientific insight and develop effective treatments. But whilst dermatology is now one of the most popular disciplines in the veterinary field, it is perhaps salutary to remember that after a thousand years we still do not have all the answers to skin problems. In the investigation of any animal disease problem, the veterinarian must, of necessity, undertake a careful and thorough clinical examination with the object of recognizing the nature of the affection, so that effective treatment and, where practicable, control measures are adopted. The situation is rendered complex by the necessity to deal with a variety of species of domestic animals and birds. In addition to canine atopic dermatitis, cutaneous food adverse reaction has been an area of interest for extensive research for the last decade. Nutritional deficiencies and toxicoses are rare these days due to commercially available high-quality diets; however, poorly stored diets, inadequate husbandry of exotic pets, or problems in a farm animal environment may result in zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fatty acid, or copper deficiency. Inherited deficiencies due to abnormal zinc absorption through the gastrointestinal tract must be considered in Nordic breed dogs and goat. This volume is intended to cover research and reviews as well as innovative techniques used to investigate skin problems in animals. This volume focuses on contemporary techniques for investigating skin problems in small animals, horses and exotic pets. Written by experienced specialists in veterinary dermatology, this book offers clear, step-by-step guidance on how to perform tests and interpret their results. This volume will be of valuable reference for veterinary practitioners and researchers.
