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An approach to pruritus
/content/chapter/10.22233/9781910443811.chap6
An approach to pruritus
- Author: Kathy C. Tater
- From: BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology
- Item: Chapter 6, pp 49 - 54
- DOI: 10.22233/9781910443811.6
- Copyright: © 2021 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
- Publication Date: September 2021
Abstract
Pruritic skin diseases can be a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. This chapter presents an approach to pruritus that helps the veterinary surgeon investigate a pruritic patient, emphasizing the need to diagnose the underlying cause. Antipruritic therapies are also reviewed briefly.
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6.2
Pruritus is additive. When the threshold is exceeded, clinical manifestations of pruritus ensue. A practical example of these concepts can be seen in a dog or cat with both flea allergy and food-responsive dermatosis. The presence of both allergic stimuli results in a summation of the pruritic effect. Without the flea allergy, the dog or cat may be pruritic but comfortable overall with the food-responsive dermatosis, because the pruritic load is below the threshold of pruritus. When the client forgets to use a flea preventative, the additional pruritic stimulus from the fleas causes the pruritus to exceed the threshold, resulting in the dog or cat having a severe increase in itching. © 2021 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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6.2
Pruritus is additive. When the threshold is exceeded, clinical manifestations of pruritus ensue. A practical example of these concepts can be seen in a dog or cat with both flea allergy and food-responsive dermatosis. The presence of both allergic stimuli results in a summation of the pruritic effect. Without the flea allergy, the dog or cat may be pruritic but comfortable overall with the food-responsive dermatosis, because the pruritic load is below the threshold of pruritus. When the client forgets to use a flea preventative, the additional pruritic stimulus from the fleas causes the pruritus to exceed the threshold, resulting in the dog or cat having a severe increase in itching.
/content/figure/10.22233/9781910443811.chap6.fig6_6
6.6
Diagnostic approach to a pruritic dog. © 2021 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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6.6
Diagnostic approach to a pruritic dog.
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6.7
Diagnostic approach to a pruritic cat. © 2021 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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6.7
Diagnostic approach to a pruritic cat.