Animal Dermatology at the St. Martins
Veterinary Clinic
Once a month, rain or shine, since 1994 Duncan Graham
has been arriving at the St. Martins Clinic to examine
a variety of dermatological (skin) cases referred to him
from veterinary clinics all over Christchurch and its
surrounding areas.
This relationship was started because of Sylvia McLean's
interest in dermatology. She had caught wind of Duncan's
return from a year of dermatology study in the US and
invited him down. The great hospitality and interesting
cases has meant that the relationship has flourished.
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Taking a cytological preparation from a foot
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Many of the cases are so called "itchy dogs"
but not always. Duncan uses a variety of techniques to
diagnose the cause of the skin disease, including intradermal
skin testing, similar to the "prick" or "scratch"
test in humans, and cytology, where samples taken from
the surface of the skin are examined under the microscope.
Based on the results of the intradermal test, allergy
shots similar to those used in people can be started to
try to dampen down the allergic over reaction to certain
antigens like dust mites or pollens.
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An intradermal test with several strong positive
reactions
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Some small animal skin diseases involve hair loss with
itchiness. One example of this is colour dilution alopecia
or blue dog disease. This condition is characterized by
variable hair loss and poor coat quality. The initial
clinical sign is the gradual onset of a dry, dull, brittle,
poor-quality coat.
Colour-dilution hair loss is seen most frequently in the
blue (or fawn) Doberman Pinscher, but has been seen in
Great Danes, Whippets, Yorkshire Terriers, and of course
Border Collies, one of which is pictured here.
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Border Collie with Colour dilution alopoecia
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Duncan's treatment for this disease is a hormone called
melatonin, available in the USA and other countries as
an over the counter preparation, but highly restricted
in New Zealand.
In addition to Christchurch, Duncan travels regularly
from his Nelson base to Wellington, Timaru, Dunedin
and Invercargill.
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