Publisher's Synopsis
Skin disease has various causes, such as infections, tumors, allergies, parasites, and autoimmune diseases. These include a wide range of bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoal diseases. Allergic skin disease is one of the most common reasons pets are presented to their veterinarians. Pruritus, or itching, is the hallmark presentation in dogs with allergic disease. The scratching, licking, rubbing, and other behaviors that are associated with allergic and atopic disease are a significant driver for owners to seek treatment for their allergic dog. Small animals like dogs and cats with food allergy become sensitized to a protein in the diet. This could be chicken, egg, beef, lamb, wheat etc. The most common areas affected are the ears and feet, but over time large areas of the body can become involved. A majority of dogs with food allergy also have some bowel problems. It is important for the veterinarian to know and understand about the physiology of the skin and about the most common dermatologic disorders that affects dogs and cats, which will be addressed in this volume. Among the forms observed in dogs and cats are pemphigus erythematosus, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans and pemphigus foliaceus, the latter being the most common autoimmune skin disorder in these species, which will be discussed in this book. Several animal models have been described with the aims of understanding AVM pathophysiology and improving treatment. Models contribute to the understanding of AVMs and hopefully to the development of improved therapies. This volume also reviews animal models of AVMs and their advantages and disadvantages. This compilation will be of valuable for students, practitioners, as well as for researchers.
