In this first introductory course, the basic principles of dermatology are reviewed. First, the structure and function of the skin. Second, the approach to the dermatological patient and how the diagnosis is made: the problem-oriented approach (POA). Among the diagnostic tests, special attention is given to cytology and histopathology. In the second part of the course the main cutaneous bacterial (pyoderma), fungal and ectoparasitic diseases of the dog and cat are reviewed.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1.    Understand skin structure and function (and how different components of the skin are involved in the pathogenesis of different skin diseases).
2.    Approach a dermatologic patient following the POA (history, clinical and dermatologic examination, definition of the problem(s), elaboration of an adequate differential diagnosis list).
3.    Perform and interpret basic diagnostic techniques (skin scrapings, cutaneous cytologies, skin cultures, skin biopsies).
4.    Diagnose and treat the most common bacterial, fungal and ectoparasitic diseases of the dog and cat.

Skin biology. Structure and function of the skin.
The approach to the dermatologic patient. History, lesion description, problem definition and use of diagnostic techniques (cytology, histopathology, molecular techniques).
Bacterial skin infections. Bacterial folliculitis-other superficial pyodermas.
Folliculitis-furunculosis and other deep bacterial infections: botryomycosis, actinomycosis, nocardiosis. Mycobacterial infections: feline leprosy, panniculitis caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria, canine leproid granuloma syndrome.
Superficial fungal infections: dermatophytosis, Malassezia dermatitis.
Ectoparasitic diseases. Scabies, notoedric mange. Demodicosis. Cheyletiellosis, otoacariasis. Pulicosis. Pediculosis.

Special Focus:
Understanding bacterial resistance and the MRS issue.

Wetlabs:
Principles of cutaneous cytology.

All modules will be held in China, in English language with consecutive translation in Chinese.