Dermatological diseases of small mammals

This article covers the investigation of skin disease in small mammals. Just as in other cases, different dermatopathies may appear very similar so intricate (and invasive) investigations may be needed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. However, financial constraints are very common in these species, meaning that full investigation is simply not possible. As such, reliance on more basic veterinary techniques, presumptive diagnoses, and trial therapies may be needed in these cases. This article looks at what may be obtained from history and clinical examination, rather than laboratory tests, to enable greater accuracy in these presumptive diagnoses, as well as better assessment of underlying factors – both of which will give better results from trial therapies.