The Dermatological Examination (1 of 3)

Different species and breeds of animals have very different skin and coat characteristics.   Ensure that you become familiar with all of the common types.  Take the opportunity to examine normal skin and recognise its colour and texture, its thickness and elasticity.  Examine the coat, and appreciate the colour and density of the hair or wool, its gloss, texture and moisture.

Examine the skin and coat thoroughly:

• Part the coat and examine the skin surface, paying attention to the hair follicle infundibula.  Are lesions associated with the follicles or are they interfollicular?
  
  
• Palpate the skin, differentiating the texture of the coat and the skin.  Palpation is a very powerful technique and enables you to reach regions of skin which might otherwise be difficult to evaluate, especially in larger animals.  As you run your hands over the skin surface, be alert for swellings; diffuse lesions may be camouflaged by the coat