Lecture 6 SKIN (Integumentary System) Definition: The skin or ...

Clinical Considerations:
4. Clinical Considerations:
Hyperkeratosis: hypertrophy of the stratum corneum
[nasodigital hyperkeratosis - an ailment affecting either the
nose or foot pads (or both) of older dogs. In
hyperkeratosis, keratin - the tough, fibrous outer covering
of foot pads - grows excessively. Often, the hard, cracked
pads appear to have "keratin feathers" around their
edges.]
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: neoplasia of cells of the
stratum spinosum [Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a
common tumor involving the skin and a ccounts for
approximately 15% of cutaneous tumors in the cat and 5%
of those in the dog. SCCs are usually found in
unpigmented or lightly pigmented skin.]
. Melanoma: Melanocytic tumors represent 4 to 7% of a ll
canine neoplasms and are the most common malignant
tumor of the canine oral cavity and digits [Melanoma
tumors in dogs, more than most cancers, demand
immediate attention since early recognition can lead to
more successful attempts at removal and identification of
the grade or stage of cancer. Malignant melanomas can
metastasize (spread) to any area of the body especially
the lymph nodes and lungs and present very challenging
and dangerous prospects for the dog. Cats seem much
less susceptible to melanoma tumors than dogs]
1.