Course Director:
- Tara Paterson, DVM, MSc., Associate Prof
- Email: tpaterson@sgu.edu
Visiting Professor:
- Robert Kennis, DVM, DACVD
- Email: kennira@auburn.edu
Office Hours: by appointment only
All course material will be available on the SAMS535 course Sakai site. Sakai Lessons will be used for weekly organization of tasks with direct links to resources as needed.
All required materials will be provided in electronic form on the course Sakai site.
Kirk & Muller’s Small Animal Dermatology (7th ed). Miller, Griffin & Campbell (2013).
- Students who need accommodations should contact Student Accessibility and Accommodations Services (SAAS), located in the Welcome Center, inside the International Students Office.
- Information can be found at mycampus.sgu.edu/group/saas
Access to an electronic device that will enable the student to view lectures, participate in live Zoom sessions, and has word processing & presentation software (ie. MS Word, Powerpoint).
Since one half of the cases presenting to the Small Animal general practitioner are related to dermatologic disease, it is vitally important that the new graduate be well-trained in the diagnosis and management of common dermatologic conditions. The goal of this course is to further enhance the student’s confidence and understanding of dermatology and their diagnostic approach to dermatologic disease.
This selective course is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge of Small Animal Dermatology and will build upon the foundations of veterinary dermatology laid in Term 2 (SAMS515), Term 4 (LAMS503) and Term 5 (SAMS522). The course will focus on the diagnosis and management of small animal dermatologic diseases. In this hybrid version of the course, students will gain hands-on clinical experience (onisland students) or virtually (remote learning students) using clinical cases. Both experiences will provide students an opportunity to work-up a case from start to finish. The course will be delivered through a collaborative effort between SVM faculty and a visiting veterinary dermatologist. Use of peer-reviewed literature will be encouraged to enable students to familiarize themselves with the current literature in veterinary dermatology.
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The student is expected to be able to obtain a thorough dermatologic history from a client and perform a dermatological exam on a cat or dog |
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The student is expected to be able to generate an appropriate list of differential diagnoses based on a patient's history, physical & dermatological exams |
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The student is expected to be able to list and perform (in some cases) the appropriate dermatologic diagnostic test(s) and interpret the results |
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With regards to common small animal dermatoses (discussed wtihin the course), the student is expected to be able to recognize symptoms, discuss disease pathogenesis and list the therapeutic options |
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The student is expected to be able to identify key diagnostic features on cytologic evaluation for select dermatologic conditions |
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Lecture/lab Learning Outcome |
Course Learning Outcome (CLO) |
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LLO1: Anti-pruritic therapies [Kennis] |
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LLO1-1: Understand that anti-pruritic therapeutics each have different binding sites and affect the itch pathway in different ways |
4 |
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LLO1-2: Dispel the common myths surrounding the use of glucocorticoids |
4 |
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LLO1-3: List the commonly used glucocorticoids and discuss how each type of glucocorticoid differs in its potentcy and duration of action |
4 |
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LLO1-4: List the effects of glucocorticoids on the cell and cite the potential adverse effects of this type of medication |
4 |
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LLO1-5: Explain why oral administration of glucocorticoids is recommended over injectable in most cases |
4 |
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LLO1-6: Discuss the risks associated with topical application of glucocorticoids |
4 |
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LLO1-7: Discuss the use of glucocorticoids in cats and the potential adverse effects in this species |
4 |
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LLO1-8: Define tachyphylaxis and discuss what should be done in the event that it should occur |
4 |
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LLO1-9: Calculate the appropriate doses of prednisone for a dog when prescribing a tapering regime of prednisone in the management of pruritus |
4 |
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LLO1-10: List therapeutic alternatives to glucocorticoids for the management and control of allergy-induced pruritus; for each therapeutic, describe its mode of action and possible adverse effect(s) |
4 |
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LLO2: Canine pyoderma & antibiotic resistance [Kennis] |
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LLO2-1: Differentiate between superficial and deep pyoderma; list the common bacteria implicated in dog and cat bacterial skin infections |
4 |
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LLO2-2: List the current antibiotic susceptibility & resistance patterns of S. pseudintermedius |
4 |
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LLO2-3: Define methicillin resistance and its implications in small animal dermatology |
4 |
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LLO2-4: List the appropriate diagnostic procedures for obtaining a culture sample for suspected superficial pyoderma; briefly describe the technique and indications and/or limitations of each procedure |
3 |
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LLO2-5: Define minimum inhibitory concentration and mutant prevention concentration; explain how to interpret the results of culture and sensitivity testing |
3, 4 |
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LLO2-6: Develop an appropriate treatment plan for the treatment of superficial; list commonly used antimicrobials used in the treatment of superficial pyoderma and discuss their respective side effects and contraindications for use |
4 |
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LLO2-7: Develop an appropriate treatment plan for the treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcal infections; list antimicrobial treatment options and discuss their respective side effects and contraindications for use |
4 |
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LLO3: Feline pruritic skin disorders [Kennis] (revised SP2022) |
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LLO3-1: Formulate lists of differential diagnoses based upon history and distribution pattern of pruritus |
2 |
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LLO3-2: Differentiate forms of clinical eosinophilic disorders in cats |
2, 4 |
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LLO3-3: Identify appropriate diagnostic procedures for each disorder |
3 |
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LLO3-4: List treatment options for each pruritic disorder |
4 |
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LLO3-5: Identify common causes of feline pruritus |
4 |
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LLO4: Dermatophytosis diagnosis & treatment [Kennis] (revised SP2022) |
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LLO4-1: Describe important historical factors, risk factors and clinical presentation in cases of dermatophytosis |
2, 4 |
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LLO4-2: List appropriate differential diagnoses in cases of suspected dermatophytosis |
2 |
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LLO4-3: List the common species of dermatophytes affecting dogs & cats |
4 |
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LLO4-4: Develop an appropriate diagnostic plan for cases of suspected dermatophytosis |
3 |
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LLO4-5: Discuss the systemic and topical therapeutic options for treatment of dermatophytosis; state the advantages and/or disadvantages of each |
4 |
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LLO4-6: Formulate an appropriate therapeutic plan for cases of dermatophytosis; discuss the potential side effects of these therapeutics and their contraindications |
4 |
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LLO5: Zoonotic skin diseases [Kennis] |
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LLO5-1: Discuss the risk factors for exposure to zoonotic pathogens and precautions that should be taken by veterinarians to minimize the risk for exposure |
2, 4 |
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LLO5-2: Formulate a list infectious and parasitic zoonotic diseases |
4 |
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LLO5-3: List the species of dermatophytes which are zoonotic (small & large animal species) |
4 |
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LLO5-4: Describe the clinical presentation in dogs, cats & horses with Sporotrichosis (Sporothrix schenckii); develop diagnostic and therapeutic plans and discuss risk factors & prognosis for this zoonotic disease |
2, 3, 4 |
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LLO5-5: Describe the clinical presentation, develop a diagnostic plan and formulate a treatment plan for dogs & cats with zoonotic fungal disease (coccidiomycosis) |
2, 3, 4 |
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LLO5-6: Describe the characteristics of Dermatophilus congolensis & its clinical presentation; develop a diagnostic plan, formulate a treatment plan and list the risk factors associated with “rain scald” |
2, 3, 4 |
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LLO5-7: Formulate a list bacterial pathogens with zoonotic potential |
4 |
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LLO5-8: Describe the lesions caused by flea bites on humans; formulate a treatment strategy for flea infestation |
4 |
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LLO5-9: List the species of zoonotic mites and note which ones are reportable diseases |
4 |
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LLO5-10: Describe the clinical presentation mite infestation in dogs & cats and formulate a treatment plan |
2, 4 |
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LLO5-11: List the species of Cheyletiella infesting dogs, cats and rabbits; describe clinical presentation and formulate a treatment plan |
2, 4 |
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LLO5-12: List the viral pathogens with zoonotic potential |
4 |
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LLO5-13: Cite the intermediate hosts which play a role in transmission of zoonotic disease and state the diseases they transmit |
4 |
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LLO6: Non-inflammatory alopecias [Kennis] |
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LLO6-1:Identify clinical signs associated with endocrine skin disorders |
4 |
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LLO6-2: Differentiate skin disorders of Cushing’s, Hypothyroidism, Hypo & hyperestrogenism based on history and clinical findings |
2, 4 |
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LLO6-3: Identify breeds and clinical signs associated with flank alopecia in dogs |
2, 4 |
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LLO6-4: Learn breeds and clinical signs associated with pattern baldness |
2, 4 |
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LLO6-5: Identify clinical findings of black hair follicular dysplasia |
2, 4 |
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LLO6-6: List appropriate diagnostic techniques to differentiate causes of non-inflammatory alopecias in dogs |
3 |
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LLO11: Management of autoimmune skin disease [Kennis] |
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LLO11-1: List clinical findings and distribution patterns of lesions associated with pemphigus foliaceus in dogs. |
4 |
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LLO11-2: Understand how acantholysis occurs leading to the formation of acantholytic cells. Identify the spinous cell layer of the |
4 |
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epidermis as the source and the key inflammatory cell present in pustule |
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LLO11-3: Understand treatment options for pemphigus foliaceus in dogs. Identify important side effects and toxicities |
4 |
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LLO11-4: List treatment options for discoid lupus erythematosus. Identify differences in treatment options for pemphigus foliaceus |
4 |
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LLO11-5: Identify clinical findings, age of onset, and breed predisposition for symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLOD) |
2, 4 |
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LLO11-6: List treatment options for SLOD |
4 |
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LLO10: Clinical case (lab) |
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LLO10-1: Obtain a full history and perform a complete physical and dermatologic examination on a patient presenting for dermatologic evaluation at the Small Animal Clinic. |
1 |
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LLO10-2: Develop a list of differential diagnoses based on the history and clinical presentation. |
2 |
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LLO10-3: Based on the history and clinical presentation, perform the appropriate dermatological diagnostics and accurately interpret their results. Demonstrate proficient use of the microscope (where appropriate). |
3 |
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LLO10-4: Based on your diagnosis/presumptive diagnosis, formulate an appropriate therapeutic plan. |
4 |
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LLO10-5: Prepare a case report (written and/or Powerpoint) based on the clinical case evaluated |
7 |
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LLO7: Cytology lab |
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LLO7-1: Identify key cytological diagnostic features of common dermatologic diseases of small animals. |
5 |
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COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES |
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES |
|
1 |
The student is expected to be able to obtain a thorough dermatologic history from a client and perform a dermatological exam on a cat or dog |
2, 12, 27 |
|
2 |
The student is expected to be able to generate an appropriate list of differential diagnoses based on a patient's history, physical & dermatological exams |
6, 20 |
|
3 |
The student is expected to be able to list and perform (in some cases) the appropriate dermatologic diagnostic test(s) and interpret the results |
20 |
|
4 |
With regards to common small animal dermatoses (discussed wtihin the course), the student is expected to be able to recognize symptoms, discuss disease pathogenesis and list the therapeutic options |
2, 3, 5, 21, 24 |
|
5 |
The student is expected to be able to identify key diagnostic features on cytologic evaluation for select dermatologic conditions |
1, 2, 3 |
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Date Time |
Lecture / Lab |
Format |
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Jan 10-14 |
Canine pyoderma and antibiotic resistance |
Async |
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14-Jan |
HOMEWORK DUE: Cytology (part 1) |
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1:30 17-Jan 2:30 |
Distribution patterns and differential diagnoses of canine pruritus Antipruritic therapy for dogs Clinical case - group 1 |
Sync |
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18- 3:30 Jan |
Feline pruritic skin disorders |
Sync |
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20-1:30 Jan |
Dermatophytosis: diagnosis and treatment |
Sync |
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1:30 21-2:30 Jan 3:30 |
Zoonotic skin diseases Non-inflammatory alopecias Clinical case - group 2 |
Sync SAC |
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21- Jan |
HOMEWORK DUE: Cytology (part 2) |
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| Jan 24-28
11:30 |
Management of autoimmune skin dz LAB: Cytology (part 1) |
Async Zoom |
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24-Jan 1:30 3:30 |
Clinical case - group 3 & 5 (Zoom) Clinical case - group 4 |
SAC |
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28-11:30 Jan |
LAB: Cytology (part 2) |
Zoom |
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31-1:30 Jan |
Group clinical case presentations |
Sync |
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06-Feb |
ASSIGNMENT DUE: Clinical case report |
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14-1:30 Feb |
FINAL EXAM |
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The current SGU SVM grading scale applies to this course.
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>89.5% |
A |
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84.5-89.4 |
B+ |
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79.5-84.4 |
B |
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74.5-79.4 |
C+ |
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69.5-74.4 |
C |
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64.5-69.4 |
D+ |
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59.5-64.4 |
D |
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<59.4 |
F |
Course assessment:
Student assessment will be based on two homework assignments (7.5% each), a presentation & written case report based on a clinical case, a final examination and professionalism.
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Final exam |
34% |
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Clinical case – presentation |
20% |
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Clinical case – case report |
20% |
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Cytology lab homework |
16% |
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Professionalism & attendance |
10% |
Final exam:
All materials covered in the course (including lecture and lab) are examinable material. The exam will be administered through Examsoft and proctored via ExamMonitor. A grade reduction of 5% will be applied to that exam if students do not observe the parameters listed in the Assessment Policy for Students.
Clinical case assignment:
Students will work-up a clinical case in small groups. Students on-island will work-up a clinical case at the Small Animal Clinic on their assigned day. The remote learning students will be assigned to one group and will work-up a virtual clinical case. Each group will be required to prepare a written case report (in SOAP format) and deliver a short Powerpoint presentation. More detailed instructions will be provided to the students on Sakai.
Homework:
There will be two homework assignments to assist students to prepare for the Cytology lab. These homework assignments will be posted on Sakai. Adherence to homework due dates is expected otherwise points will be deducted from the Professionalism grade (see Appendix 5). Grading is based on completeness – NOT accuracy.
Professionalism & attendance:
Students are expected to attend all synchronous activities and view two asynchronous presentations. Professionalism will be assessed based on attendance, adherence to timelines, participation in group activities and interaction with course faculty & peers. See Appendix 5.
Since this course is delivered in a condensed manner, it will be important for the students to keep up with course activities over the first few weeks of the term. While no formal office hours will be scheduled, both the course director and visiting professor will be available for consultation by appointment only. All topics discussed in lecture and lab are examinable material. Students should refer to the Lesson/Laboratory Level Outcomes (Appendix 3) to guide their exam preparations.
The student is expected to attend all synchronous course activities including lectures, lab and case presentations as the live interactive nature of these sessions are designed to enhance the student learning experience. It is expected that assignments will be completed within the given time frame and students will reach out to the course director in the event that a deadline is not realistic. Upon completion of this course, it would be appreciated if the student would take the time to complete the course & instructor evaluations – this is of particular importance this term as this is the first hybrid offering of the course. Your thoughts, comments and constructive criticisms are extremely important and valuable to us as we continue to develop and improve this course.
Professional behavior in the classroom is expected at all times. The use of cellphones, social media or other entertainment media are not permitted during lectures/labs. Further, the student is expected to approach all assessments and assignments in a professional and honest manner.
Students are expected to be available during the standard 8:30am-5:20pm AST school day, to attend, engage with in-person/online content, and participate in all classes and clinical rotations for which they have registered. Employment is not an excusable absence. Although attendance, engagement, and participation may not be recorded at every academic activity, attendance, engagement, and participation is graded for mandatory sessions. Students’ lack of attendance, engagement, and participation may adversely affect their academic status as specified in the grading policy.
If failure to attend, engage, or participate in individual classes, examinations, and online activities, or from the University itself is anticipated, or occurs spontaneously due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, proper notification procedures must be followed.
Students who fail to attend an examination (Sakai quiz/test or Examsoft) or submit an assignment by the deadline without a valid reason (see student manual: SGUSVM POLICY ON AN EXCUSED ABSENCE (EA) FOR STUDENTS) will receive a score of “0” points for the examination. Students who have technical issues during the examination MUST inform the Course Director (tpaterson@sgu.edu) and IT (tellexaminationservices@sgu.edu OR support@sgu.edu OR call 1-631-665-8500 ext. 4444 (US, NU, International) OR 1-473-439-2000 ext. 4444 (Grenada), AND Dean of Students (DOS@sgu.edu) during the open period for the examination. Failure to do so immediately will result in the student receiving the highest score recorded at the time, but NOT being eligible to take a completion examination.
Scheduling of examinations (regular, re-sit, completion, comprehensive, or exemption) is at the discretion of the University. Completion exams will be scheduled within 7 days of the original exam date. Re-sit examination will be scheduled in the first week of the following term.
All students are responsible for knowing and complying with the University’s Code of Conduct and the guidelines. Students must read and then sign the Honor Code statement at the start of examinations to indicate that they will comply with the University Code of Conduct.
Prior to Exam Day
- Each student is required to have a laptop for the purpose of taking computer-based examinations (e-Exams) at SGU. Students must ensure that their laptops meet the current minimum system requirements prior to exam day:
- Examinees must use their MY SGU Member Center username and password to access the Custom Home Page (www.examsoft.com/sgu) created by ExamSoft for the University.
- Examinees are responsible for downloading and registering the latest version of Examplify on their laptop prior to exam day. Once Examplify has been successfully downloaded, examinees are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the software by downloading and taking practice exams.
- Examinees are responsible for setting their laptop up for ExamMonitor prior to the exam (see links below).
- Examinees will be notified via MyCourses, of all exam related information. Email notifications will also be sent from ExamSoft Support to examinees, notifying them of examinations available for downloading.
- Examinees experiencing difficulties with their laptop are encouraged to visit the IT department for assistance prior to exam day. Examinees needing a laptop must visit the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) to request an exam loaner.
- Examinees should visit the following information to familiarize themselves with the online proctored exam format and set up their baseline photo.
- A Examsoft/ExamID quick guide for students (Please note that the current Examplify version is 2.3.8)
- The Examsoft student perspective video 30mins
- The Examsoft/ExamID FAQ
- Examsoft information page
- The general Reminders/Guidelines
The materials (such as slides, handouts and audio/video recordings) provided to students who are taking courses at St. George’s University (SGU) are the intellectual property of the Faculty and/or Administration of SGU. Students are free to use these materials solely for the purpose of group or individual study. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.
School of Veterinary Medicine Master Syllabus — Info for All Sections
All students are responsible for knowing and complying with the University’s Code of Conduct and the guidelines. Students must read and then sign the Honor Code statement at the start of examinations to indicate that they will comply with the University Code of Conduct.
Prior to Exam Day
- Each student is required to have a laptop for the purpose of taking computer-based examinations (e-Exams) at SGU. Students must ensure that their laptops meet the current minimum system requirements prior to exam day:
- Examinees must use their MY SGU Member Center username and password to access the Custom Home Page (www.examsoft.com/sgu) created by ExamSoft for the University.
- Examinees are responsible for downloading and registering the latest version of Examplify on their laptop prior to exam day. Once Examplify has been successfully downloaded, examinees are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the software by downloading and taking practice exams.
- Examinees are responsible for setting their laptop up for ExamMonitor prior to the exam (see links below).
- Examinees will be notified via MyCourses, of all exam related information. Email notifications will also be sent from ExamSoft Support to examinees, notifying them of examinations available for downloading.
- Examinees experiencing difficulties with their laptop are encouraged to visit the IT department for assistance prior to exam day. Examinees needing a laptop must visit the Office of Institutional Advancement (OIA) to request an exam loaner.
- Examinees should visit the following information to familiarize themselves with the online proctored exam format and set up their baseline photo.
- A Examsoft/ExamID quick guide for students (Please note that the current Examplify version is 2.3.8)
- The Examsoft student perspective video 30mins
- The Examsoft/ExamID FAQ
- Examsoft information page
- The general Reminders/Guidelines
Copyright Policy
The materials (such as slides, handouts and audio/video recordings) provided to students who are taking courses at St. George’s University (SGU) are the intellectual property of the Faculty and/or Administration of SGU. Students are free to use these materials solely for the purpose of group or individual study. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited.