Introduction to Skin Lesions (5 of 6)

Lesion Distribution

The distribution of the disease may have important diagnostic implications because certain diseases most often affect particular regions of the body.  For example, lesions of canine superficial pyoderma (pustules) are most often seen on the ventral abdomen or medial thighs.  Therefore, sterile pustular diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus should be particularly suspected if pustular lesions involve the pinnae or face.  Lesions of canine flea allergy dermatitis are most often present on the caudal aspect of the body, whereas in atopic disease, an allergic disease associated with housedust mites and pollens, lesions affect the face, ears, limbs or ventrum.

The student should note the distribution patterns of each disease covered in the course, where relevant.