title: Suspected contact scrotal dermatitis in the dog: a retrospective study of 13 cases (1987 to 2003).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and aetiological aspects of contact dermatitis of the scrotum in dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of 13 dogs with suspected scrotal contact dermatitis were retrospectively included in the study. For each case, historical findings, results of physical and dermatological examination and of avoidance tests as well as follow-up were included. Results of re-exposure tests and patch tests were also included when available.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Avoidance tests to various suspected substances such as floor detergents, bleach, cement, laundry detergent and plastic fabric were performed and led to clinical improvement in all patients. Provocative re-exposure was performed in six cases, with five positive responses. Patch tests were undertaken in three of the five re-exposed cases, with two responding positively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scrotal skin is thin and with few hair follicles, and is therefore very susceptible to contact dermatitis. A range of substances can induce contact dermatitis. The diagnosis of contact dermatitis is made by results of avoidance and/or provocation tests and/or patch tests. Once an aetiological agent has been identified, treatment is straightforward consisting of avoidance of this agent.
authors.affiliation: Service de dermatologie, Aquivet clinique vétérinaire, parc d'activités Mermoz, Avenue de la forêt, F-33320 Eysines (Bordeaux), France.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Trenti
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Carlotti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pin
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bensignor
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Toulza
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004285:Dogs; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012611:Scrotum / Q000473:pathology*; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000662:veterinary*