(1)   The thin stratum corneum of canine skin, composed of (2)   dead keratinocytes and (3)   sparse intercellular lipids, may account for a less efficient epidermal barrier against bacterial invasion than is seen in other species, leading to an increased frequency of pyoderma. (From White PD: Essential Fatty Acids in Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Learning Systems, Kansas USA, 1995 (modified))

Canine epidermis