Itch and inflammation are terms that are often used in allergies. However, it is important to consider how the various allergy medications affect each of these aspects of management. There are so many different presentations of allergies and no one-size-fits-all protocol. Knowing when you may need a drug more anti-inflammatory and not just anti-itc…

She's back! Based on the success of grab bag episodes... Dr. Julia Miller is back to discuss canine atopic dermatitis! It is one of the most common diseases managed in veterinary dermatology. When do you pick a particular allergy medication? Are there allergy supplements that really work? What about ear maintenance? We answer the questions you subm…

We asked, you answered! Food allergy can be complicated and there so many different opinions out there. So, I invited fellow dermatologist and frequent guest on the podcast Dr. Julia Miller to discuss! Dr. Miller is a boarded dermatologist practicing in Louisville, KY. Listen as we take a practical approach regarding when to do a diet trial, what d…

Cutaneous Malassezia (yeast) hypersensitivity shows up as a marked inflammatory and pruritic response to relatively low numbers of yeast organisms, though some dogs may also have overt infection with many yeast organisms on cytology. There is no specific criteria of how to diagnose these dogs and maintain treatment. However, there are hints of how …

Allergy management is a long-term game. So, how do clinicians educate clients and use their tools to practice a "proactive" approach rather than a "reactive" approach? Check out this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast to alter how you manage these itchy pets! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:54 What's a proactive mindset? 06:44 Supplements with good r…

It can be difficult to differentiate pemphigus foliaceus (PF) in certain cases. If there is a lot of infection or inflammation, it can be difficult to tell if the case is autoimmune or allergic. However, there are a few hints between dogs and cats that can give you an indication you are dealing with PF. In dogs, honey colored adherent crusting, fac…

When we talk about the multimodal approach to allergy management, a large portion of that is repairing the skin barrier. As the skin is the largest organ in the body and external, it is important to keep it healthy and hydrated. Pets with atopy have genetic defects in their skin that allow allergens to penetrate easily. But, how can you restore the…

It is the dreaded conversation in the exam room... when the owner brings up what they heard from a friend, the internet, a social media group, etc. You have to control the eye roll or being super defensive because you want to the the only trusted source for medical decisions for the pet. Over the years, this topic has not scared me in the exam room…

This week's episode is a replay! We ran into some technical difficulties with a guest episode that was scheduled for this week (super excited about this guest) and will release at a later date. Stay tuned! So... you have ruled out flea and food allergy and now it is time for THE talk. The chronic, lifelong, multimodal therapy required atopic dermat…

We have all had those super difficult otitis cases... the debris, infection and discomfort never seem to fully respond to treatment. You keep switching topicals but nothing seems to be working. This episode of The Derm Vet podcast will go over four considerations when managing a nonresponsive otitis case. 1. Infection 2. Inflammation 3. Advanced im…

Cat dermatology is always a bit tricky. They present their allergies in so many different ways that are unique to this species. Oral lesions and asthma are not as commonly seen in allergic dogs, but often seen in allergic cats. Also, the struggle of administering medications to cats which can be more difficult compared to dogs. I always think of ca…

Hormonal disorders can be very difficult to recognize in dermatology cases, especially since many of these cases have been managed for other conditions like allergies earlier in their life. So, when do you suspect a hormonal disorder in your dog patient? Age of onset, alopecia, recurrent pyoderma and weight gain discussed on this week's episode of …

Obesity has been an increasing issue in dogs and cats over the years. This could be due to increased caloric intake, reduced physical activity, endocrinopathies, etc. There are many issues that occur with obese pets: cardiac issues, joint pain, organ dysfunction, etc. However, the skin can also be included in these issues. Elbow calluses, fold derm…

With brachycephalic breeds being a common allergic patient, facial fold dermatitis is a common occurrence. Clinical signs can include facial rubbing, scratching, odor, etc. Thought it occurs frequently in these patients, it can be easy to overlook this little pocket of tissue during an exam. This week's podcast episode will go over clinical signs, …

We can feel like we put together a great plan for a pet's allergies, but if it doesn't happen then it doesn't matter. Instead of being frustrated about client compliance, how can we make it better? We have to consider the financial, physical and mental burden pet owners are going through when their pet is diagnosed with a chronic dermatologic disea…

There have been so many wonderful tools added to our management of allergic dermatitis in dogs over the last decade. Apoquel, Cytopoint and Zenrelia have all been medications that provide quick itch relief with a more targeted approach. However, the use of cyclosporine as an option (except for cats where it is prescribed more frequently) has dwindl…

Viewing several skin cases day after day can make recognizing different types of skin lesions daunting... However, evaluating skin integrity, alopecia, skin thickness, etc. can help guide the differential list and fine tune the diagnostic approach. Learn more on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:25 What and wher…

A common phrase around The Derm Vet is "cytology everything". But, what does that actually mean? Looks weird? Cytology. Itchy spot? Cytology. How long to treat an infection? Cytology. Things changed? Cytology. Cytology everything! Learn more on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:25 My time at VMX 04:22 Cytology E…

As a general practitioner with a bad ear case, where do you send them... Derm or Surgery? There are some clear cut reasons like severe calcification that can lead to case being best served by surgery. However, there are other things to consider like client expectations, finances, patient compliance, etc. that are not as straightforward. Check out t…

Picking a food for a diet trial can be really tough. Do you choose hydrolyzed, novel protein, home-cooked, etc.? Is there just ONE perfect diet to rule in or out food allergy? Check out this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast to learn the ins and outs of selecting a diet. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:25 Novel Protein vs Hydrolyzed 03:36 Changing t…

Our first interview of the New Year! I'm very excited to interview Dr. James Bascharon. Dr. Bascharon is a veterinarian and CEO & Founder of Vetnique. He is the inventor of Glandex®, a patented formulation and the first medication of its kind for pets with anal sac/gland problems. Anal sac issues are a frequent problem for our pets and can negative…

As we welcome in the year 2025... there are some ways we can change the practice of veterinary dermatology. Sure, we hope for continued new products, diagnostics, etc. However, there are simple changes that can make right now that will make your practice of dermatology more fun and impactful! Learn the 5 ways on this week's episode of The Derm Vet …

With the end of the year comes a lot of reflection... and stress. Working on chronic dermatology cases can provide frustration as many medications and differentials aren't always a slam dunk on the first exam. So, ending the year on a more positive note, learn how derm workups and medication selection aren't perfect for specialists either. Selectio…

Cats and dogs are very different with their skin lesions and distribution is no different. If a dog presents with claw fold disease, the list of differentials is much better than a cat with claw fold skin disease. Throw in oral lesions and otitis... and we have to recognize how there are differences in how we create differential lists. Learn more o…

It can be hard in a busy practice to fully work up and treat recurrent otitis. I wanted to provide a quick and easy way to reimagine these cases when they walk into your door. When you see an ear case, I want you to think of two Is and two Ws. What are they? Infection Inflammation Wash Why Check out more on this quick and dirty episode of The Derm …

I asked and you delivered!!!! I wanted to know what general practitioners wish dermatologists knew before they referred a case. You gave me lots of great points! A recurring theme in my responses... write it down! If an owner declines a diagnostic, medication, referral, flea prevention, etc. make sure you write it in the record. If it is there, the…

It is Thanksgiving in the USA... I asked you what you are thankful for in dermatology. From cytology to Pseudopelade to dermatologists, find out what you were thankful for as listeners and what I am thankful for as a podcaster! TIMESTAMPS Intro 00:00 What The Derm Vet Listeners Are Thankful For 00:44 What Dr. Bourgeois Is Thankful For 15:08 Outro 1…

Depending on where you live geographically, you may see a lot of deep fungal disease or not much at all. How do you recognize deep fungal disease? What diagnostics can be done? Even if you don't see a lot of deep fungal disease where you live, dogs and cats change environments so it could happen! Learn about blastomycosis, coccidiomycosis, cryptoco…

Isoxazolines are anti-parasitics that inhibit chloride channels in the nervous systems of invertebrates. This paralyzes and kills parasites by blocking the transmission of neuronal signals. Isoxazolines are more selective to fleas, ticks, and mites than to mammals, including humans, dogs and cats. It has been a game changer for our flea allergic pe…

Thanks to the isoxazolines... we don't see demodex as much as we used to! However, it is still a disease that can be overlooked and important to recognize and treat. But when treatment can range from nothing to an anti-parasitic... how do you approach these canine cases? Localized vs. Generalized Juvenile-onset vs. Adult-onset Did you know there ar…

Happy Halloween! I asked for your spooky derm concerns and you delivered! Check out our top 5 sppoookkkyyy derm tips on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast. 1. Combining immunosuppressive drugs 2. Feline otitis 3. Cutaneous lymphoma 4. Missteps that can haunt you 5. Pseudomonas otitis TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:08 Concern with Combining Immu…

Derm drugs are SO important! BUT... there is a reason we talk about multimodal therapy being so essential in managing allergic cases. Preventatives, diet, immunotherapy, topicals, supplements, etc. are crucial. However, we have to tailor and customize our plan for each individual patient AND client. Learn how the non-drug management tools can help …

Here it is... I have questions. You have questions. We all have questions about the new canine allergy medication: Zenrelia. I was able to have Tom Lewis, DVM, DACVD on the podcast who was involved with the initial studies and has prescribed it in over 40 dogs! We jump into many of your commonly asked questions about how this medication works, impl…

No doubt that bacteria keep getting smarter and smarter... recently, I had a culture come back from a superficial pyoderma with NO ANTIBIOTIC OPTIONS! So we have to pivot and consider options such as dilute bleach rinses. What terminology is being used for this type of resistance? How can we prevent it from worsening? Find out some tips on this wee…

Allergies add up! Is it really that important to perform ear cytology when most of commercial products have combination ingredients? What do you do if an ear is not responding? Learn why it is crucial to justify the cost of repeated ear cytology to your cases. Many of these products have potent ingredients so we want to assure we are using them app…

Phovia is an innovative form of photobiomodulation that is easy to use in a veterinary clinical practice and can have several benefits (antibacterial, wound healing, etc.). It is easy to use and fast! But, what kind of cases could benefit from this technology? Would it be common to use on a daily basis in general practice? Check out how common Phov…

Skin barrier might not sound that exciting, but it is really important to consider in managing allergic dogs and cats. How do you do it? We know topicals are important! But there are other ways you can help the skin barrier through nutrition, supplements, even collars! Learn all about the ways that skin barrier can be enhanced in this week's episod…

I welcome back Dr. Galia Scheinberg on the podcast this week! Dr. Scheinberg has a lot of experience using the Vetbiotek products which contains MicroSilver. How is this ingredient compared to other silver containing products? Microsilver has a larger surface area, allowing for more positive ions to be released and for longer periods of time. Also,…

Otitis media is a middle ear infection and can occur due to many different primary diseases. Ideally, these cases receive advanced imaging with CT or MRI, undergo video-otoscopy with myringotomy, submit a C/S and receive several weeks of appropriate antimicrobial systemic treatment. But, what if an owner can't afford referral? How else can we help …

Welcome back, Dr Rachel Venable, DVM, MS, DACVIM (oncology) to the podcast! This week we discuss mast cell tumors! I don't know about you... but I always get confused about current guidelines with MCT. They can be anything from low-grade removal and no sweat... to multiple high-grade panic! How much margin do you really need? When is Stelfonta an o…

Cutaneous lymphoma can be a tricky disease. It is red, flaky and itchy just like allergies can be. If you see an older dog with these lesions, it should be a differential. But, what do you do if you get back a biopsy of cutaneous lymphoma? What if you can't refer the case to an oncologist? Today's post welcomes Rachel Venable, DVM, MS, DACVIM (onco…

How can you take your exam and history and "think like a dermatologist"? How can you elevate your game in derm when working up these skin cases? Check out how we pick up on distribution, species variations and history cues to start our skin workup in dogs and cats on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! TIMESTAMPS Intro 00:00 The Purpose Of…

Wounds can be tough, but there is a new product to help with that. KeraVet Gel is a hydrogel wound dressing intended to act as a protective covering for partial thickness wounds. It is the first veterinary product to include keratin as an ingredient based on human-grade products. Additionally, it contains the most bitter lick deterrent available on…

I get it! There is so much to cover in general practice that referring your patients to a dermatologist can feel daunting. I want to help! Here are the top 6 mistakes I see before cases are referred. It doesn't mean you are doing anything wrong... these are just simple things that can be fixed to have less frustrated clients. TIMESTAMPS Intro 00:00…

Dr. Molly Brinkmann is a GP and medical director of a small animal general hospital in Tennessee. You may know her for the hilarious content she puts on Instagram (@drmollysays)... but she also loves managing skin cases as a general practitioner. We discuss working up these cases as a general veterinarian when you first see them and how to implemen…

Do you feel comfortable with skin biopsies? For such a small sample, it is easy to mess up. Check out this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast regarding prepping (don't!), sampling and submitting to maximize your results! TIMESTAMPS Intro 00:00 Get More Than One Sample (Tip #1) 03:20 User A Bigger Punch (Tip #2) 05:02 Do Not Prep Them (Tip #3) 0…

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an uncommon inflammatory skin disease. The onset is often very sudden and concerning and can affect the skin and mucous membranes leading to other issues (anorexia, difficulty defecating, etc.). The condition can require anywhere from no treatment to immunosuppressive drugs. Learn more about this disease in this week's e…

Another grab bag episode of the podcast, you submitted questions about AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES on Instagram. Here is some information that goes through sebaceous adenitis treatment, ear margin vasculitis differentials, topicals for autoimmune diseases and more! TIMESTAMPS Intro 00:00 Treatment Options For Sebaceous Adenitis 01:02 Mycophenolate In Autoi…

Apoquel (oclacitinib tablet) is approved for the treatment of allergic dermatitis in dogs over 12 months of age. However, veterinary medicine can present difficult cases and off-label use based on anecdotal experience can be important to provide quality of life when other options aren't working. Check out some diseases that have been reported to ha…

It can be daunting to start with a dermatology case in veterinary medicine... or even manage changes in a case you have seen for years! Check out my TOP 5 TIPS to consider when seeing a dermatology case on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! Join My Email List: https://thedermvet.com/ The Sit. Stay. Laugh! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.c…