You always hear dermatologists mention frequent bathing in allergic cases. With so many therapies, diets and preventatives needed in allergy management, is bathing really that important? Well, obviously, the answer is yes! But, in this episode, you will find out how to communicate with your clients the importance of lathering their pets up frequently. It is essential to prevent infections, remove pollens and debris from the skin, and restore epidermal health.
Nov 13, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Allergy management is multifactorial. Beyond antipruritics and infection control, restoring the epidermal barrier function is important. Several studies show that even normal appearing skin in an allergic dog has abnormalities related to the the epidermal barrier. Using systemic, topical and/or nutritional products to repair the barrier is a wonderful tool to improve overall management of allergic dermatitis.
Nov 05, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In the spirit of Halloween, we cover a SPOOKY topic... MRSP. It's not MRSA, but still scary and frustrating or owners and clients. I am joined by Dr. Mitzi Clark, DVM, Dip ACVD, assistant clinical professor at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. We discuss how to recognize, diagnose, treat, and prevent MRSP. This is one of the most difficult challenges in veterinary dermatology!
Oct 29, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 36
What happens when a dog presents with skin lesions at 12 years old... and never had these issues before? Though allergies can start at an older age, don't always assume this is the case. Endocrinopathies, demodicosis, lymphoma... there are other things that need to be ruled out through a complete history and appropriate diagnostic testing. Check out a quick snapshot on how to approach a senior dog with their first pyoderma.
Oct 23, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 35
There is a lot of debate in veterinary dermatology regarding the use of ear culture and sensitivity testing. Learn some of the pros and cons regarding ear cultures. There is a place for ear cultures, but it is not every case. Learn how topical concentrations can differ from MICs reported on ear cultures and when this diagnostic test can be helpful.
Oct 15, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Calcinosis cutis is a clinical presentation that is quite striking. Once you start recognizing the appearance (often a firm erythematous plaque on the dorsum, axilla, etc.), it becomes easier to add to the differential list. It can be caused by endogenous or exogenous steroid. This episode will go over the clinical presentation, diagnostics, and treatment.
Oct 08, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Managing otitis cases can be difficult! It is important to know in-house techniques and how to train your clients to effectively clean the ear at home. Choosing the right ear cleaner is essential in clearing a current infection and preventing recurrence. Learn about the different types of ear flushes and why you should carry more than one in your clinic!
Oct 01, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Allergen specific immunotherapy has been around for years but the subcutaneous form is more traditionally used. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has gained more and more popularity as we strive to find different ways to cater to our patients. This episode goes over the basics of SLIT. How efficacious is it compared to subcutaneous immunotherapy? What patients do you prescribe it for? How long does it take to work? All of your SLIT questions answered here!
Sep 18, 2020•11 min
Cytology is the minimum database for dermatology cases. However, it is one of the most underutilized diagnostic tests in management of allergic patients. Veterinarians are often nervous to offer cytology based on cost, time or lack of confidence. But, explaining the value of cytology to clients can be easier than you think! Though cytology has been discussed on the podcast before, today's episode specifically touches on convincing owners the importance of a skin or ear cytology. From what you ca...
Sep 11, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Is dermatology essential? A big question everybody asked when COVID-19 first started hitting. If allergies aren't fatal, why is it such a big deal for owners to get their pets in right away? There are several quality of life and caregiver burden studies that illustrate how dramatically an owner and pet's life is affected by allergic symptoms and infections. Today, I am joined by Dr. Becca Mount from Dermatology 4 Animals in New Mexico to discuss how to deal with overwhelmed clients and empathize...
Sep 03, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Dermatophytosis- one of the great imitators. Though, "classically" people think dermatophytosis should appear as a circular lesion, it usually doesn't. It can appear as erythema, scaling, crusting, ulceration, focal kerion, etc. It can really look like anything! This episodes gives a cliff note version of clinical signs, diagnosis (cytology, DTM, PCR, biopsy, etc.), and treatment.
Aug 27, 2020•10 min•Ep. 28
I am joined by Dr. Melissa Hall, DVM, Dip ACVD from Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital (Los Angeles, CA) to discuss pemphigus foliaceus. This is one of the more common cutaneous autoimmune diseases diagnosed in cats and dogs. It can be an incredibly rewarding disease to manage, but also a very frustrating one. Dr. Hall and I cover the clinical signs, how to successfully diagnose with cytology and biopsy, and treatment options for dogs and cats with pemphigus foliaceus. It is a fun conversati...
Aug 20, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 27
The nasal planum is depigmented. There are ulcers in the mouth. Crusting with no bacteria present on cytology. How do you handle a case when you suspect an autoimmune disease is present? Identifying lesions, when cytology is suspicious, and how to biopsy are all covered in today's episode!
Aug 06, 2020•10 min
Down & Dirty Derm! Today's topic... 5 tips to help set your client expectations when dealing with chronic allergies. To starting the conversation about allergies, getting owners to actually use flea control, and calming angry clients when another ear infection happens... these are quick tips that can help client communication be more effective. 1. Plant the seed 2. Be proactive about flares 3. Empathize and relate 4. Do what is possible 5. Relate it to humans...
Jul 30, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 25
DDD about DLE! Discoid lupus erythematosus is one of the more common autoimmune diseases that affects the nasal planum in dogs. However, it can appear similar to other diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus or epitheliotropic lymphoma. Learn about differentiating clinical signs, selecting areas to biopsy, and treatment options.
Jul 16, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Feline allergies can be overwhelming! There are less medications for itchy cats, and a lot of our feline friends won't take oral medications anyway. This emphasizes the importance of working up cat allergies. If we identify the underlying allergy (whether it's flea, food, environmental, or a combination) then we can minimize the use of chronic medications. Making it healthier for the cat, and less frustrating for the owner. Today, Dr. Eva Ganz, DVM, Dip ACVD from the Metropolitan Animal Specialt...
Jul 09, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Today's DDD (Down & Dirty Derm) goes over skin scrapings. When do you perform a deep scrape vs. a superficial scrape? And, what about tricky areas like the periocular region? We will go over these simple questions and how to appropriately position your light and condenser to enhance your ability of finding those pesky mites!
Jul 02, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Today, we cover skin within veterinary medicine in a completely different and deeper way. Dr. Courtney Campbell is a board certified veterinary surgeon practicing with VetSurg in Ventura, CA. We have a real discussion as a Black male and white female, specialists within veterinary medicine with very different experiences. A raw, candid conversation occurs about race within our field. Dr. Campbell opens up about his experience in the veterinary field as only 2% of veterinarians are Black. We talk...
Jun 25, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Acral lick dermatitis (aka lick granuloma) can be extremely frustrating with several different causes. From allergies to behavioral to osteoarthritis... there are a variety of triggers that can lead to deep infection and frustrated owners. Learn how to start working these cases up with tissue cultures and diagnostics to figure out the underlying cause.
Jun 18, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 20
There are many reasons why today's podcast episode is important. On this episode, I welcome Dr. Jeff Tinsley. At time of recording, Dr. Tinsley is finishing up his dermatology internship with Animal Dermatology Clinic in Louisville, KY and about to start his dream residency at the same clinic. We are both passionate about client communication with chronic derm cases so that was an easy subject for us to discuss. However, with our country recently waking up to the realness of systemic racism and ...
Jun 11, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Another episode of DDD (Down and Dirty Derm)! I address one of the most common questions asked on social media. Every time I show a picture of an infected clawfold... "Do you treat this yeast overgrowth systemically or topically?". As with any derm topic, IT DEPENDS! I go over the factors that guide my decisions in these cases. Infection severity, patient acceptance, owner ability, recheck cytology, etc. These are all important and discussed in this quick episode!
Jun 04, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Today, I am joined by Dr. Ashley Detwiler, DVM, Diplomate ACVD to discuss ectoparasite control, specifically for flea allergic pets. Dr. Detwiler currently practices with Pittsburgh Veterinary Dermatology but has lived in many different areas of the country from Florida to Michigan. So, she has dealt with a lot of different environments and fleas. We discuss how to convince pet owners to use flea prevention, what flea allergies look like in cats and dogs, and the evolution of flea preventatives....
May 28, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Today's DDD (Down and Dirty Derm) goes over video otoscopy (VO). Whether it is a mass in the ear canal or a terrible chronic Pseudomonas otitis, VO can be an extremely useful tool for your ear cases. It allows magnification of the ear canal to identify small tears in the tympanum and aural masses. Also, the ability to culture and flush out the middle ear. Learn why referring your ear cases for VO will make your local dermatologist and clients happy!
May 21, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In the last couple of months, our world forever changed due to COVID-19. And veterinary medicine was asked to pivot and adapt very quickly. Telemedicine has been the hottest (and most debated) topic in the healthcare industry. Sure, it is more convenient to allow clients and patients to stay at home. But, are we able to practice appropriately? What about cytology? Otoscopy? Are clients accepting of full exam fees? Today, I am joined by Dr. Jacqueline Gimmler from Animal Dermatology Referral Clin...
May 14, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Introducing DDD (Down and Dirty Derm)! These episodes are meant to be quick, bite-sized bits of information. Fast tips that you can put into practice right away or refer back to after you see a derm case. Our first DDD episode will be how to perform a good diet trial. Refer back to episode 10 for a more in-depth discussion about food allergies. But this episode provides a step-by-step guide of how I navigate a diet trial through anti-pruritics, rechecks and ingredient challenges. Enjoy! If you a...
May 08, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Today, we welcome Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, DVM, Dip ACVD to the podcast to discuss topical therapy! Dr. Rosenberg owns and practices at Animal Dermatology & Allergy Specialists in New Jersey and New York. Multimodal therapy is very important in allergic cats and dogs and should include topical therapy. This can help minimize the use of systemic medications in our chronic itchy patients. But many questions arise about topical protocols... How often should you bathe a dog with pyoderma? What if t...
Apr 30, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Today's episode features Dr. Lo Curtis, a neurologist practicing in the Austin, TX area. Dr. Curtis is making her own splash in the veterinary industry through her podcast (Thrive DVM) which discusses health and mental well being. But, in this episode, I pick her brain (ha!) about neurologic symptoms that otitis cases can show such as facial paralysis and Horner's syndrome. We also discuss myringotomy, primary secretory otitis media, diagnostic imaging and empirical antibiotic treatment. It is a...
Apr 16, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 12
This episode features Dr. Tannetje Crocker, an amazing small animal general practitioner and emergency veterinarian practicing in north Texas. Dr. Crocker goes over how she communicates the chronicity of allergies to her clients and derm referral even when cases are doing well. We also discuss medication withdrawal prior to allergy testing, whether to diet trial prior to referral and (unrelated to derm) how to train yourself to be an early riser. This is a fun conversation between two moms tryin...
Apr 02, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This episode features Dr. Kacie Blessing, DVM, Dip ACVD (from Animal Dermatology Clinic in San Diego, CA) discussing tips on how to convince your clients to perform a quality diet trial. We also talk about when a diet trial is pertinent in the allergic workup for your patients and which diets to select. Enjoy listening to two dermatologists give you their perspectives on how they handles these cases!
Mar 19, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 10
The first otitis episode! Do you cringe when a recurrent otitis case ends up on your appointment schedule? We have to look beyond treating the bacteria and yeast! Learn about the PSPP system. The acronym PSPP (Primary causes, Secondary causes, Predisposing factors, Perpetuating factors) breaks down how to approach creating a diagnostic workup and treatment plan for your chronic otitis causes from multiple angles. A great way to start learning more about dog and cat ears in this introductory podc...
Mar 05, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 9
