The Derm Vet Podcast

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Is your allergic patient still itching despite treatment? They may be dealing with more than one allergy! In this episode, I break down how to identify the multi-allergy veterinary patient and recognize the clues that suggest multiple underlying causes of pruritus. I discuss partial responses to allergy therapy, seasonal changes in itching, persistent problem areas, recurrent otitis, and why different lesions may respond differently to treatment. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:43 Itch Inquiry: Managing Chronic Ear Inflammation & Steroid Therapy 04:19 Identifying the Multi-Allergy Patient 06:11 Clue 1: Partial Response to Allergy Therapy 07:16 Clue 2: Seasonally Fluctuating Pruritus 08:26 Clue 3: Persistent Itch in Specific Anatomical Regions 09:57 Clue 4: Recurrent Otitis vs. Improving Skin Disease 11:52 Clue 5: Variable Lesion Response Across Treatments 13:28 Recap 14:59 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and other brachycephalic breeds are frequent flyers in veterinary dermatology but successfully managing their skin disease often requires looking beyond the obvious itch. In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down some of the most common dermatologic problems seen in brachycephalic dogs, including skin fold dermatitis (intertrigo), pododermatitis, secondary infections, and underlying food and environmental allergies. Learn why examining every facial, tail, and vulvar fold matters, how cytology can guide treatment, why topical therapy is so important for both treatment and long-term maintenance, and how to build an allergy workup that is realistic for both the patient and owner. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:52 Itch Inquiry: Feline Ear Flushing and Horner's Syndrome Risk 04:05 Fold Dermatitis and Key Fold Locations 07:14 Cytology and Topical Therapies for Skin Fold Infections 09:58 Pododermatitis 12:48 Allergic Workups and Long-Term Inflammatory Options 16:15 Overview and Final Takeaways 18:03 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In veterinary dermatology, the right diagnosis often starts before the physical exam... it starts with the history! In this episode of The Derm Vet, I break down how a thorough dermatologic history can help veterinary professionals build stronger differential lists, choose more targeted diagnostics, and develop more effective treatment plans. Whether you're working through a new pruritic patient or reevaluating a case that isn't responding as expected, this episode highlights the historical clues you don't want to overlook! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 The Value of History Taking in Veterinary Dermatology 03:52 Itch Inquiry: Cyclosporine Use in Allergic Disease 06:00 Building Differentials, Diagnostic Plans, and Treatments 08:30 Core History Basics: Signalment, Seasonality, and Travel 12:15 Age of Onset Considerations 14:46 Analyzing Past Medication Responses 16:03 Identifying Systemic Signs and Underlying Internal Disease 17:59 Reevaluating History in Chronic Cases 20:05 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Crusty, irritated, or abnormal paw pads in cats can point to much more than a simple skin problem. In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down the differential diagnoses behind feline crusty paw pads, including plasma cell pododermatitis, autoimmune disease, allergies, eosinophilic granulomas, contact dermatitis, infections, trauma, cutaneous horns, and even neoplasia. Plus, this week’s Itch Inquiry features a medication-averse German Shepherd and a discussion about the limitations of monoclonal antibody therapy! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Itch Inquiry: Case Study of a Med-Averse German Shepherd 05:20 Limitations of Monoclonal Antibodies 07:00 Feline Crust Paw Pads 07:44 Plasma Cell Pododermatitis 10:58 Autoimmune Causes 12:22 Allergic Conditions, Eosinophilic Granulomas, and Contact Dermatitis 13:52 Infectious, Viral, Fungal, and Traumatic/Burn Causes 16:02 Cutaneous Horns, Neoplasia, Lung-Digit Syndrome, and Diagnostic Workup 19:02 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Crusty paw pads may seem like a straightforward dermatologic finding... but they can point to everything from simple hyperkeratosis to autoimmune, metabolic, infectious, and even systemic disease! In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down my diagnostic approach to canine paw pad disease and the major differentials veterinarians should keep on their radar. I cover hyperkeratosis, pemphigus foliaceus, erythema multiforme, vasculitis, hepatocutaneous syndrome, zinc-responsive dermatosis, canine distemper, infections, trauma, and more. Plus, learn why lesion distribution, breed, systemic signs, and (most importantly) biopsy can be critical for reaching the right diagnosis! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Itch Inquiry: Feline Inflammatory Ear Polyps 04:46 Canine Paw Pad Disease 05:17 Primary Hyperkeratosis & Weight-Bearing Patterns 07:31 Autoimmune Paw Pad Diseases 09:58 Metabolic Causes 12:47 Infectious, Traumatic, & Viral Causes 14:25 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Allergy cases are rarely straightforward... and explaining the diagnostic process to pet owners can be just as challenging as managing the itch. In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down a practical approach to talking with clients about allergic skin disease in dogs and cats. From ectoparasites and food allergies to environmental allergies, learn how to organize the conversation so owners understand not only what you're recommending, but why it matters. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Zoetis Ad 02:13 Itch Inquiry: Convincing Owners on Symptomatic Meds 06:08 Category 1: Ectoparasite Control 09:05 Category 2: Food Allergies & Diet Trials 11:13 Category 3: Environmental Allergies & Symptomatic Therapy 13:24 Allergy Testing & Immunotherapy 16:14 Tailoring Communication and Visual Aids 20:10 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Why do cats develop crusting, curling, inflammation, or unusual lesions on their ears? In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I'm diving into feline pinnal diseases and the dermatologic conditions that can affect the feline ear. I cover why oral exams are an important part of evaluating itchy cats, reactions to topical steroids that can cause pinna curling, and key conditions including solar dermatitis, auricular chondritis, cystomatosis, pemphigus foliaceus, and proliferative necrotizing otitis externa! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Feline Pinnal Diseases 01:37 Itch Inquiry: Why Perform Oral Exams on Cats 03:45 Topical Steroid Reactions & Pinna Curling 04:55 Solar Dermatitis 06:53 Auricular Chondritis 08:23 Cystomatosis 10:44 Pemphigus Foliaceus 12:36 Proliferative Necrotizing Otitis Externa

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, I answer a listener question about off-label JAK inhibitor dosing before taking a deep dive into common canine pinnal (ear flap) diseases. Learn how to recognize and manage canine scabies, pinnal vasculitis, pemphigus foliaceus, ear margin seborrhea, zinc-responsive dermatosis, and thrombovascular necrosis. Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or student, this episode delivers practical dermatology insights you can use in practice! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:54 Itch Inquiry: Off-Label JAK Inhibitor Dosing and Usage 05:32 Introduction to Canine Pinnal Diseases and Ear Anatomy 08:08 Canine Scabies 09:33 Pinnal Vasculitis Presentation and Management 11:22 Pemphigus Foliaceus 13:08 Ear Margin Seborrhea 14:27 Zinc Dermatitis 15:47 Thrombovascular Necrosis 16:45 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Dogs don't always scratch when they're itchy and that can make diagnosing allergic skin disease much more challenging! In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down the subtle and commonly overlooked signs of itching in dogs, from scooting that isn't caused by anal glands to head shaking, excessive licking, perineal dermatitis, and secondary skin changes that can easily be missed during an exam. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Zoetis 01:15 Itch Inquiry: Non-Anal Sac Causes of Scooting 03:25 How to Tell If a Dog is Itchy 06:03 Common Itching Behaviors 08:42 Overlooked Indicators 10:35 Perineal Dermatitis and Head Shaking 13:16 Identifying Secondary Skin Changes 15:39 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! How do feline dermatology cases differ from canine dermatology? In this episode, I answer a listener's question on treating yeast-only ear infections before breaking down three major clinical differences between cats and dogs... from ear flap lesions and claw fold inflammation to oral cavity and mucous membrane disease! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:20 Itch Inquiry: Treating Yeast-Only Ear Infections 05:51 Feline vs Canine Dermatologic Distributions 06:27 Difference 1: Pinna (Ear Flap) Lesions 08:27 Difference 2: Claw Fold Inflammation 11:00 Difference 3: Oral Cavity & Mucous Membrane Lesions 13:58 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Constant scratching, chewing, and ear infections aren't just annoying... they're your patient's way of telling you something's wrong! In this episode, I break down everything veterinary professionals need to know about managing allergic dogs, from spotting the first signs of trouble to building a long-term treatment plan that actually works. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:39 Itch Inquiry 02:55 Maintenance Therapy for Allergic Dogs 05:35 Nutrition 06:07 Ear Care 07:19 Client Education and Early Detection 09:34 Utilizing Our Pharmaceuticals 11:27 Identifying Allergy Triggers 13:09 Routine Rechecks 15:27 Summary 17:39 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Is allergen-specific immunotherapy the closest thing we have to changing the course of allergic disease in dogs? In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I explore why immunotherapy remains the gold standard for long-term allergy management and how it differs from simply controlling itch. She explains how starting treatment early may help reduce the progression of allergic disease, what pet owners should realistically expect from immunotherapy, and why educating clients is critical to long-term success. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:39 Itch Inquiry: Distinguishing Autoimmune Disease from Neoplastic Disease 04:40 Immunotherapy 06:05 Proactively Halting the Progression of Allergic Disease 07:30 Natural Therapy 08:14 Instilling Trust in Your Client 09:28 Preparing for Future Health Uncertainties 13:06 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Learn how rostrolateral nasal alar arteriopathy is diagnosed, why it can be mistaken for other conditions, and the treatment options available to help improve quality of life. I also discusses setting realistic owner expectations and the importance of recognizing uncommon dermatologic diseases in veterinary medicine. Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or veterinary student, this episode provides practical clinical insights you can apply to future cases. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Fleischman DA, Mauldin EA, Lowe A, Cain CL, Bradley CW. Clinical and histopathological features of rostrolateral nasal alar arteriopathy of German shepherd dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2023;34:441–451. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13173 Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:32 Itch Inquiry: Topicals for General Practice 06:20 German Shepherd with Chronic Nasal Bleeding 09:29 Diagnosis: Rostrolateral Nasal Alar Arteriopathy 12:02 Treatment Options & Owner Expectations 14:44 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Client communication can make or break even the best dermatology treatment plan... In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I answer a listener's question about improving cytology skills in veterinary practice before diving into one of the most valuable communication frameworks I've found for challenging client interactions: The 5 E's. Whether you're discussing chronic allergies, recurrent skin infections, or complex treatment plans, frustrated clients are inevitable. The key is knowing how to navigate those conversations with confidence! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:14 Itch Inquiry 03:10 The 5 E's in Dealing with Frustrated Clients 03:40 Empathize with the Client 05:47 Expectations 07:08 Expense 08:14 Effort 10:23 Encouragement 12:18 Summary/Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, I tackle some of the most common (and challenging) questions surrounding the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of canine otitis externa. From maintenance therapy protocols and cleaning strategies to biofilm management, chronic stenosis, ear cultures, and the role of AI-powered cytology, I share practical insights you can apply in everyday practice. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:25 Itch Inquiry: For maintenance therapy, do you suggest using a combination product weekly as maintenance? 04:30 What is your favorite product as a cleanser when the patient has biofilm? 06:51 How do tackle chronic stenosis? 09:12 What is your favorite maintenance cleaning product? 10:31 When dogs have recurrent otitis, how often do you suggest maintenance cleaning? 12:37 What do you think of the various AI cytology machines? 14:27 What is the usefulness of an ear culture for otitis externa? 16:15 What do you consider for broad spectrum treatment for otitis? 17:40 Besides ear flushing, what other treatments do you use for maintenance? 18:18 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Can cats safely take Apoquel or Zenrelia? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the use of JAK inhibitors in feline dermatology, exploring the science behind atopic disease, practical treatment considerations, and the realities of off-label medication use in cats. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:31 Itch Inquiry: Atopic Dogs and the pathophysiology 04:22 JAK Inhibitors and Cats 05:58 Using Apoquel with a Cat 08:58 Using Zenrelia with a Cat 10:53 Dosing These Medications in Cats 12:35 Lab Work Monitoring the Cats 14:02 The Risk 14:25 The Duration 15:40 Discussion of Off Label Use with Owners 16:58 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Skin barrier is having a moment... and for good reason. In this episode, I break down why restoring the skin barrier is a non-negotiable piece of the multimodal approach to managing atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats, and more importantly, how to actually do it when your clients can't keep up with a bathing schedule. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:45 Itch Inquiry: Recurrent Yeast Otitis 01:37 Antifungal Resistance in Malassezia 03:54 Underlying Allergies and Immunotherapy 06:29 Paronychia 07:19 Toothpick vs. Tape Methods 09:30 Treatment for Yeast 15:35 Summary/Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! A new JAK inhibitor has officially entered the veterinary market but where does it fit into managing allergic dogs? In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I sit down with boarded veterinary dermatologist Dr. Christine McKinney from Merck Animal Health to discuss Numelvi, the newest JAK inhibitor approved in the United States for canine allergic dermatitis. We break down what makes this medication unique, how it compares to other allergy therapies, and why having multiple treatment options matters when managing complicated allergic patients. We also dive into practical approaches for itch control, infection management, and building confidence when treating chronic allergy cases in practice. If you manage itchy dogs regularly and want to stay up to date on the latest dermatology treatments, this episode is packed with valuable clinical insights. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps and references: 7:26: At the recommended treatment dose, Numelvi is at least 10X more selective for JAK1 over the other JAK enzymes in in vitro assays. Reference: Kowalski T, Schuette S. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of JAK1. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179. 8:03: At the recommended treatment dose, Numelvi is at least 10X more selective for JAK1 over the other JAK enzymes in in vitro assays. Reference: Kowalski T, Schuette S. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of JAK1. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179. 8:07: JAK1 is the primary driver of itch and inflammation. Reference: Huang I, Chung W, Wu P, Chen C. JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis: an updated review. Front Immunol. 2022;13:1068260 10:36: At the recommended treatment dose, Numelvi is at least 10X more selective for JAK1 over the other JAK enzymes in in vitro assays. Reference: Kowalski T, Schuette S. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of JAK1. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179. 21:52: Numelvi, starts reducing itch within 2-4 hours in a canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model Reference: Kowalski T, Prohaczik A, Locke K, Samson C, Hope K. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib significantly reduces pruritus 2-4 hours after dosing dogs in a canine interleukin-31 model. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179-180. 23:13: Numelvi, starts reducing itch within 2-4 hours in a canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model Reference: Kowalski T, Prohaczik A, Locke K, Samson C, Hope K. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib significantly reduces pruritus 2-4 hours after dosing dogs in a canine interleukin-31 model. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179-180. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:29 The Complexity of Canine Allergic Dermatitis 06:44 What is Numelvi and How Does it Work? 13:50 Dosing Guidelines and Tablet Specifications 16:57 Candidate Selection and Infection Control 21:37 Onset of Action and Efficacy Timeline 24:08 Final Thoughts This episode is sponsored by Merck Animal Health

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Skin barrier therapy has become one of the hottest topics in veterinary dermatology but with so many sprays, spot-ons, mousses, collars, and topical products available, it can be difficult to know what actually works and when to use them. In this week’s episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, we dive into the concept of skin barrier support and why managing allergic skin disease goes far beyond simply treating itch. I break down different categories of topical therapies, including AtopiVet products, spot-on formulations, mousse therapies, and skin care collars, while discussing how these products can fit into a multimodal dermatology plan. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:40 The Itch Inquiry: Skin Barrier and Beyond Topicals 04:48 AtopiVet Products 08:04 Spot-On Products 09:23 Mousse Products 10:19 Skin Care Collar 12:44 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, I dive into the diagnostic approach and long-term management of sterile nodular panniculitis in veterinary patients. We discuss everything from sampling claw folds and interpreting flaky cytology samples to biopsy techniques, infectious disease rule-outs, and when to consider JAK inhibitors as part of a treatment plan. If you’ve ever struggled with diagnosing challenging nodular cases or navigating long-term management decisions, this episode is packed with practical clinical insights you can apply in practice. Did you know you can submit a question or voicemail to the show by using the link at the top of the show notes? Send me any and all questions to be featured on an episode! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:14 Itch Inquiry: Sampling Claw Folds and Flaky Samples 06:00 Identifying Sterile Nodular Panniculitis 08:54 Diagnostic Approaches and Biopsy Techniques 09:56 Ruling Out Infectious Causes 12:53 Use of JAK Inhibitors 16:19 Long-term Management 19:49 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, I tackle one of the most important — and often most challenging — conversations in veterinary dermatology: the diet trial discussion. We break down common client concerns, why compliance can be difficult, and how veterinarians can better communicate the value of diet trials in diagnosing food allergy cases. Did you know you can submit a question or voicemail to the show by using the link at the top of the show notes? Send me any and all questions to be featured on an episode! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:04 Itch Inquiry 07:20 The Diet Trial Conversation 09:45 Tip #1: Explain the "Why" 11:06 Tip #2: Treat it as a Diagnostic Test 14:26 Tip #3: Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain 15:37 Tip #4: Challenging the Diet to Get Answers 18:54 Summary 20:38 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! When an otitis case just won’t clear, there are often simple changes we can make to be more successful. In this episode, we break down the most common (and fixable) reasons ear infections fail to respond in clinical practice. From real-world struggles with client compliance and patient tolerance, to the often-overlooked importance of proper ear flushing, we unpack where cases go off track—and how to get them back on course. We’ll also dive into the consequences of choosing the wrong topical therapy, and why matching treatment to cytology is non-negotiable for success. Whether you’re dealing with repeat offenders or frustrating first-time failures, this episode offers practical, clinic-ready insights to help you troubleshoot smarter, treat more effectively, and set both your patients and clients up for long-term success. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Itch Inquiry 03:47 Why that Ear Infection isn't Responding 05:18 Lack of Inflammation Control 06:55 The Wrong Medication 08:32 Not Using Appropriate Flushing Methods 11:19 It's Not Getting In There 13:16 We Don't Know Why It's Happening 15:34 Review 17:54 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, we take a closer look at the often-overlooked areas of the dermatologic exam in allergic dogs—because the clues you’re missing may be the ones that matter most. From the ventral neck and axilla to claw folds, lip margins, and perianal regions, these hidden sites frequently harbor early or persistent lesions that can shape your diagnosis and treatment plan. We’ll discuss why these areas are commonly skipped, what subtle findings to look for, and how a more thorough dermatology exam can improve case outcomes. Tune in for practical tips to elevate your dermatology exams, catch lesions earlier, and avoid missing key pieces of the allergy puzzle. Want to ask a question or share a story to be featured on the podcast? Tap the link at the top of the show notes to text an inquiry or leave a voicemail! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:57 Ventral Neck 03:14 Axilla 04:21 Claw Folds 06:05 Lip Margins 07:28 Perianal Region 08:51 Pinna 10:23 Other Folds 13:14 Review/Summary 15:55 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this week's episode, we explore an interesting feline case that illustrates why no detail should ever be overlooked. When a "perky nose" complaint actually becomes plasma cell pododermatitis. Using this case as a guide, we highlight how critical it is to go beyond the presenting complaint. A thorough dermatologic exam, combined with a detailed history, can uncover subtle abnormalities that completely change your diagnostic path, treatment plan, and ultimately, patient outcome. It’s a good reminder that even when a diagnosis seems obvious, there could be clinical clues that point you a different direction. We discuss how this case unfolded, what could have been missed with a more limited approach, and practical strategies to ensure you’re consistently gathering complete information in every appointment. References: Declercq J, DeBosschere H. Nasal swelling due to plasma cell infiltrate in a cat without plasma cell pododermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2010;21:412–414. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2010.00869.x. Brosseau G. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis. Can Vet J. 2022 May;63(5):545-548. PMID: 35502252; PMCID: PMC9009751. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:50 The Swollen Nose 07:02 Deflated Paws 09:12 Biopsy and Diagnosis Confirmation 12:09 Importance of Looking at the Complete History 16:53 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Allergy cases can be REALLY tough! In this week's podcast episode, we explore how veterinarians and staff can build confidence using the full range of allergy medications available. From JAK inhibitors to monoclonal antibodies to cyclosporine, I discuss the importance of knowing the mechanisms and clinical applications of these medications. Atopic dermatitis is a syndrome with many layers. You can have your favorite allergy drugs, but there will always be difficult cases that don't respond and we need to try something different. Tune in for practical insights, real-world case strategies, and tips to help you feel more comfortable navigating complex allergic conditions. Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34344611/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20887404/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:44 New Segments Starting Soon 02:07 Being Comfortable w/ Allergy Medications 03:25 Breed-Specific Allergy Phenotypes 05:07 JAK Inhibitors 06:45 Monoclonal Antibodies 08:36 Cyclosporine 09:58 Summary 12:41 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Feline dermatology be tricky and daunting. It is easy to skip over simple steps that can make a big difference in your allergic cat management. In this episode, we break down four of the most common missteps that in managing feline skin cases. First, we tackle how to be ABSOLUTELY sure you have eliminated flea allergy dermatitis as a cause of pruritus. Next, we explore how cats express skin disease in unique ways that can be missed by owners and veterinarians such rodent ulcers. We dive into inappropriate diagnosis of food allergies, explaining why true elimination diet trials are essential and often done incorrectly. Finally, we emphasize the importance of not skipping basic diagnostics like cytology and fungal testing—foundational steps that are sometimes overlooked in favor of quick treatments such as steroids. Whether you’re a practicing veterinarian or a student, this episode can give you easy tips to implement in the clinic tomorrow for your itchy cat patients! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:22 Fleas and Ectoparasites 06:33 Recognizing Unique Lesions 08:50 Overdiagnosing 10:58 Skipping Basic Diagnostics 13:23 Summary 15:48 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Remembering how to treat and prevent otitis in a complete manner can be difficult in a busy general practice. There are different acronyms to help, but everybody remembers things a bit differently. This week's podcast goes over a new acronym to make acute and chronic otitis management a bit easier. E: etiology (what infection is present) A: appearance (what does the debris look like and where is it) R: Reason (what is the primary cause) S: Support (how do we manage this long-term) EARS to help ears. Let me know your thoughts on this week's episode! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:05 EARS 01:27 Etiology 03:11 Appearance 04:38 Reason 06:22 Support 08:14 Summary 09:22 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Really red, inflamed and itchy cases can be tough to differentiate. Could it be allergies? Maybe something else like an autoimmune disease has popped up... On this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast, we discuss five RED FLAGS that you should have an autoimmune disease on your differential list. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:14 Red Flag #1: Mucous Membranes 03:40 Red Flag #2: Crusting with No Infection 06:12 Red Flag #3: Weird Types of Lesions 08:58 Red Flag #4: Systemic Signs 10:50 Red Flag #5: Weird Distribution 13:51 Summary 14:55 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Allison Inga, DVM, DACVD is back on the podcast! In this week's episode, we review the systemic antimicrobial recommendations from the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) and what they mean for veterinarians treating superficial or deep pyoderma. We highlight when systemic antibiotics are truly indicated, first-line drug selection, along with more resitant infections that may require second- or third-line antibiotic treatment. The discussion also reinforces antimicrobial stewardship principles, including avoiding unnecessary use of critically important antibiotics. A focused update designed to help veterinarians and staff members to apply ISCAID guidance confidently and responsibly in everyday clinical cases. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:35 – When To Use Systemic Therapy 02:32 – Topical Therapy 2-Week Period 03:35 – Different Types of Pyoderma 07:18 – First Choice Drugs 10:20 – Go-To Drug Choice 11:50 – Wiggle Room When Prescribing 14:03 – Second Choice Drugs 16:57 – Where To Dose 18:54 – Usage in Dogs 19:37 – Other Second Choice Considerations 23:09 – Usage Experience with Rifampin 25:52 – Systematic Use of Amikacin 28:03 – Chloramphenicol Use in Patients 31:08 – When To Limit Use 32:46 – Other Considerations 34:08 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this week's podcast episode, I get to interview Allison Inga, DVM, DACVD who practices at Animal Dermatology Clinic in Robbinsville, NJ. We take a practical, clinician-focused look at the latest guidelines from the International Society of for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) on the use of topical therapy in managing bacterial skin infections. Topical therapy is no longer just an adjunct — it’s a central component of antimicrobial stewardship in dermatology. We review how the ISCAID guidelines support cytology-driven diagnosis, when topical therapy can be used as sole treatment, and how it helps reduce systemic antibiotic use in cases of superficial pyoderma and Malassezia dermatitis. 00:00 – Intro 01:25 – Dr. Inga 03:50 – Advantages of Topical Therapy in Pyoderma Cases 05:40 – Evidence of Using Chlorhexidine Percentages 08:22 – Factors to Consider In Chlorhexidine Cases 09:30 – Other Topical Anti-Septics to Consider 10:44 – Diluting Bleach 13:50 – Addressing Concerns Around Bleach 15:00 – Topical Antibiotic Use 17:26 – Efficacy of Topical Therapy 21:20 – Simple Things That Yield Good Results 23:10 – Concurrent Use 26:10 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! This is the last installment in our series of DERM DRUGS. Monoclonal antibodies are becoming an important tool in veterinary dermatology — but what are they, and how do they actually work? In this episode, we break down monoclonal antibody therapy in practical terms. We explain how these targeted treatments are designed to recognize and block specific molecules in the immune system, helping reduce itch in allergic dogs without broadly suppressing immunity. We discuss commonly used products like Cytopoint which targets IL-31, a key cytokine involved in pruritus. We also introduce the announcement of an upcoming (not yet released) product called Befrena, another monoclonal antibody therapy, and what we know about this therapy today. 00:00 – Intro 02:07 – What is a Monoclonal Antibody 03:18 – Cytopoint Basics 05:35 – Potential Side-Effects 06:33 – Befrena Basics 08:44 – Overview 09:22 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have become a cornerstone in managing pruritic and allergic skin disease in dogs by targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which transmits itch and inflammatory cytokine signals. With so many medications hitting the market, it is important to understand the differences between all of the different JAK inhibitors in veterinary medicine. Apoquel (oclacitinib) has been in the veterinary field the longest with over a decade of use. However, Zenrelia (ilunocitinib) has been available in many countries for over a year. Additionally, Numelvi (atinvicitinib) has recently become available in Europe and will hit the market in the United States very soon (with others to follow). Learn about the differences in these medications and why it is important to become comfortable with all of them on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:35 JAK Inhibitor Basics 02:35 What are JAK Receptors 03:31 Apoquel and Zenrelia 05:20 Numelvi 07:57 How To Tell If a Pet Is Atopic 09:12 Are JAK Inhibitors Safe with Neoplasia 11:32 What Does JAK Selectivity Mean 13:47 Common Side-Effects of JAK Inhibitors 17:01 Using JAK Inhibitors Off-Label 18:51 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In veterinary dermatology, gram-negative rods like Pseudomonas, E. coli, Proteus, etc. can develop in chronic or deep skin infections. When systemic therapy is needed, culture and sensitivity are essential. But what are some of the more common antibiotics that are effective against these nasty bugs? Common options include fluoroquinolones, potentiated penicillins, later-generation cephalosporins, etc. These organisms are frequently multidrug-resistant so appropriate diagnostics and re-evaluation is crucial. Learn more as we continue our current series on DERM DRUGS on this week's podcast! 00:00 – Intro 01:36 – General Things to Keep in Mind 03:49 – The Importance of Topical Therapy 05:31 – Systemic Therapy Options 06:38 – Antibiotic Choices 10:35 – Last Resort Antibiotics 12:44 – Overview 13:39 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! When a senior dog walks in with multiple lumps and bumps, the big question becomes: which ones actually need a needle? And how do we make those decisions when time, finances, and patient comfort all matter? In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I take a break from the Derm Drugs series to dive into an exciting new diagnostic technology... VISTA iQ. This conversation features Dr. Liron Levy-Hirsch (managing director for HT VET), who breaks down exactly what VISTA iQ is, how it works, and why it may be a game-changer for evaluating multiple masses in dogs. Timestamps 02:29 What Does Vista IQ Do? 04:03 Why Was This Tech Needed? 06:07 The Basics of HT Vista 08:17 The Practical Applications 10:46 How the Science Works 11:56 Process Efficiency 13:15 Limitations of the Vista IQ 15:21 How It Fits With Existing Tools 16:28 Final Thoughts 18:37 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Continuing our DERM DRUG series... we are discussing one of the most common class of drugs asked about: antibiotics! Specifically, those used for staphyloccal pyoderma since it is seen almost every day in general practice. A majority of this discussion was developed from the newly updated ISCAID (International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases). These guidelines were updated in 2025 and are open access to the public. You can find them at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.13342. These guidelines cover duration of treatment, topical therapy and different tiers of systemic antibiotics. Which antibiotics can you feel more comfortable using empirically? Find out on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! 00:00 – Intro 02:12 – Important Precursors 05:37 – First Choice Drugs 08:50 – Second Choice Drugs 14:39 – Reserved Microbial Drugs 21:21 – Overview 23:47 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Welcome to our first podcast series of the year: DERM DRUGS! We will spend the next few weeks jumping into different categories of medication and provide real world application of when and how we reach for these medications. Our first installment in this series are anti-yeast medications. How do you know when to reach for systemic anti-yeast drugs? Which one should you pick? How long should you treat and when do you recheck? We address all of these questions and more on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! 00:00 – Intro 02:53 – Azoles 07:26 – Which Anti-Fungal to Choose 12:27 – Azole Side Effects 13:34 – Length of Treatment 14:26 – Pulse Dosing 18:45 – Overview

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! I have had quite a few cool video otoscopy procedures lately. With cool procedures, come the ability to share these videos and images online. With that, comes lots of questions from you! When should I refer for video otoscopy? What is the purpose of video otoscopy? When should I choose video otoscopy over everyday handheld otoscopy? We break down the four main reasons to consider video otoscopy. If you check out the YouTube channel, there are some cool images and videos or recent scopes that will confirm how cool this procedure can be! 00:00 – Intro 01:43 – Should you have a video otoscopy 02:58 – Four main reasons to consider video otoscopy 03:12 – Magnifying the image 04:26 – Deep flushes 06:15 – Middle ear cytology and culture 07:37 – Removing things 09:19 – Overview 11:17 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Recurrent infections can be so difficult in our allergic patients. Learn how to minimize severity of frequency of pyoderma on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! 1. Work up the underlying allergies 2. Support the skin barrier 3. Adjust topical therapy accordingly 4. Recognize historical patterns 5. Refer to a dermatologist early in the disease 00:00 – Intro 02:24 – Working up the underlying allergies 04:53 – Support the skin barrier 07:36 – Adjust your topical therapy accordingly 10:27 – Recognize historical patterns 13:02 – Referring these patients early 13:56 – Overview 14:32 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Periocular dermatitis can occur for a multitude of reasons. The first step is to figure out if the eye itself is involved or not. Once we know the eye is healthy, it is time to figure out why the SKIN AROUND the eye is losing hair, crusty, itchy, etc. It is important to return to the basic diagnostics. Cytology can be sampled with tape (if the lesion is dry) or swab (if the lesion is wet) to not risk damaging the eye. A trichogram can be used instead of a skin scrape to also protect the eye from a scalpel blade! Anything that can cause folliculitis to other areas of the skin can impact the periocular dermatitis. Allergies, mites, dermatophytosis, pyoderma, yeast dermatitis, autoimmune diseases and neoplasia can cause lesions. Dive into the details on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:00 Periocular Dermatitis 05:21 Cytology Techniques 06:45 Allergies and Facial Pruritus 08:20 Demodex 12:00 Biopsy 13:20 Neoplasia 16:00 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! I asked a few of my vet friends what "derm gifts" they received in 2025. I loved their answers and wanted to share them on our final episode of the podcast this year! 1. More confidence in cytology 2. Comfort in using new tools and innovations 3. Improving client communication and utilization of staff 4. Treating dermatology like a puzzle you have to put together 5. Prioritizing referral for allergy testing and immunotherapy And mine... be curious and collaborate! Thanks for another wonderful year of podcasting! Can't wait to see what 2026 has to bring. 00:00 – Intro 01:55 – Derm Gifts of the Year 02:26 – Gift 1: Improving Confidence in Cytology 04:33 – Gift 2: Becoming Open to Try New Things 06:11 – Gift 3: Learning More About Client Communication 09:28 – Gift 4: Realizing Derm is a Puzzle 12:08 – Gift 5: Being Thoughtful When Referring Immunotherapy 15:27 – Gift 6: Remaining Curious and Collaborative 18:52 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! It is very common for clients to present their pet to the veterinarian complaining that an allergy medication that used to work is no longer effective. Before changing therapies, it is important to consider four different things. 1. Rule out simple mistakes like missed flea prevention, diet change, etc. 2. Identify infection 3. Progression of allergies 4. It is no longer just allergies Learn more details on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:20 Looking for Simple Causes 03:47 Identify Infections 06:10 Allergy Progression 08:30 When It Isn't Just Allergies 10:22 Overview 12:05 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Zinc responsive dermatitis is a skin condition in dogs resulting from a zinc deficiency or an inability to properly absorb the mineral. It is a rare condition that typically presents as scaling, crusting, and hair loss around the head (especially muzzle and periocular region) and pressure points. The most common form is syndrome I which is almost exclusively seen in Nordic breeds like Huskies and Malamutes. They have a genetic defect that impairs intestinal absorption of zinc (even when sufficient quantities are in their diet). Learn about this disease process including diagnosis and treatment on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:00 Zinc Basics 04:12 What Happens If You’re Not Absorbing Enough Zinc 05:55 Syndromes Seen With Zinc Deficiency 07:22 Zinc Responsive Dermatitis in Huskies 08:31 Presentations of Zinc Responsive Dermatitis 09:50 Other Differentials You Can See 11:53 Treatment for Zinc Responsive Dermatitis 13:35 Length of Treatment 14:10 Other Treatment Methodologies 15:19 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Solar dermatitis (actinic keratosis) is skin damage from prolonged UV exposure, affecting both dogs and cats, particularly those with light-colored or thin coats. So, pets that have white fur and live in high UV exposure areas (like the southern US) are predisposed. Symptoms include redness, scaling, hair loss, and thickened, crusty skin. Commonly affected areas include the nose, ears, abdomen, and inner thighs. This condition can lead to more severe issues, including pre-cancerous lesions and aggressive skin cancer like squamous cell carcinoma. We will discuss ways to identify this disease and treatment options such as CO2 laser ablation, etc. 00:00 – Intro 04:06 – Nasal Solar Dermatitis 06:32 – Classic Canine Solar Dermatitis 08:15 – Treatment Options for Solar Dermatitis 16:52 – Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I like to reflect on the things I am thankful for in the world of veterinary dermatology and life. Check out the products and people I am thankful for on this celebratory 300th episode of The Derm Vet podcast! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 1:53 New Product Launches 4:30 Dr. Bourgeois’s Experiences 5:30 Dr. Bourgeois’s Family 7:21 New Research 8:29 Patients and Clients 10:21 The Viewers 11:39 Outro

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! For how common we see pyoderma in cats and dogs in veterinary practice, the appearance can be variable. A cutaneous bacterial infection can appear as crusting, erythema, scaling, moth-eaten alopecia, epidermal collarette, etc. Differentials can also be varied. Pyoderma can mimic dermatophytosis, demodicosis, pemphigus foliaceus, epitheliotropic lymphoma, etc. Check out this week's episode The Derm Vet podcast! Also, I highly encourage you to check out the YouTube channel to see some clinical images. 00:00 – Intro 01:20 – Moth-Eaten Alopecia 03:18 – Diffuse Alopecia 04:21 – Erythema 05:27 – Scaling 06:40 – Epidermal Collarettes 07:57 – Crusting 11:15 – Urticaria-like Lesions 13:58 – Outro