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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 anymore. I have learned to be curious (might as well know what information is out there) and empathize with the owner with how many sources are out there.

Four steps I use in this scenario: Be open, recognize intent, validate and educate. I hope you find this episode of The Derm Vet podcast helpful!

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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 dermatitis talk? For such a common disease, how come this spiel can be so difficult? 

Check out this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast for tips and tricks!

TIMESTAMPS
Intro 00:00
Explaining Feline Atopic Skin Syndrome To Pet Owners 00:56
The Reasoning For Atopic Dermatitis In Pets 05:04
Explaining Multimodal Therapy To Pet Owners 11:08
Outro 14:02

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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 imaging 
4. Surgical intervention

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
01:50 Where is our infection control sitting
04:50 Inflammation
08:11 Do we need other diagnostics?
10:47 Surgical intervention 
13:00 Summary

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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 cats as little derm aliens... BUT, just because their management is not as straightforward, doesn't mean we shouldn't provide relief.

Learn more on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast!

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
02:02 Cats and flea allergy
05:29 Food Allergy
06:49 Oral Lesions
08:08 Difficulty in medicating
10:33 All the ways they show atopic disease
12:55 Summary

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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 The Derm Vet podcast!

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:25 Thank you to everyone I met this past week
02:30 How do I know if things are hormonal?
03:49 Age
06:25 Non-pruritic Alopecia
07:52 Recurrent Pyoderma
11:38 Weight Gain
13:21 Summary

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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 dermatitis and pododermatitis can all be worse as a patient gains weight. Learn more on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast!

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:25 Skin Issues with Overweight Dogs
03:49 "A World of Inflammation"
06:08 Dysbiotic Drift
08:00 Skin Integrity of Obese Pets
10:05 Secondary Issues
11:28 Fold Dermatitis
12:39 Elbow Calluses
14:10 Summary

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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, diagnostics, treatment options including maintenance therapy.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro
00:25 How We Should Be Evaluating Facial Fold Dermatitis
02:43 Looking For and Evaluating the Folds
04:20 Clinical Symptoms 
05:54 Where to Start
09:34 Treatment
12:44 Maintenance 
14:00 Summary

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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 disease. However, we must ASK what is possible... and not ASSUME. 

Check out some tips and tricks on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast!

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:25 Tips and Tricks to Increase Customer Compliance
04:19 Thinking of the Customer's Financial Situation
08:21 The Physical Aspect
10:23 The Mental Aspect
12:21 Have to Ask and NOT Assume
14:51 Recognize that Things Change
16:22 Summary

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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 dwindled. Though these new tools have revolutionized our field, allergic dermatitis is complicated and there are still some cases that respond better to cyclosporine. So, when should you consider reaching cyclosporine in allergic management? Check out this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast to find out!

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:25 Cyclosporine
02:27 Why choose Cyclosporine for Dogs with allergies
08:44 Weird Issues with Cyclosporine
11:55 Cats and Cyclosporine
13:36 What's available in the U.S. for Cyclosporine  
15:26 Other forms of Cyclosporine
18:53 Summary

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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 where when it comes to lesions
01:54 Color change
06:09 Alopecia
07:41 Thickening of the skin
09:33 Scaling
10:56 Skin Integrity
13:07 Summary