The Derm Vet Podcast

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! What happens when a dog you've successfully managed for allergies suddenly starts developing new symptoms, recurrent pyoderma, or worsening pruritus? Is it truly a progression of atopic dermatitis, or could something else be going on? In this episode of The Derm Vet, I explore the importance of reframing your diagnostic approach when chronic dermatology cases stop responding to previously successful treatments. Building on last wee...

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! What do you do when an itchy dog just isn’t responding to allergy treatment the way you expected? In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down my refractory allergy checklist to help veterinary professionals reevaluate difficult allergy cases. From choosing the wrong medication or dose to poor compliance, concurrent disease, and even an incorrect diagnosis, I walk through the key questions to ask before labeling a patient a...

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Lupus can show up in more ways than one in veterinary dermatology! In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down three important lupus and lupoid diseases seen in dogs: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO), and mucocutaneous lupus erythematosus (MCLE). Learn the clinical signs that should put these autoimmune diseases on your differential list, from loss of the normal cobblestone appea...

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...

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 foo...

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 re...

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-a...

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, ...

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...

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, cysto...

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 i...

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://ww...

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/...

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: http...

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 im...

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...

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 plan...

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/@thede...

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/t...

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/thed...

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 a...

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 ...

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 m...

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 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 al...

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 subt...

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, ...

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, b...

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 ...

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 c...

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 o...

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 thi...

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 ...

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 broadl...

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 longes...

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 m...

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), w...

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. Y...

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 addre...

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, ...

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 sk...

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 ca...

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...

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 T...

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...

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 ...

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 hig...

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! As dermatologists, we LOVE topical therapy. However there are some basic things that need to be considered when suggesting a protocol. What are you treating? What is the ultimate goal? What do you or the owner have? Can it happen? Check out some simple tips on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! 00:00 – Intro 01:15 – Q1: Why Are You Using Topical Therapy? 04:41 – Q2: What is the Goal of the Product? 05:58 – Q3: What Do...

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Even as a specialist, I still get cases that surprise me or change appearances. It can leave me doubting what the next step is. But, if you take a breath, it is amazing what can happen when you figure them out. Check out three cases that recently threw me for a loop. 1. A dog with weird paw pad ulcers 2. A cat with an ulcerated nasal planum 3. A service dog with non-pruritic alopecia and scaling Hint: If you check out the YouTube cha...