The Derm Vet Podcast

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail!

Managing chronic allergies in dogs and cats can be one of the most frustrating challenges in veterinary medicine. From recurring ear infections and persistent itching to treatment compliance and unexpected flare-ups, why does veterinary dermatology have to be so complicated?

In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down the 4 C's of Veterinary Dermatology: Complexity, Compliance, Chronicity, and Control.

Learn why some allergy cases are more difficult to manage than others, how to improve pet owner compliance, and why a...

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail!

Are you getting the most out of your veterinary skin cytology samples? When it comes to diagnosing skin infections and managing dermatology cases, knowing where, when, and how to collect samples can make all the difference.

In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I share 5 practical tips to improve your skin cytology techniques, helping veterinarians collect better samples, identify infections more accurately, and make more informed treatment decisions.

From choosing the right sampling technique to identifying the most active areas of...

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail!

In this episode, I dig into why rechecks matter in veterinary dermatology: how I set expectations with owners from the first visit, what I look for at a recheck, the problems that slip through when owners skip them, and how I celebrate the “happy recheck” when things are going well. Plus, why “boring” is the best word in dermatology.

Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932
Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/
Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thed...

Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail!

What happens when a dermatology patient you've treated for years suddenly develops symptoms that don't quite add up? Is it another allergy flare, or could something entirely different be going on?

In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I share two fascinating clinical cases that highlight the importance of looking beyond a patient's history and reconsidering your diagnosis when something doesn't fit.

Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932
Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/<...

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 week's refractory allergy checklist, I share a practical framework to help veterinarians recognize when it's time to reconsider...

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 as a treatment failure.

Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@th...

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 appearance of the nasal planum to painful nail loss and persistent mucocutaneous ulcerations. I also discusses diagnosis...

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...

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...

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...

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.co...

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...

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<...

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...

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/
...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.i...

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...

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

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...

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/

...

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.<...

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 th...

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 sub...

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 epis...

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 therap...

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 improv...

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, th...

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.

...

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.<...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ke...

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...

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!