In this complimentary VETgirl-Zoetis webinar entitled Allergic Dermatitis: 5 keys to treatment success, Fiona Bateman, BVSc, MANZCVS, DACVD will focus on 5 keys steps for finding immediate and long-term solutions for allergic dogs. These include: • Having a practice plan for allergic patients • Treating itch as an urgent condition • Being committed to the diagnostic workup 5 KEYS TO TREATMENT SUCCESS: YOU CAN HAVE SUCCESS WITH YOUR ALLERGIC PATIENTS BY PAYING ATTENTION TO THESE 5 STEPS FIONA BATEMAN, BVSc, MANZCVS, DACVD
• Finding an anchor treatment as the foundation for long term control and • Communicating correctly to partner with owners and set realistic expectations
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Managing allergic dermatitis can be frustrating for veterinarians and owners alike. From initial presentation and rapid itch relief, to finding that sometimes elusive diagnosis, to long term management – treating allergies is more of a marathon than a sprint. Here are 5 key points to make the diagnosis and management of these allergic patients much more enjoyable and successful! 1 HAVE A PRACTICE PLAN FOR ALLERGIC PATIENTS (GETTING EVERYONE ON BOARD WITH THE OPPORTUNITY) Allergic pets are a leading cause of visits to the veterinarian. 1 You are familiar with protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions, but does your practice have a plan when treating itchy pets? One way to help your clients feel they are in good hands is to develop both a communication and medical plan for the diagnosis and treatment of itchy pets. Make sure your entire team is on board to ensure best outcomes for clients, their pets and your practice. 2 TREAT ITCH AS AN URGENT CONDITION Allergic itch isn’t just a nuisance. Itching is an urgent medical condition that needs fast and effective therapy.
Itching can make pets and their owners miserable, which contributes to reduced quality of life and can adversely affects the human-animal bond. In addition, itch can affect the bond your client shares with you and your practice – if they do not feel their own and their pets’ needs are being promptly and ideally addressed, they may seek a second opinion elsewhere. 3 COMMIT TO THE DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP Unfortunately, the diagnosis of allergy isn’t always straightforward, as clinical signs for various types of allergic dermatitis (e.g., flea allergy, atopic
dermatitis, food allergy) can overlap. Therefore, it is critical to follow a logical and stepwise approach to rule in (or rule out) parasites, infections, the presences of food allergies or even unrelated medical conditions that may cause itch. Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is generally based on consistent history, clinical signs and exclusion of other differentials. 2 Once a definitive diagnosis has been made, the appropriate long-term treatment options can be discussed and mutually decided upon for long term control of clinical signs. (continued)
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