QUARTERLY BEAT / JULY 2024
MULTIMODAL THERAPY FOR THE WIN! There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing atopy and it is important to utilize the many tools in the dermatologic toolbox. There are user-friendly topical therapies for reducing surface microbes and repairing the defective epidermal barrier, diets high in essential fatty acids and probiotics, and nutraceuticals to name a few. The most important aspect of choosing the right treatment regimen is knowing the needs of the patient and the abilities of the owner and choosing a plan that is attainable for both. IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED…. You missed something! Do more diagnostics! Most Dermatologists are broken records when it comes to recommending cytology because it is very easy to miss something when only using the PE findings to dictate treatments. Derm diagnostics should be used regularly and should be a consistent part of the itchy dog workup.
THE ANTI-PRURITIC MEDICATION STOPPED WORKING – NOW WHAT? It’s time for a recheck examination! It is quite rare that an effective antipruritic therapy stops working for no reason. When patients whose itch has been well-controlled are flaring it is critical to perform a thorough history (did they stop their flea prevention?) and derm PE with the appropriate diagnostics. In many cases, it’s not that the Apoquel stopped working, it’s that the patient now has a secondary complicating factor like Malassezia dermatitis. Do NOT adjust the antipruritic therapy without a thorough evaluation - flares will happen!
DERMATOLOGY – IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION!
Itchy dogs, especially the allergic ones, are not one-and-done cases. They will require numerous rechecks and follow-up care to develop the best treatment plan for the patient and the owner. It’s critical to set expectations from day one and support a true team approach (doctor, nurse/assistant, CSR, owner) to maximize long-term success.
ROCKSTAR TIP:
Malassezia dermatitis may be intensely pruritic. If antipruritic or antibiotic treatments are not working do cytology to look for yeast! Don’t fear the oral azoles!
WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS
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