Advertise on podcast: The Derm Vet Podcast

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 improve case outcomes. Tune in for practical tips to elevate your dermatology exams, catch lesions earlier, and avoid missing key pieces of the allergy puzzle. Want to ask a question or share a story to be featured on the podcast? Tap the link at the top of the show notes to text an inquiry or leave a voicemail! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:57 Ventral Neck 03:14 Axilla 04:21 Claw Folds 06:05 Lip Margins 07:28 Perianal Region 08:51 Pinna 10:23 Other Folds  13:14 Review/Summary 15:55 Outro

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, there could be clinical clues that point you a different direction. We discuss how this case unfolded, what could have been missed with a more limited approach, and practical strategies to ensure you’re consistently gathering complete information in every appointment. References: Declercq J, DeBosschere H. Nasal swelling due to plasma cell infiltrate in a cat without plasma cell pododermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2010;21:412–414. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2010.00869.x. Brosseau G. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis. Can Vet J. 2022 May;63(5):545-548. PMID: 35502252; PMCID: PMC9009751. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:50 The Swollen Nose 07:02 Deflated Paws 09:12 Biopsy and Diagnosis Confirmation 12:09 Importance of Looking at the Complete History 16:53 Outro

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. Tune in for practical insights, real-world case strategies, and tips to help you feel more comfortable navigating complex allergic conditions.  Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34344611/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20887404/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:44 New Segments Starting Soon 02:07 Being Comfortable w/ Allergy Medications 03:25 Breed-Specific Allergy Phenotypes 05:07 JAK Inhibitors 06:45 Monoclonal Antibodies 08:36 Cyclosporine 09:58 Summary 12:41 Outro

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. We dive into inappropriate diagnosis of food allergies, explaining why true elimination diet trials are essential and often done incorrectly. Finally, we emphasize the importance of not skipping basic diagnostics like cytology and fungal testing—foundational steps that are sometimes overlooked in favor of quick treatments such as steroids. Whether you’re a practicing veterinarian or a student, this episode can give you easy tips to implement in the clinic tomorrow for your itchy cat patients! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:22 Fleas and Ectoparasites 06:33 Recognizing Unique Lesions 08:50 Overdiagnosing 10:58 Skipping Basic Diagnostics 13:23 Summary 15:48 Outro

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 we manage this long-term) EARS to help ears. Let me know your thoughts on this week's episode! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:05 EARS 01:27 Etiology 03:11 Appearance  04:38 Reason 06:22 Support 08:14 Summary 09:22 Outro

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 Distribution 13:51 Summary 14:55 Outro

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 focused update designed to help veterinarians and staff members to apply ISCAID guidance confidently and responsibly in everyday clinical cases. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:35 – When To Use Systemic Therapy 02:32 – Topical Therapy 2-Week Period 03:35 – Different Types of Pyoderma 07:18 – First Choice Drugs 10:20 – Go-To Drug Choice 11:50 – Wiggle Room When Prescribing 14:03 – Second Choice Drugs 16:57 – Where To Dose 18:54 – Usage in Dogs 19:37 – Other Second Choice Considerations 23:09 – Usage Experience with Rifampin 25:52 – Systematic Use of Amikacin 28:03 – Chloramphenicol Use in Patients 31:08 – When To Limit Use 32:46 – Other Considerations 34:08 – Outro

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 be used as sole treatment, and how it helps reduce systemic antibiotic use in cases of superficial pyoderma and Malassezia dermatitis.  00:00 – Intro 01:25 – Dr. Inga  03:50 – Advantages of Topical Therapy in Pyoderma Cases 05:40 – Evidence of Using Chlorhexidine Percentages 08:22 – Factors to Consider In Chlorhexidine Cases 09:30 – Other Topical Anti-Septics to Consider 10:44 – Diluting Bleach  13:50 – Addressing Concerns Around Bleach 15:00 – Topical Antibiotic Use 17:26 – Efficacy of Topical Therapy 21:20 – Simple Things That Yield Good Results 23:10 – Concurrent Use 26:10 – Outro

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 key cytokine involved in pruritus. We also introduce the announcement of an upcoming (not yet released) product called Befrena, another monoclonal antibody therapy, and what we know about this therapy today. 00:00 – Intro 02:07 – What is a Monoclonal Antibody 03:18 – Cytopoint Basics 05:35 – Potential Side-Effects 06:33 – Befrena Basics 08:44 – Overview 09:22 – Outro

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, Numelvi (atinvicitinib) has recently become available in Europe and will hit the market in the United States very soon (with others to follow).  Learn about the differences in these medications and why it is important to become comfortable with all of them on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:35 JAK Inhibitor Basics 02:35 What are JAK Receptors 03:31 Apoquel and Zenrelia  05:20 Numelvi  07:57 How To Tell If a Pet Is Atopic  09:12 Are JAK Inhibitors Safe with Neoplasia 11:32 What Does JAK Selectivity Mean  13:47 Common Side-Effects of JAK Inhibitors  17:01 Using JAK Inhibitors Off-Label 18:51 Outro

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! 00:00 – Intro 01:36 – General Things to Keep in Mind 03:49 – The Importance of Topical Therapy 05:31 – Systemic Therapy Options 06:38 – Antibiotic Choices 10:35 – Last Resort Antibiotics 12:44 – Overview 13:39 – Outro

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), who breaks down exactly what VISTA iQ is, how it works, and why it may be a game-changer for evaluating multiple masses in dogs. Timestamps 02:29 What Does Vista IQ Do? 04:03 Why Was This Tech Needed? 06:07 The Basics of HT Vista 08:17 The Practical Applications 10:46 How the Science Works 11:56 Process Efficiency 13:15 Limitations of the Vista IQ 15:21 How It Fits With Existing Tools 16:28 Final Thoughts 18:37 Outro

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. You can find them at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.13342. These guidelines cover duration of treatment, topical therapy and different tiers of systemic antibiotics. Which antibiotics can you feel more comfortable using empirically? Find out on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! 00:00 – Intro 02:12 – Important Precursors 05:37 – First Choice Drugs 08:50 – Second Choice Drugs 14:39 – Reserved Microbial Drugs 21:21 – Overview 23:47 – Outro

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 address all of these questions and more on this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast! 00:00 – Intro 02:53 – Azoles 07:26 – Which Anti-Fungal to Choose 12:27 – Azole Side Effects 13:34 – Length of Treatment 14:26 – Pulse Dosing 18:45 – Overview

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, there are some cool images and videos or recent scopes that will confirm how cool this procedure can be! 00:00 – Intro 01:43 – Should you have a video otoscopy 02:58 – Four main reasons to consider video otoscopy 03:12 – Magnifying the image 04:26 – Deep flushes 06:15 – Middle ear cytology and culture 07:37 – Removing things 09:19 – Overview 11:17 – Outro