The Derm Vet Podcast

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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 therapy, and why matching treatment to cytology is non-negotiable for success.

Whether you’re dealing with repeat offenders or frustrating first-time failures, this episode offers practical, clinic-ready insights to help you troubleshoot smarter, treat more effectively, and set both your patients and clients up for long-term success.

Timestamps
 00:00 Intro
00:24 Itch Inquiry
03:47 Why that Ear Infection isn't Responding
05:18 Lack of Inflammation Control
06:55 The Wrong Medication
08:32 Not Using Appropriate Flushing Methods
11:19 It's Not Getting In There
13:16 We Don't Know Why It's Happening
15:34 Review
17:54 Outro

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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

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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

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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

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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