The Derm Vet Podcast

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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