pyoderma

Chlorhexidine... very commonly used ingredient in veterinary medicine.

BUT... do you know the mechanism of action? What percentage is proven to be effective for pyoderma? Did you know chlorhexidine resistance has been reported?

Check out this week's episode of the podcast.

Resistant infections seem to get worse every year. So how do you handle a culture that comes back with limited antibiotic options? Or an owner can't afford to culture but systemic antibiotics are not resolving the pyoderma?

Dilute bleach is an inexpensive, effective topical option for pyoderma. There are various concentrations listed in the literature and certain tips that can increase your chances of being successful with implementing bleach as a rinse, spot treatment or soak.

Infections are getting scarier and scarier. with resistance. 

Now more than ever, it is essential that we are being judicious with our antibiotic use. But what alternatives are there? From topical therapy to fluorescent light therapy (Phovia), find out what options are available and are necessary to implement.

The Center for Medical Education's new course title EMCert Module Mastery has been designed to guarantee participants a passing grade on the new MyEMCert exams from ABEM.  This episode comes from the Abdominopelvic Module and discusses genital infections.

Sexually transmitted infections, vulvovaginitis differential diagnosis, genital ulcerative infections, syphilis, herpes, chancroid, lymphogranuloma, molluscum, warts, pediculosis, scabies, pyoderma, trauma, excoriations, Bachet's disease, yeast infections, PID, etc... and more

To learn more, visit https://ccme.org/emcertmodule

Traditional signs of hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism don't always occur in canine patients. We think of lethargy, weight gain, polydipsia, polyuria, etc. But, you can simply see patients that have recurring pyoderma and otitis as the predominant sign of an endocrinopathy.  Learn what hints in the history and clinical symptoms can put hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism higher on your differential list for a derm patient. 

Methicillin resistant staph has become a scary aspect of veterinary dermatology. It is important to know how to recognize MRSP through clinical lesions and history, collect diagnostics like cytology and C/S and be diligent about treatment. But, almost more importantly, how to recheck these cases appropriately and work up the underlying cause.

Today, I am joined by Dr. Meghan Solc, DVM, Dip ACVD from Dermatology for Animals in Akron, Ohio to discuss this in-depth and important topic. Dr. Solc mentioned an excellent resource for pet owners regarding MRSP at wormsandgermsblog.com done with the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology (link below).

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2021/03/articles/animals/dogs/new-mrsp-methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-pseudintermedius-fact-sheets-for-pet-owners-english-francais/

Allergy management is multifactorial. Beyond antipruritics and infection control, restoring the epidermal barrier function is important. Several studies show that even normal appearing skin in an allergic dog has abnormalities related to the the epidermal barrier.  Using systemic, topical and/or nutritional products to repair the barrier is a wonderful tool to improve overall management of allergic dermatitis.

In the spirit of Halloween, we cover a SPOOKY topic... MRSP. It's not MRSA, but still scary and frustrating or owners and clients. I am joined by Dr. Mitzi Clark, DVM, Dip ACVD, assistant clinical professor at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. 

We discuss how to recognize, diagnose, treat, and prevent MRSP. This is one of the most difficult challenges in veterinary dermatology!

What happens when a dog presents with skin lesions at 12 years old... and never had these issues before? Though allergies can start at an older age, don't always assume this is the case. Endocrinopathies, demodicosis, lymphoma... there are other things that need to be ruled out  through a complete history and appropriate diagnostic testing. 

Check out a quick snapshot on how to approach a senior dog with their first pyoderma.

Cytology is the minimum database for dermatology cases. However, it is one of the most underutilized diagnostic tests in management of allergic patients. Veterinarians are often nervous to offer cytology based on cost, time or lack of confidence. But, explaining the value of cytology to clients can be easier than you think!

Though cytology has been discussed on the podcast before, today's episode specifically touches on convincing owners the importance of a skin or ear cytology. From what you can find to how it can make management of their allergic pet cheaper long-term.