Some of our clients have pets. Others have pet projects.
This second category is often the fate of the family that includes a dog with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). The more we learn about allergic dermatitis, the more we appreciate its complexity. CAD is not a singular diagnosis but more of a syndrome.
As veterinarians, we need to consider polygenics, environmental allergens, cross-reactivity, adverse food reactions, epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, microbial dysbiosis, and multimodal therapy. No two CAD patients are alike, and it really does take a team of veterinarians, veterinary staff, and involved family members to collaborate and manage them.
The University of Illinois Dermatology/Otology Service is here to support that effort.
Consult with Us
Not every allergic dog will require referral to a veterinary dermatologist, but that doesn’t mean a specialist can’t be part of the team. Even in the best of circumstances, questions arise: Is there a more effective dosage for oclacitinib? What are the preferred diets and guidelines for a “gold standard” food trial? Is this lesion seen with CAD or is it time to biopsy?
For those patients who are managed closer to home, veterinarians can collaborate remotely through the dermatology consultation form at: go.illinois.edu/DermConsult
Dermatologists love to discuss all things skin. By providing a comprehensive medical history, physical examination results, baseline data including relevant cytologic findings, and a specific question or two, the primary care practitioner can get the most out of the experience. Photographs and scanned copies of laboratory reports are always appreciated and can really help the dermatologist contribute to the case in a meaningful way.
Reasons to Refer
Alternatively, there are numerous reasons why CAD patients may benefit from visiting a boarded dermatologist in person. Some dogs require advanced diagnostic testing. Other patients have a diagnosis but are not responding to therapy. Sometimes clients need to hear another perspective on their pet’s condition. Regardless of the motivation, we’re here to collaborate with your team.
The dermatology service encourages veterinarians to reach out in advance when preparing the patient for a visit to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. We respect your insights regarding the patient’s previous treatments, what worked and what didn’t. By sharing your experiences with us, you can prevent us from reinventing the case management wheel, which moves the patient forward faster.
Additionally, asking us about the use of anxiolytic protocols prior to travel is always welcome. When you help the owner set appropriate expectations for the appointment, that goes a long way to making the visit productive.
Caring for pruritic pups doesn’t have to be an impossible or lonely task. These patients—and their humans—can attain an excellent quality of life with a little work, a sprinkle of patience, and a healthcare team that listens, collaborates, and really understands the patient’s disorder.
Together we can make that happen.
By Stephanie Bruner, DVM, DACVD
