A multimodal approach to itchy pets

This episode is sponsored by Vetnique

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, presented by dvm360 and recorded live on site at Fetch National Harbor, the tables have turned, and our regular host, Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is the guest!

Join Christman and interim host Matt Bubala, president at Black Dog Productions, Inc., as they explore the spectrum of care for the chronically itchy dog. Throughout the show, Christman and Bubala discuss why the management of atopic dermatitis is layered and complex, highlighting the many tools now available to veterinary professionals. Listeners will learn about the importance of the initial dermatologic database, how to leverage new pharmacological options, and the emerging research on the gut-skin axis in promoting skin health.

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity.

Matt Bubala: There are so many tools in your toolbox these days. Is it that we hear the term multimodal approach [and wonder] how to tackle an itchy pet when they come into practice?

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA: Yes. The first thing is that you want to identify and ditch the itch. The best thing, which we always do, is monitor your full dermatologic database. You really don't want to miss those easy things. Flea comb, skin cytology, impression cytology, ear cytology—all of that's part of your dermatologic database. And, of course, shining the black light on them, too, just to make sure you're not dealing with any ringworm.

I think those are the basic things. What we're finding, [and] what I'm seeing around practices, is that they're charging a dermatology database code. So instead of them being priced out for your cytology times, skin cytology times, you just include one cost, whatever that might be. So that way, you can allocate that into more of the products or services or prescriptions that are going to go out there, because it can add up.

You're looking at topicals, you're looking at controlling the itch, and maybe antibiotics or antifungals, all in one.

Bubala: When [an itchy pet] comes in your practice, what is step one for you? Because there are so many options. Are you trying to eliminate certain things? Are you trying to tackle it all at once? I imagine the first thing you're saying is, I've got to stop the itch. This pet is suffering, and so are the owners.

Christman: It really is to your point that it's a collaborative effort of realizing and setting expectations, especially if we have an atopic dog, which is a diagnosis of exclusion, as we all know. But we have to [explain] that expectation to the pet owner, [to say], listen, this isn't treatable, it's manageable. And those are such key words. And talking to them about that.