Nutritional influences in dermatological disordersAugust 10, 2021The skin is an important immune organ with functions including a barrier against foreign antigens, immunoregulation, vitamin D production, thermoregulation, nutrient storage, sensory perception, reproduction, and antimicrobial action.
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Diagnosing and treating alopecia in dogsJune 1, 2021When a dog has an alopecic area, either the hair is not re-growing due to a hair cycle issue (lesions are symmetrical, large areas, and not itchy), or the hair is falling out due to folliculitis: staphylococcus, demodicosis, dermatophytosis, atopic dermatitis, or other causes.
Up to scratch: Topical treatments for skin conditionsOctober 7, 2020Itchy skin conditions are high on the list of problems pet owners bring to veterinarians. Approximately 10 percent of cats and dogs suffer from some type of allergy.
Scratch that itch: The diagnosis, care, and feeding of the food-allergic catMay 8, 2020Diagnosing adverse food reaction is time-consuming, but, once determined, the control of clinical signs can be achieved with dietary management,
Pet King Brands receives TICA endorsementOctober 18, 2019Pet King Brands' ZYMOX Dermatology and Oratene Brushless Oral Care are the cat's meow, according to The International Cat Association (TICA). The group has just bestowed its highest level of endorsement, the Seal of Excellence, on two of the company's product lines. The news comes as Pet King Brands celebrates its 22nd year in business. "Pet King Brands is proud to earn TICA's and cat fanciers' trust of our ZYMOX and Oratene solutions for felines struggling with problematic ears, skin, or mouths," says company founder and president, Pamela K. Bosco. "TICA's endorsement will help cat fanciers around the world become more aware of these gentle, soothing products that first do no harm, and help all animals live healthier, happier lives." Founded in 1998, Pet King Brands uses a patented LP3 enzyme system in all its solutions, ranging from ear products to skin topicals to shampoo and conditioning rinse, and brushless oral care products.
Veterinarians urged to discuss skin health with clientsJuly 30, 2019Recent years have seen a rash of skin conditions in pets, and Zoetis is urging animal health professionals to speak up on the issue.
Getting to the root of pyodermaMay 7, 2019Scaling, hair loss, papules, pustules, and epidermal collarettes. All are clinical signs pointing toward canine pyoderma. The culprit may seem clear at first glance; however, veterinarians must look at the bigger picture to address the underlining issue. It's important to first understand the meaning of pyoderma, particularly regarding the depth of infection, says Elizabeth Layne, DVM, Dipl. ACVD, clinical instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine. The most common form of pyoderma is superficial bacterial folliculitis, a bacterial infection of the upper part of the hair follicle, caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Deep bacterial infections (presented as swelling, nodular lesions, and oozing draining tracts) can occur, but that is a different diagnostic and therapeutic approach, Dr. Layne adds. Superficial bacterial pyoderma is almost always secondary to some kind of skin abnormality, such as atopic dermatitis. Other skin diseases (e.g. flea allergy dermatitis, sebaceous adenitis, or primary seborrhea) can also result in superficial pyoderma, Layne notes. Systemic illness or immune compromise may lead to superficial bacterial pyoderma as well. Since pyoderma commonly masks another condition, a vicious treatment cycle can ensue if the underlining problem isn't identified. "Veterinarians often recognize the signs of infection and treat with antibiotics …
Dermatology and nutrition: Beyond food allergyApril 29, 2019 When dogs and cats present with skin disorders, the initial approach is to collect a history, do a physical exam, and then perform diagnostic tests to rule in or rule out common conditions. After establishing a tentative diagnosis, most veterinarians will next consider which medications are most appropriate (e.g. antibiotics, antifungals, parasiticides). It is not as common to consider diet and nutrition as part of the workup and treatment for dermatologic disorders, other than performing elimination diet trials for suspected cutaneous adverse food reaction (food allergy). However, the right diets, nutrients, and sometimes nutritional supplements can have a significant benefit in improving or resolving certain skin disorders. This article highlights some of the options for incorporating nutritional science into the management of dermatologic disorders. Cutaneous adverse food reaction The most common presentation for a dog or cat with cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR) is nonseasonal pruritus, although other syndromes such as otitis externa and gastrointestinal (GI) upset may occur.1,2 While some companies offer "food allergy testing" using serum, saliva, or even hair clippings, the only valid diagnostic test is an elimination diet trial. There are a number of veterinary therapeutic diets that can be used for diet trials and …
University of Minnesota seeks participants for skin disease studyApril 5, 2019University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for candidates to enroll in an allergic skin disease study. The clinical trial will assess the safety and efficacy of a topical gel for dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD), which is a skin condition that causes severe itching and is hard to manage. According to the researchers, many of the current treatments produce unwanted side effects or they do not fully treat the symptoms. The study will last 14 days and will require the participants to visit UMN on day zero, seven, and 14. The dogs' owners will be required to use a topical gel on areas of their pets' skin and keep a medication diary throughout the duration. During the visits, Sheila Torres, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVD, will examine and assess the participants. Blood samples will be taken every visit and urine samples on day zero and 14. There is no cost, and at the end of the study dog owners will be eligible for to a $200 debit card. To participate dogs must: • have a short hair coat; • have red and inflamed skin, especially on their belly and/or paws; • have a …
Companies partner to perform trials of antimicrobial topical treatmentJanuary 9, 2019Stonehaven Incubate and antimicrobial protein specialist Lysando have agreed to jointly conduct proof-of-concept trials for new topical treatments based on Artilysin, a new antimicrobial platform technology.
