For Referring Veterinarians

A recent study in the United States estimates that 27% of all dogs in the United States have allergies that affect their skin and ears primarily. Veterinary allergists are veterinary dermatologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pet allergies. They have had three to four years of advanced training after obtaining their veterinary degree, and many are involved in the research, development and clinical trials for new products used to treat pet…

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common pruritic skin disease affecting dogs worldwide. It likely affects 10-15% of dogs. In regions where fleas are not a problem, CAD is the most common canine allergic skin disease. Clinical signs are first noted between 6 months and 3 years of age. Several breeds are over represented including the Boston terrier, Boxer, Cairn terrier, West Highland White terrier, Scottish Terrier, Fox terrier, Yorkshire terrier, Chinese shar-pei, Cocker spaniel, English…

Bacterial skin infections in dogs are a common problem encountered in small animal practice. Such infections are almost always secondary to a primary pruritic (itchy) skin problem such as flea bite hypersensitivity, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reaction, and other parasitic infestations such as sarcoptic mange. Infection may increase the itch associated with these primary diseases. Infections may also be a secondary problem in non-pruritic conditions affecting the skin such as canine demodex, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, keratinization…