For Referring Veterinarians

Biologic medicine uses principles of what we know about normal immune responses to rebalance, restore, or stimulate a patient’s own immune system to fight disease. Biotherapeutics used in biologic medicine include immunostimulating cytokines (interferon), colony stimulating factors (erythropoietin) and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Therapeutic mAbs can be used to block disease relevant proteins (cytokines, receptors) and target viruses or bacteria and aid in destruction and elimination of pathogens. A new biotherapeutic is in the pipeline…

Hyperadrenocorticism in dogs may occur spontaneously or may be iatrogenic from the administration of glucocorticoids (GC) like prednisone (a steroid). Spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism is pituitary dependent (most commonly a pituitary gland adenoma producing ACTH hormone that signals the adrenal gland to produce cortisol hormone without feedback regulation) or adrenal dependent from an adrenal tumor (tumor produces excess cortisol without feedback regulation). The excess cortisol is responsible for the clinical signs and abnormalities seen with hyperadrenocorticism…

The term “genodermatoses” applies to skin conditions of genetic origin. Genodermatoses are most often congenital (present at birth), but appearance may be delayed. Additionally, Genodermatoses may be hereditary or due to some influence during gestation, even up to the moment of birth.   Dermatomyositis Familial canine dermatomyositis is a hereditary inflammatory condition of the skin and muscle of young Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Beauceron shepherds, and their crosses. It has also been reported in the Welsh Corgi,…