September 2010 Derm Digest Newsletter

Resident Doctors Achieve Diplomate Status

Drs. Danielle James and Jennifer Aniya join ACVD

Diplomate (dip•lo•mate). Not to be confused with the word “diplomat”, a diplomate is a physician qualified to practice in a medical specialty by advanced training and experience in the specialty followed by passing an intensive examination by a national board of senior specialists.
Two resident doctors of Animal Dermatology Clinic recently passed their examinations and now are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.
After a three-year residency program, which includes a rigorous program of intensive review, case studies, writing and publishing dermatology articles, the resident doctors sat for a two-day examination held in Raleigh, NC in August.
The new diplomates are Dr. Danielle James (above) who is based in our San Diego, CA clinic and Dr. Jennifer Aniya below)  who is based in our Tustin, CA clinic. Congratulations to both for their well-merited efforts.

ADC Marina del Rey featured on TV Show Pit Boss
 

 Following closely on the recent broadcast of HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment, Animal Dermatology Clinic Marina del Rey was the site of a recent episode of Pit Boss shown on the Animal Plant channel.
This reality show follows Shorty Rossi and his team as they rescue, rehabilitate and train the most misunderstood of dogs--pit bulls. The episode that aired August 7 features a segment where Mr. Rossi brings one of his rescues to Dr. Rudayna Ghubash for examination.
See your local TV listings to see this and more episodes of Pitt Boss.

Atopy: Seasonal Flare Allergy and Weeds

Atopy is caused by allergic reactions in the environment. These substances, called allergens, can include dust particles, molds, plant fibers, plant pollens, animal particles, and other environmental particles. Some of the signs of atopy may include scratching, licking, and rubbing of their feet, face, ears or body.  (Picture above:  Irritation and itching cause this dog to lick and chew his paw to the point of har loss.)
The release of pollens into the environment follows the seasons of the year. In the fall, weeds, and certain grasses and trees are especially active in releasing pollens and depending upon what part of the country you and your pet reside, pollens vary. On the homepage of www.animaldermatology.com is a tool that reports the pollen count in your zip code.
Atopy is often seasonal and may become more severe at certain times of the year depending on the allergen that your pet is sensitized to. In order to formulate allergy vaccine and to attempt to hyposensitize your pet, a blood allergy test or preferably an intradermal skin test can reveal the allergens that are affecting your pet.  
(Picture below:  The chest of this white dog has scratched intensely to relieve his itching.  Left untreated it often leads to secondary bacterial infection.)

Once the allergens are identified, hyposensitization (allergy injections) may be a course of action. These are a series of injections of dilute allergens that make the pet less sensitive to its allergies. After a brief demonstration in the clinic, most pet owners then administer these injections at home (See accompanying article). Alternative forms of treatment include: antihistamines, corticosteroids or other immune-modulating therapy. Antihistamines will help some allergic pets but not all will work for every pet and short trial period of various antihistamines may be used to determine the one that offers best relief. Corticosteroids can be used when antihistamines are not completely effective. However, long term use will almost always result in undesirable side effects. In order to minimize side effects, the lowest dose of steroid should be found and utilized only if other forms of therapy have failed.
Other treatments for relief of atopy may include topical therapy including shampoos, rinses and fatty acids. Allergy treatment may involve a combination of some or all the above treatments. 
   Most allergic dogs and cats require allergy injections, oral medications and topical treatments to achieve complete control. The combination varies with each pet and may vary with the season.
Source: David D. Dulcos, Canine & Feline Skin Diseases
Rusty Muse, DVM, ACVD, Animal Dermatology Clinic