Doctors of ADC Active in Dermatology College


   The American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) is the official specialty organization accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1982 and charged with maintenance of high standards of postgraduate training in veterinary dermatology. The purpose of the ACVD is to advance and promote excellence in veterinary dermatology, oversee postgraduate training in veterinary dermatology, sponsor research, and organize scientific and educational programs for both veterinary dermatologists and general practitioners.

   The ACVD is empowered to examine qualified candidates and confer Diplomate (board certification) status in veterinary dermatology. Board certification requires completion of a 2-3 year approved residency training program, an original research project, publication in a scientific journal, and successful completion of the certification examination. Currently there are only 221 ACVD board-certified dermatologists worldwide who work in private specialty practices, academic positions, and industry.

   Currently the Animal Dermatology Clinic is home to 17 of these ACVD diplomates and they are in our various locations throughout California, Georgia, Kentucky and Indiana. In addition to the ongoing active research that our doctors perform, ADC doctors have been and continue to be the most active group of dermatologists giving of their time and efforts in serving the ACVD as well as international groups of organized veterinary dermatology. Currently ADC has doctors that are serving the following capacities within the ACVD:

Dr. Rusty Muse (Tustin, CA) - Secretary of the ACVD and will assume the role of President of the ACVD in 2012. As Secretary, Dr. Muse is also on the ACVD Executive Board. He has also been chair of the Credential’s Committee and Chair of the Research Funding Committee.

Dr. John Angus (Pasadena, CA) - Chair of the Education Committee, one of the three standing committees of the ACVD. The Education Committee is charged with oversight of the educational programs training residents in the US and Worldwide.

Dr. Colleen Mendelsohn (Upland, CA) -Chair of the Credentials Committee, the second of the three standing committees of the ACVD. The Credential’s Committee is charged with monitoring and reviewing as well as approval of the qualifications of the candidates to qualify and sit for the examination to become a diplomate.

Dr. Mona Boord (San Diego, CA) - Has served as the Chair of the ACVD Resident’s Forum for many years . The Resident’s Forum is an organized two day event put on by the ACVD and serves as a source of continuing education and advanced training for ACVD residents.

Dr. Lori Thompson (Indianapolis, IN) -Currently serves as one of the five members of the Education Committee.

Dr. Chris Reeder (Louisville, KY) -Currently serves as one of the five members of the Credential’s Committee and is also on the AAVD/ACVD Interaction Committee.

Dr. Rudayna Ghubash (Marina del Rey, CA) –Just finished a 4-year participation as a member of the Credentials Committee.

Dr.Allison Kirby (Marina del Rey, CA) - Currently serves on the Finance Committee of the ACVD.
The two founding diplomates of ADC, Dr. Craig Griffin and Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz have both served on many committees of the College and both are Past-Presidents of the ACVD.
      There have been 20 Diplomates that have received the Award of Excellence which is given out annually to recognize an outstanding College member that has contributed to education and science of veterinary dermatology and has served the College in various capacities. Both Drs. Griffin (2001) and Rosenkrantz (2007) have received this distinguished award.
     In addition to the ACVD, several of the dermatologists at ADC have been involved with the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD).
Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz (Tustin, CA) is currently on the Board of Directors of the WAVD and serves as the member at large for North America. He is also on the fundraising committee for the 7th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (WCVD7) to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2012.
Dr. Rusty Muse is the Chair of the Publicity Committee for WCVD7 and is responsible for all aspects of the publicity for the meeting throughout the world.
     So it is clear that not only are the doctors at ADC actively involved in helping their patients live more comfortable lives but also are committed to helping promote veterinary dermatology and serve the organizations to which they belong. We are pleased and proud that our doctors are recognized around the country and the world as being leaders in all aspects of the world of veterinary dermatology.



Food Allergy

Severe skin changes with secondary infection of a food allergic dog. The intense itching as well as the chronic infections cause the thickening and pigment changes on the skin.

An allergy is a condition in which the body reacts adversely to substances such as pollens, dusts, molds, mites, fibers or foods.
A food allergy is usually caused by eating the offending food substance for months to years. Pets do not become allergic to a particular brand of food, they become allergic to specific ingredients found in the food.
An intradermal skin test may reveal an environmental allergen that is causing discomfort to your pet, unfortunately a food allergy cannot be identified with proven accuracy via allergy testing (blood or skin testing). A food trial is conducted where the pet is fed only foods (commercial or home-prepared diets) that have never been previously fed.

Holiday Food and Your Pet

The holidays are upon us and often accompanying the celebrations are food. Who has a pet that is interested in what we’re eating? Probably, most of us.

For a pet that has food allergies or is on a food trial, taking extra care in watching their food intake is important. Any deviation from the prescribed diet could derail the food challenge.

As you have probably guessed, a regular diet of table scraps for your pet is not recommended. Although your pet may enjoy eating table scraps, many veterinarians suggest that it is too fatty for the digestive systems of most animals. Here are a few tips to keep in mind during this season food and celebration:

• Chicken and turkey bones are highly dangerous; they can splinter and puncture the stomach or intestines.
• Don’t fill the dog’s bowl with table scraps. Most are too fatty for an animal’s digestive system.
• Don’t give chocolate to your dog; it can be toxic.
• Make sure to put garbage into tightly covered cans to prevent your dog from giving into temptation and making a meal of your discards.
• Call your vet if your pet shows signs of stomach upset – diarrhea or vomiting.

Employee Spotlight: 
Cori Anderson



 If you call the Marina del Rey clinic, one of the friendly voices that you will hear is that of Cori Anderson.
“I have been working as an employee her at Animal Dermatology Clinic for 9 1/2 years. I started as a receptionist and then I was promoted to a Front Office Supervisor. I just recently got married on October 2nd to the love of my life. I look forward to many happy years with my husband...and many more happy years at ADC!”

Did You Know?
 

  • French poodles did not originate in France. Poodles were originally used as hunting dogs in Europe. The dogs' thick coats were a hindrance in water and thick brush, so hunters sheared the hindquarters, with cuffs left around the ankles and hips to protect against rheumatism. Each hunter marked his dogs' heads with a ribbon of his own color, allowing groups of hunters to tell their dogs apart.
  • Ailurophobia is the fear of cats. Julius Caesar, Henry II, Charles XI, and Napoleon all suffered from this and would nearly faint in the presence of a cat.
  • A dog's whiskers are touch-sensitive hairs called vibrissae. They are found on the muzzle, above the eyes and below the jaws, and can actually sense tiny changes in airflow.
  • A polecat is not a cat. It is a nocturnal European weasel.

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