All veterinary clinics are so busy! With a long waiting list and lack of available appointments, it is hard to know how to handle cases that need to be seen right away. How do you handle the cat who is starting to incessantly itch, causing lesions? What about the dog with an acute, painful otitis? In episode 87 of The Derm Vet podcast, I talk to emergency veterinarian Dr. Nell Dalton (WestVet in Boise, ID) about these issues.
Since owners are having a hard time getting into their primary care veterinarian, there is an increased number of dermatologic patients presenting to the emergency veterinary clinic. This can be acute moist dermatitis (“hot spots”), otitis and general allergic itch. Dr. Dalton communicates with owners that life-threatening emergencies take precedence, but she tries to accommodate dermatology patients as much as she can because she knows that these pets and clients are having their quality of life affected by the itch, lesions, etc. This may include collecting diagnostics and phoning the owner later with results or arranging a drop off appointment where the pet can stay in the clinic until time allows for an examination.
When clients call in wanting fixes over the phone, Dr. Dalton does not recommend the use of antihistamines due to their general lack of efficacy. Ineffective therapy allows for the progression of itch, which may lead to skin infections, which is a concern. History is really important in these cases. Could there be easy fixes that could be recognized by taking the time to collect history? Did flea control get missed? Was there an unusual snack that the food allergic pet got into? Did the client stop an antipruritic not understanding use was meant to be chronic? You can also train your technicians, assistants and client service representatives to communicate the importance of a recheck (performing diagnostics, identifying infection, etc.). Rechecks are essential in the management of the allergic pet, especially when a flare is occurring.
But, with a full schedule, how do you try and keep pets comfortable while they wait for their scheduled appointment? There are many potential options such as implementing topical therapy, offering a telemedicine appointment, considering a refill of a past
antipruritic that may have been helpful, etc.
Remember empathy for frustrated clients is a skill that will ultimately lead to relief for their pets. When we can relate to them and communicate, we have the best opportunity to make progress with a treatment plan and provide comfort for that pet. Check out the podcast episode linked below to learn more!
This podcast was sponsored by Zoetis, the makers of treatments including Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet), Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet), and Cytopoint®. Zoetis is dedicated to changing the way we approach canine pruritus to benefit the pet, the owner and the veterinary team. Visit Apoquel.com and Cytopoint.com for more information.
APOQUEL & APOQUEL CHEWABLE -IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not use Apoquel or Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre- existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at apoqueltabletandchewablepi.com.
Apoquel & Apoquel Chewable Indications: Control of pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.
Cytopoint Indications: Cytopoint has been shown to be effective for the treatment of dogs against allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
