Tune in to make veterinary dermatology more fun than frustrating! This podcast features Dr. Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, Dip ACVD sharing practical tips on dermatologic workups you can bring to clinical practice right away. Also, stories about navigating the messy (yet beautiful) journey of being a vet mom while building a career you love.
335. The Overlooked Signs of Canine Allergies Every Veterinarian Should Know
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Dogs don't always scratch when they're itchy and that can make diagnosing allergic skin disease much more challenging! In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I break down the subtle and commonly overlooked signs of itching in dogs, from scooting that isn't caused by anal glands to head shaking, excessive licking, perineal dermatitis, and secondary skin changes that can easily be missed during an exam. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Zoetis 01:15 Itch Inquiry: Non-Anal Sac Causes of Scooting 03:25 How to Tell If a Dog is Itchy 06:03 Common Itching Behaviors 08:42 Overlooked Indicators 10:35 Perineal Dermatitis and Head Shaking 13:16 Identifying Secondary Skin Changes 15:39 Outro
334. Cat vs. Dog Skin: 3 Key Dermatology Differences Every Veterinarian Should Know
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! How do feline dermatology cases differ from canine dermatology? In this episode, I answer a listener's question on treating yeast-only ear infections before breaking down three major clinical differences between cats and dogs... from ear flap lesions and claw fold inflammation to oral cavity and mucous membrane disease! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:20 Itch Inquiry: Treating Yeast-Only Ear Infections 05:51 Feline vs Canine Dermatologic Distributions 06:27 Difference 1: Pinna (Ear Flap) Lesions 08:27 Difference 2: Claw Fold Inflammation 11:00 Difference 3: Oral Cavity & Mucous Membrane Lesions 13:58 Outro
333. The Long Game: Mastering Maintenance Therapy for Allergic Dogs
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Constant scratching, chewing, and ear infections aren't just annoying... they're your patient's way of telling you something's wrong! In this episode, I break down everything veterinary professionals need to know about managing allergic dogs, from spotting the first signs of trouble to building a long-term treatment plan that actually works. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:39 Itch Inquiry 02:55 Maintenance Therapy for Allergic Dogs 05:35 Nutrition 06:07 Ear Care 07:19 Client Education and Early Detection 09:34 Utilizing Our Pharmaceuticals 11:27 Identifying Allergy Triggers 13:09 Routine Rechecks 15:27 Summary 17:39 Outro
332. Your Allergy Patient Is Doing Fine... So Why Start Immunotherapy?
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Is allergen-specific immunotherapy the closest thing we have to changing the course of allergic disease in dogs? In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I explore why immunotherapy remains the gold standard for long-term allergy management and how it differs from simply controlling itch. She explains how starting treatment early may help reduce the progression of allergic disease, what pet owners should realistically expect from immunotherapy, and why educating clients is critical to long-term success. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:39 Itch Inquiry: Distinguishing Autoimmune Disease from Neoplastic Disease 04:40 Immunotherapy 06:05 Proactively Halting the Progression of Allergic Disease 07:30 Natural Therapy 08:14 Instilling Trust in Your Client 09:28 Preparing for Future Health Uncertainties 13:06 Outro
331. Rostrolateral Nasal Alar Arteriopathy of German Shepherd Dogs
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Learn how rostrolateral nasal alar arteriopathy is diagnosed, why it can be mistaken for other conditions, and the treatment options available to help improve quality of life. I also discusses setting realistic owner expectations and the importance of recognizing uncommon dermatologic diseases in veterinary medicine. Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or veterinary student, this episode provides practical clinical insights you can apply to future cases. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Fleischman DA, Mauldin EA, Lowe A, Cain CL, Bradley CW. Clinical and histopathological features of rostrolateral nasal alar arteriopathy of German shepherd dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2023;34:441–451. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13173 Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:32 Itch Inquiry: Topicals for General Practice 06:20 German Shepherd with Chronic Nasal Bleeding 09:29 Diagnosis: Rostrolateral Nasal Alar Arteriopathy 12:02 Treatment Options & Owner Expectations 14:44 Outro
330. How To Connect with Frustrated Pet Parents
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Client communication can make or break even the best dermatology treatment plan... In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I answer a listener's question about improving cytology skills in veterinary practice before diving into one of the most valuable communication frameworks I've found for challenging client interactions: The 5 E's. Whether you're discussing chronic allergies, recurrent skin infections, or complex treatment plans, frustrated clients are inevitable. The key is knowing how to navigate those conversations with confidence! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:14 Itch Inquiry 03:10 The 5 E's in Dealing with Frustrated Clients 03:40 Empathize with the Client 05:47 Expectations 07:08 Expense 08:14 Effort 10:23 Encouragement 12:18 Summary/Outro
329. The Otitis Grab Bag: Your Questions, Answered
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, I tackle some of the most common (and challenging) questions surrounding the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of canine otitis externa. From maintenance therapy protocols and cleaning strategies to biofilm management, chronic stenosis, ear cultures, and the role of AI-powered cytology, I share practical insights you can apply in everyday practice. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:25 Itch Inquiry: For maintenance therapy, do you suggest using a combination product weekly as maintenance? 04:30 What is your favorite product as a cleanser when the patient has biofilm? 06:51 How do tackle chronic stenosis? 09:12 What is your favorite maintenance cleaning product? 10:31 When dogs have recurrent otitis, how often do you suggest maintenance cleaning? 12:37 What do you think of the various AI cytology machines? 14:27 What is the usefulness of an ear culture for otitis externa? 16:15 What do you consider for broad spectrum treatment for otitis? 17:40 Besides ear flushing, what other treatments do you use for maintenance? 18:18 Outro
328. Managing Itchy Cats: Apoquel, Zenrelia, and the Reality of Off-Label Treatment
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Can cats safely take Apoquel or Zenrelia? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the use of JAK inhibitors in feline dermatology, exploring the science behind atopic disease, practical treatment considerations, and the realities of off-label medication use in cats. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:31 Itch Inquiry: Atopic Dogs and the pathophysiology 04:22 JAK Inhibitors and Cats 05:58 Using Apoquel with a Cat 08:58 Using Zenrelia with a Cat 10:53 Dosing These Medications in Cats 12:35 Lab Work Monitoring the Cats 14:02 The Risk 14:25 The Duration 15:40 Discussion of Off Label Use with Owners 16:58 Outro
327. A Practical Guide to Multimodal Skin Barrier Therapy in Allergic Dogs & Cats
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Skin barrier is having a moment... and for good reason. In this episode, I break down why restoring the skin barrier is a non-negotiable piece of the multimodal approach to managing atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats, and more importantly, how to actually do it when your clients can't keep up with a bathing schedule. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:45 Itch Inquiry: Recurrent Yeast Otitis 01:37 Antifungal Resistance in Malassezia 03:54 Underlying Allergies and Immunotherapy 06:29 Paronychia 07:19 Toothpick vs. Tape Methods 09:30 Treatment for Yeast 15:35 Summary/Outro
326. New JAK Inhibitor for Allergic Dogs? What Vets Need to Know About Numelvi
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! A new JAK inhibitor has officially entered the veterinary market but where does it fit into managing allergic dogs? In this episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, I sit down with boarded veterinary dermatologist Dr. Christine McKinney from Merck Animal Health to discuss Numelvi, the newest JAK inhibitor approved in the United States for canine allergic dermatitis. We break down what makes this medication unique, how it compares to other allergy therapies, and why having multiple treatment options matters when managing complicated allergic patients. We also dive into practical approaches for itch control, infection management, and building confidence when treating chronic allergy cases in practice. If you manage itchy dogs regularly and want to stay up to date on the latest dermatology treatments, this episode is packed with valuable clinical insights. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps and references: 7:26: At the recommended treatment dose, Numelvi is at least 10X more selective for JAK1 over the other JAK enzymes in in vitro assays. Reference: Kowalski T, Schuette S. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of JAK1. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179. 8:03: At the recommended treatment dose, Numelvi is at least 10X more selective for JAK1 over the other JAK enzymes in in vitro assays. Reference: Kowalski T, Schuette S. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of JAK1. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179. 8:07: JAK1 is the primary driver of itch and inflammation. Reference: Huang I, Chung W, Wu P, Chen C. JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis: an updated review. Front Immunol. 2022;13:1068260 10:36: At the recommended treatment dose, Numelvi is at least 10X more selective for JAK1 over the other JAK enzymes in in vitro assays. Reference: Kowalski T, Schuette S. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of JAK1. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179. 21:52: Numelvi, starts reducing itch within 2-4 hours in a canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model Reference: Kowalski T, Prohaczik A, Locke K, Samson C, Hope K. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib significantly reduces pruritus 2-4 hours after dosing dogs in a canine interleukin-31 model. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179-180. 23:13: Numelvi, starts reducing itch within 2-4 hours in a canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model Reference: Kowalski T, Prohaczik A, Locke K, Samson C, Hope K. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib significantly reduces pruritus 2-4 hours after dosing dogs in a canine interleukin-31 model. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(2):179-180. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:29 The Complexity of Canine Allergic Dermatitis 06:44 What is Numelvi and How Does it Work? 13:50 Dosing Guidelines and Tablet Specifications 16:57 Candidate Selection and Infection Control 21:37 Onset of Action and Efficacy Timeline 24:08 Final Thoughts This episode is sponsored by Merck Animal Health
325. Top Skin Barrier Products Every Veterinary Team Should Know
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Skin barrier therapy has become one of the hottest topics in veterinary dermatology but with so many sprays, spot-ons, mousses, collars, and topical products available, it can be difficult to know what actually works and when to use them. In this week’s episode of The Derm Vet Podcast, we dive into the concept of skin barrier support and why managing allergic skin disease goes far beyond simply treating itch. I break down different categories of topical therapies, including AtopiVet products, spot-on formulations, mousse therapies, and skin care collars, while discussing how these products can fit into a multimodal dermatology plan. Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:40 The Itch Inquiry: Skin Barrier and Beyond Topicals 04:48 AtopiVet Products 08:04 Spot-On Products 09:23 Mousse Products 10:19 Skin Care Collar 12:44 Outro
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, I dive into the diagnostic approach and long-term management of sterile nodular panniculitis in veterinary patients. We discuss everything from sampling claw folds and interpreting flaky cytology samples to biopsy techniques, infectious disease rule-outs, and when to consider JAK inhibitors as part of a treatment plan. If you’ve ever struggled with diagnosing challenging nodular cases or navigating long-term management decisions, this episode is packed with practical clinical insights you can apply in practice. Did you know you can submit a question or voicemail to the show by using the link at the top of the show notes? Send me any and all questions to be featured on an episode! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:14 Itch Inquiry: Sampling Claw Folds and Flaky Samples 06:00 Identifying Sterile Nodular Panniculitis 08:54 Diagnostic Approaches and Biopsy Techniques 09:56 Ruling Out Infectious Causes 12:53 Use of JAK Inhibitors 16:19 Long-term Management 19:49 Outro
323. Mastering the Diet Trial Discussion in Veterinary Dermatology
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, I tackle one of the most important — and often most challenging — conversations in veterinary dermatology: the diet trial discussion. We break down common client concerns, why compliance can be difficult, and how veterinarians can better communicate the value of diet trials in diagnosing food allergy cases. Did you know you can submit a question or voicemail to the show by using the link at the top of the show notes? Send me any and all questions to be featured on an episode! Watch The Episode: https://www.youtube.com/@thedermvet3932 Follow The Derm Vet Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvetpod/ Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/thedermvet/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:04 Itch Inquiry 07:20 The Diet Trial Conversation 09:45 Tip #1: Explain the "Why" 11:06 Tip #2: Treat it as a Diagnostic Test 14:26 Tip #3: Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain 15:37 Tip #4: Challenging the Diet to Get Answers 18:54 Summary 20:38 Outro
322. Why Your Otitis Cases Aren’t Healing (And How to Fix Them Fast)
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! When an otitis case just won’t clear, there are often simple changes we can make to be more successful. In this episode, we break down the most common (and fixable) reasons ear infections fail to respond in clinical practice. From real-world struggles with client compliance and patient tolerance, to the often-overlooked importance of proper ear flushing, we unpack where cases go off track—and how to get them back on course. We’ll also dive into the consequences of choosing the wrong topical therapy, and why matching treatment to cytology is non-negotiable for success. Whether you’re dealing with repeat offenders or frustrating first-time failures, this episode offers practical, clinic-ready insights to help you troubleshoot smarter, treat more effectively, and set both your patients and clients up for long-term success. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:24 Itch Inquiry 03:47 Why that Ear Infection isn't Responding 05:18 Lack of Inflammation Control 06:55 The Wrong Medication 08:32 Not Using Appropriate Flushing Methods 11:19 It's Not Getting In There 13:16 We Don't Know Why It's Happening 15:34 Review 17:54 Outro
321. 7 Overlooked Exam Sites Every Vet Should Check On An Allergic Dog
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this episode, we take a closer look at the often-overlooked areas of the dermatologic exam in allergic dogs—because the clues you’re missing may be the ones that matter most. From the ventral neck and axilla to claw folds, lip margins, and perianal regions, these hidden sites frequently harbor early or persistent lesions that can shape your diagnosis and treatment plan. We’ll discuss why these areas are commonly skipped, what subtle findings to look for, and how a more thorough dermatology exam can improve case outcomes. Tune in for practical tips to elevate your dermatology exams, catch lesions earlier, and avoid missing key pieces of the allergy puzzle. Want to ask a question or share a story to be featured on the podcast? Tap the link at the top of the show notes to text an inquiry or leave a voicemail! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:57 Ventral Neck 03:14 Axilla 04:21 Claw Folds 06:05 Lip Margins 07:28 Perianal Region 08:51 Pinna 10:23 Other Folds 13:14 Review/Summary 15:55 Outro
320. When a Perky Nose Turns Out to Be Plasma Cell Pododermatitis in a Cat
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! In this week's episode, we explore an interesting feline case that illustrates why no detail should ever be overlooked. When a "perky nose" complaint actually becomes plasma cell pododermatitis. Using this case as a guide, we highlight how critical it is to go beyond the presenting complaint. A thorough dermatologic exam, combined with a detailed history, can uncover subtle abnormalities that completely change your diagnostic path, treatment plan, and ultimately, patient outcome. It’s a good reminder that even when a diagnosis seems obvious, there could be clinical clues that point you a different direction. We discuss how this case unfolded, what could have been missed with a more limited approach, and practical strategies to ensure you’re consistently gathering complete information in every appointment. References: Declercq J, DeBosschere H. Nasal swelling due to plasma cell infiltrate in a cat without plasma cell pododermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2010;21:412–414. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2010.00869.x. Brosseau G. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis. Can Vet J. 2022 May;63(5):545-548. PMID: 35502252; PMCID: PMC9009751. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:50 The Swollen Nose 07:02 Deflated Paws 09:12 Biopsy and Diagnosis Confirmation 12:09 Importance of Looking at the Complete History 16:53 Outro
319. Managing Tough Allergy Cases in Dogs: JAK Inhibitors, Cytopoint, and Cyclosporine Explained
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Allergy cases can be REALLY tough! In this week's podcast episode, we explore how veterinarians and staff can build confidence using the full range of allergy medications available. From JAK inhibitors to monoclonal antibodies to cyclosporine, I discuss the importance of knowing the mechanisms and clinical applications of these medications. Atopic dermatitis is a syndrome with many layers. You can have your favorite allergy drugs, but there will always be difficult cases that don't respond and we need to try something different. Tune in for practical insights, real-world case strategies, and tips to help you feel more comfortable navigating complex allergic conditions. Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34344611/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20887404/ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:44 New Segments Starting Soon 02:07 Being Comfortable w/ Allergy Medications 03:25 Breed-Specific Allergy Phenotypes 05:07 JAK Inhibitors 06:45 Monoclonal Antibodies 08:36 Cyclosporine 09:58 Summary 12:41 Outro
318. 4 Costly Mistakes in Cat Dermatology (and How to Avoid Them)
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Feline dermatology be tricky and daunting. It is easy to skip over simple steps that can make a big difference in your allergic cat management. In this episode, we break down four of the most common missteps that in managing feline skin cases. First, we tackle how to be ABSOLUTELY sure you have eliminated flea allergy dermatitis as a cause of pruritus. Next, we explore how cats express skin disease in unique ways that can be missed by owners and veterinarians such rodent ulcers. We dive into inappropriate diagnosis of food allergies, explaining why true elimination diet trials are essential and often done incorrectly. Finally, we emphasize the importance of not skipping basic diagnostics like cytology and fungal testing—foundational steps that are sometimes overlooked in favor of quick treatments such as steroids. Whether you’re a practicing veterinarian or a student, this episode can give you easy tips to implement in the clinic tomorrow for your itchy cat patients! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:22 Fleas and Ectoparasites 06:33 Recognizing Unique Lesions 08:50 Overdiagnosing 10:58 Skipping Basic Diagnostics 13:23 Summary 15:48 Outro
317. EARS: A Simple System for Diagnosing & Managing Canine Otitis
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Remembering how to treat and prevent otitis in a complete manner can be difficult in a busy general practice. There are different acronyms to help, but everybody remembers things a bit differently. This week's podcast goes over a new acronym to make acute and chronic otitis management a bit easier. E: etiology (what infection is present) A: appearance (what does the debris look like and where is it) R: Reason (what is the primary cause) S: Support (how do we manage this long-term) EARS to help ears. Let me know your thoughts on this week's episode! Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:05 EARS 01:27 Etiology 03:11 Appearance 04:38 Reason 06:22 Support 08:14 Summary 09:22 Outro
316. 5 Dermatology Red Flags You Should NEVER Ignore in Pets
Send me a derm question or story through text or voicemail! Really red, inflamed and itchy cases can be tough to differentiate. Could it be allergies? Maybe something else like an autoimmune disease has popped up... On this week's episode of The Derm Vet podcast, we discuss five RED FLAGS that you should have an autoimmune disease on your differential list. Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:14 Red Flag #1: Mucous Membranes 03:40 Red Flag #2: Crusting with No Infection 06:12 Red Flag #3: Weird Types of Lesions 08:58 Red Flag #4: Systemic Signs 10:50 Red Flag #5: Weird Distribution 13:51 Summary 14:55 Outro
