Continuing education in veterinary dermatology for 25 years !

Veterinary paediatric dermatology is a field that calls for diagnostic rigour and therapeutic caution. Puppies and kittens, whose immune systems and skin are still maturing, present clinical pictures that differ markedly from those seen in adults. At the last ESVD congress in Bilbao, our colleague Ana Oliveira reviewed in detail the specific features of paediatric dermatology in puppies and kittens, both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Geriatric dermatology is taking up a growing place in our daily practice, as a direct consequence of the longer life expectancy of dogs and cats. This longevity brings dermatoses that often reveal an underlying systemic disease, whose early recognition determines the prognosis. At the last ESVD congress, our colleague Ana Oliveira, who practises in Lisbon, presented the main ones.

Brachycephalic dogs are enjoying growing popularity with the public, who are won over by their childlike features and endearing expressions. Behind this popularity, however, lies a heavy toll, which includes skin and ear disease. At the last ESVD congress in Lisbon, our colleague Elisa Maina gave a comprehensive review of their main dermatoses, setting out their mechanisms, clinical presentations and management.

Claw disorders remain uncommon in dogs and cats: Dr Zanna puts them at around 1 to 3 % of veterinary consultations, a proportion that varies with the population examined. They are often under-reported or overlooked, because they seem minor until they are recognised as the signal of a wider dermatosis or disease.

Canine pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin, most often caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a commensal of the dog. It is classified by the depth of infection as surface, superficial or deep pyoderma, and it is one of the leading reasons for prescribing antimicrobials in dogs.