A new approach to managing itchy pets

As veterinary professionals, you are undoubtedly aware that dermatology constitutes a significant portion of your caseload. What may be less familiar is the fact that pruritus is the primary presenting complaint in approximately 90% of dermatologic cases.

It is also well-established that the range of skin reaction patterns we encounter is limited, which can make differentiating between pruritic conditions a challenging task. Consequently, working up the underlying cause of pruritus can be a time-consuming process. Explaining to pet owners that their animal’s itching could be due to something as simple as a parasitic infestation (which we all hope for, as it’s an easy fix), or as complex as an allergy — whether insect bite hypersensitivity, food allergies, or environmental factors — can take considerable time during an appointment. Furthermore, pruritus may also be indicative of more serious conditions, such as immune-mediated diseases or, in more severe cases, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Effectively conveying this range of potential diagnoses to pet owners can be a significant challenge during an appointment.

However, there is a new development that could revolutionize how we approach pruritic cases, and that is the Empathy for Itch (EFI) Toolbox.

For those not yet acquainted with the EFI Campaign, it is a collaborative initiative between the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology (CAVD) and several industry partners. The campaign aims to assist veterinary care teams in Canada with diagnosing and managing skin diseases associated with pruritus.

In the past year, as part of the EFI Campaign, a virtual toolbox was developed to streamline dermatology consultations. This “toolbox” is a valuable collection of resources designed to optimize your appointments with clients and their pets, helping you make the most of the limited time available.

The EFI toolbox is freely accessible via the CAVD website: https://www.cavd.ca/empathy-for-itch. This is just one of many resources available through the CAVD, which also offers both open-access and members-only content.

HOW CAN THE EFI TOOLBOX ENHANCE YOUR PRACTICE?

In an ideal scenario, your client services team would direct pet owners to the Empathy For Itch Pet Parent’s Landing Page: https://www.cavd.ca/empathy-for-itch-pet-parent. By reviewing the content on this page, clients can gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes of pruritus in their pets and become familiar with the diagnostic steps required to improve their animal’s quality of life and manage the underlying condition effectively.

The landing page offers visual aids that help owners identify even subtle skin lesions, along with educational videos covering topics such as:

• The basics of itching in pets

• Answers to the top 10 most frequently asked questions about pruritic pets

• The Itch Scale

• Information on restricted diet trials

• How to administer a medicated bath

These videos are also included in your toolbox. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with this content so that you are well-prepared to discuss these topics with your clients.

By encouraging clients to watch these videos before their appointment, they will be better informed, allowing you to streamline the consultation process. This preparation can significantly reduce the time spent explaining basic concepts, such as dietary trials, thus making your appointments more efficient.

In addition, both the owner’s landing page and the toolbox provide a fillable dermatological history questionnaire. Ask clients to complete and submit this form before their appointment. Once received, a member of your team can review the history and highlight any potential red flags. With a concise dermatologic history, you will already have a list of differential diagnoses and a clear direction for the consultation, further saving valuable time.

The toolbox also includes a visual representation of the Itch Scale, which you can print and display in your examination rooms. This scale helps clients rate the severity of their pet’s pruritus, which is especially useful during follow-up visits to track progress or flare-ups. Given that many dermatology patients require long-term management, having a reliable way to track trends over time can prove invaluable, particularly for adjusting maintenance therapies.

Another valuable component is the Journey Map — a visual tool that outlines the steps of the diagnostic and treatment process. This is an excellent way to set realistic expectations for your clients, ensuring that they understand the steps you will take to address their pet’s condition and reduce any potential frustration.

In addition, the toolbox includes a Quantitative Cytology Scale. This scale, which can be printed and placed near your microscope, allows your team to consistently assess cytology samples using a uniform rating system. This ensures that all members of the practice are on the same page when evaluating diagnostic results, making it easier to track the effectiveness of treatments at follow-up appointments, regardless of the team members involved.

The EFI Toolbox also includes links to previous Continuing Education (CE) events hosted by the EFI Campaign, as well as pre-made social media posts to assist in client communication.

At the conclusion of your appointments, encourage clients to revisit the Pet Parent’s landing page. This will reinforce the information discussed during your appointment and ensure that they leave with a clear understanding of the next steps.

CONCLUSION

After more than 25 years working in a dermatology referral practice, I can confidently assert that the key to success in managing dermatological cases lies in client education. When clients are well-informed about their pet’s condition, they are far more likely to be compliant with treatment plans and have realistic expectations regarding the management process. This understanding is crucial in fostering a collaborative approach to long-term pruritus management and ultimately improving the quality of life for both pets and their owners.

Adopting the Empathy for Itch Toolbox in your practice has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of your consultations, enhance client satisfaction, and lead to better outcomes for your pruritic patients.