The Skin Flint Podcast Podcast Por elearningvet arte de portada

The Skin Flint Podcast

The Skin Flint Podcast

De: elearningvet
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Whether you simply have a pet with skin issues, or are a vet / vet nurse looking to bolster your CPD record with free, easy to listen to, on the go discussion on and around pet skin disease - this is the podcast for you! Join European leading dermatologist Dr Sue Paterson, Dermatology Veterinary Nurse John Redbond and Elearning.Vet content provider Paul Heasman as they pick their way through the scabby surface of pet skin disease. Expect interviews with some of the smartest minds in animal dermatology to get beneath the surface of the latest thinking on all things fur and skin, keeping their gloved fingers on the pulse of current topics itching to be discussed. This podcast is brought to you by Nextmune UK (formerly Vetruus), specialist in veterinary dermatology and immunotherapy. Nextmune bring you products such as Otodine and CLX Wipes – market leading products in the management of skin and ear cases. In association with Elearning.Vet - providing the highest quality veterinary content free of charge.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Ciencia
Episodios
  • Episode 37 - Bow Ties and Blink Reflexes

    Episode 37 - Bow Ties and Blink Reflexes
    Feb 21 2026
    Bow Ties and Blink Reflexes: Periocular Perils on SkinFlint In this month's episode, Sue & John invite a well known vet with his eye on pet eyes - David Williams. (00:00) John opens SkinFlint. Today’s focus is the periocular region — small real estate, big consequences — from itchy eyelids and rogue hairs to lumps and lesions that can threaten vision. Chapter 1: The Eyelid Is the Windshield Wiper (03:54) David Williams joins: associate lecturer in veterinary ophthalmology at Cambridge, teaching students and travelling between practices to manage eye cases. He’s been operating that morning on a severe corneal ulcer — a reminder that “eyelid problems” often matter because of what they do to the cornea. (06:10) Mucocutaneous junction basics. David frames the eyelids as protective, moving structures that maintain the ocular surface. The lid margin is more than skin: it includes meibomian gland openings that support tear film stability. (07:21) Tear film (briefly, promise). David describes modern tear film understanding as a mixed mucin and aqueous layer with a lipid surface. The eyelid spreads it over the cornea; tears behave as a non Newtonian fluid, becoming “runnier” as the lid moves, which helps smooth distribution during blinking. (09:08) Rubbing: skin itch vs eye pain. Sue highlights the GP dilemma: is the dog rubbing because periocular skin is pruritic (allergy) or because the eye is painful? David describes the vicious cycle (irritation → rubbing → more inflammation) and stresses looking at both eyelids and the globe. Stopping self trauma (sometimes a collar) can be part of breaking the loop. (11:01) Red eye triage and eyelid eversion. David’s practical tip: clinicians don’t evert eyelids enough. If both palpebral conjunctiva (inside the lid) and bulbar conjunctiva (on the globe) are inflamed, conjunctivitis is more likely. If the globe looks red but the inner lid does not, widen your differential (including uveitis and glaucoma). Don’t guess from the outside. (11:45) The lash trio explained. Trichiasis: normal hairs rub the cornea due to lid conformation. Distichiasis: extra lashes from the meibomian gland orifices at the lid margin. Ectopic cilia: a lash emerges through conjunctiva and points at the cornea — often very irritating. David suggests checking for allergy clues elsewhere (paws, general pattern) if you suspect pruritus is the driver. (13:33) Distichiasis: common, not always guilty. Many dogs have distichiae in both eyes without ulcers. Lashes may delay healing rather than cause the initial lesion. Plucking, freezing or electrolysis can lead to regrowth (sometimes shorter and more abrasive). If treatment is truly needed, David prefers approaches that remove the lash follicle within the eyelid to reduce recurrence. (16:45) Older Cockers and “saggy lash syndrome”. David describes age related lid changes in Cocker Spaniels where long lashes start rubbing persistently. He flags the importance of a Schirmer tear test, as dry eye commonly co exists and must be addressed alongside lid conformation. (18:15) Two quick diagnostics. A topical local anaesthetic drop can be used diagnostically (briefly) to see if discomfort reduces, but repeated use is unsafe for the corneal epithelium. David also reminds listeners to check the third eyelid: lymphoid follicles on its inner surface can keep an eye irritated and are only found by everting it. Chapter 2: Lumps, Bumps and the Cat Exception Clause (22:56) Eyelid masses: chalazion or tumour? David frames the common dilemma as meibomian gland inflammation versus neoplasia, though many cases end up managed surgically either way. In dogs, most eyelid tumours are benign (often meibomian adenomas/epitheliomas) and are usually suitable for wedge resection. His bias: remove earlier rather than later (smaller surgery, lower anaesthetic risk than waiting). (24:38) When heat helps. If you suspect a meibomian gland abscess or granulomatous lesion, David suggests warm compresses applied regularly (as hot as comfortably tolerated) to encourage drainage and reduce the lump. (26:20) Cats: higher suspicion. David contrasts this with cats, where eyelid tumours are more likely malignant (including squamous cell carcinoma) and may look ulcerated or invasive. He mentions photodynamic therapy as a tissue sparing option in delicate areas like eyelids. (27:40) A feline oddity to remember. A dark, round medial canthus mass in a Persian cat may be an apocrine hidrocystoma (benign), and similar lesions can appear at other mucocutaneous sites. (29:03) Melanomas. Behaviour varies by species and site. David is generally more concerned in cats than dogs and flags mucocutaneous junction melanomas as potentially more aggressive — excise when feasible. Chapter 3: VKH — The One You Don’t Sit On (30:45) Sue brings up VKH (Vogt Koyanagi Harada) syndrome, a true derm ophthalm crossover ...
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    44 m
  • Episode 36 - Hives, Lesions and Lumps; Urticaria in Horses

    Episode 36 - Hives, Lesions and Lumps; Urticaria in Horses
    Jan 7 2026
    Episode Overview Join us as we venture into the stables to explore urticaria in horses - those mysterious swellings that appear seemingly out of nowhere and may disappear just as suddenly. Expert guest Dr. Valerie Fadok shares her extensive experience as both a veterinary dermatologist and immunologist to help us understand what causes these puzzling conditions, how to differentiate them from other lumps, and when to investigate further rather than automatically reaching for steroids. Featured Guest Dr. Valerie Fadok - A dual specialist bringing unique expertise as both a veterinary dermatologist and immunologist. With experience across three veterinary schools, private practice, and as a field specialist with Zoetis, Val brings a wealth of practical knowledge from working with veterinarians and horse owners around the world. Episode Breakdown Introduction to Urticaria in Horses Val discusses how horses are the most commonly affected species with urticaria among the animals veterinarians treat, and how this condition can drive both horses and their owners to distraction. The disease presents unique challenges, with sudden onset cases that sometimes resolve on their own, and chronic cases where horses experience repeated outbreaks over time. Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis What Urticaria Looks Like: Val emphasizes the importance of palpation—urticarial lesions tend to be soft compared to nodular diseases like eosinophilic granulomasIndividual lesions wax and wane, even if the horse has hives every dayLesions can take fascinating shapes: round, linear, or ring-like configurations (serpiginous patterns)Not all horses with urticaria are particularly itchy Papular Urticaria: Papular (miliary) lesions are commonly associated with insect bitesVal shares examples of horses moving from northern US states to Florida developing papular urticaria in their first year due to high insect pressure from mosquitoes and CulicoidesThese cases often resolve after the first yearSue confirms similar patterns in the UK with Culicoides Immunological vs Non-Immunological Reactions The Role of Mast Cells: Urticaria involves mast cells in the skinImmunological urticaria occurs when allergens bind to IgE on mast cells, triggering the reactionNon-immunological causes involve "twitchy" mast cells that react to physical triggers Physical Urticaria: Pressure urticaria and dermatographism—where a handprint appears on the horse's flank after touchingCold-induced urticariaHeat-induced urticariaExercise-induced urticariaSome horses have both immunological and physical components, making diagnosis particularly challenging History is Key: Observant owners can provide crucial information (e.g., "hives appeared after training session" or "outline of saddle appeared after removal")Owner observations are often the best way to differentiate between causes Acute vs Chronic Urticaria Acute Urticaria Management: Most acute urticaria in horses is drug-related (antibiotics, pain medications) or from blood transfusionsVal's approach: Don't do an intense workup immediatelyTreat with antihistamines (Val prefers hydroxyzine) for a few months to let mast cells settleIf it recurs after stopping medication, then investigate furtherSue agrees: not chronic unless present for 8+ weeks or recurring annually When to Investigate: Sue and Val agree: 8-12 weeks or recurrent episodes warrant deeper investigationBoth emphasize the value of owners who keep detailed calendars noting when hives appear50% of urticaria in people remains idiopathic—same often true for horsesCompetition horses present particular challenges due to medication restrictions Investigation and Testing Seasonal Cases: For seasonal urticaria, Val recommends intradermal or serum allergy testingHorses with urticaria respond well to allergen immunotherapy compared to other speciesMost horse owners are comfortable giving injections Non-Seasonal Cases: Consider dietary factors and whether feed changes throughout the yearHorse owners are surprisingly open to food trialsVal has only proven a handful of food-related urticaria cases (alfalfa and grains)Diet trials are difficult in horses, though owners are willing Environmental Allergens: House dust mites and storage mites are the most commonly identified allergens across all speciesMolds are important triggers, especially in humid environmentsVal notes regional differences: Florida has unusual pollens and insects, Texas is drier with mainly pollens, Pacific Northwest sees more mold allergiesSue observes autumn cases in UK when horses start wearing rugs, potentially related to house dust mites, temperature, dampness, or molds Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy Val's Approach: Uses traditional step-up procedure for injection immunotherapyConsults pollen charts (from Greer allergy company, pollen.com, Google searches)Selects major allergens relevant to the horse's region and historyDoesn't include everything that tests positive—focuses on major ...
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    38 m
  • Episode 35 - Ferrets, Fur and Fun; Taming The Beastmasters

    Episode 35 - Ferrets, Fur and Fun; Taming The Beastmasters
    Nov 29 2025

    In this month's episode, Sue John and Paul invite exotics guru Madonna Livingstone onto the podcast to discuss general and skin issues in ferrets.

    Overview of ferrets as pets:

    - Ferrets have been domesticated for over 3,000 years, evolving from the European polecat.

    - They are highly social and prefer to be kept in groups of at least two.

    - Ferrets have high protein and fat dietary requirements, and need a lot of space and environmental enrichment.

    Common Skin Conditions in Ferrets:

    - Ectoparasites:

    - Fleas (usually dog and cat fleas) are the most common ectoparasite, causing pruritus and alopecia.

    - Ear mites are very common in ferrets, often asymptomatic.

    - Sarcoptic mange can affect the feet, causing severe pruritus and scabs.

    - Allergies:

    - Skin allergies are rare in ferrets, but environmental contact dermatitis can occur.

    - Food allergies are very uncommon.

    - Hormonal Imbalances:

    - Hyperadrenocorticism (adrenal gland disease) is less common than hyperestrogenism in female ferrets.

    - Hyperestrogenism can lead to alopecia, bone marrow suppression, and even death if untreated.

    Treatment Approaches:

    - Ectoparasites: Use of selamectin, fipronil, or moxidectin is recommended.

    - Allergies: Antihistamines, steroids, and omega-3/6 fatty acids can be used.

    - Hormonal Imbalances:

    - Hyperestrogenism is often managed with deslorelin implants or HCG injections.

    - Hyperadrenocorticism may require surgical adrenalectomy or deslorelin implants.

    Insights and Takeaways

    - Ferrets are unique and fascinating pets, with specific care and medical needs.

    - Skin conditions in ferrets can present similarly to dogs and cats, but there are some key differences in diagnosis and treatment.

    - Ectoparasites, especially fleas and ear mites, are very common and should be the first consideration when a ferret presents with skin disease.

    - Hormonal imbalances, particularly hyperestrogenism in females, are an important cause of skin problems in ferrets and require prompt recognition and management.

    - Veterinarians should be familiar with ferret-specific care and be prepared to handle ferret skin cases, as they may be uncommon but can be challenging.

    Conclusions and Decisions

    - Ferrets are becoming increasingly popular pets, and veterinarians should be equipped to provide appropriate care for their skin conditions.

    - Developing a good understanding of ferret biology, common skin diseases, and treatment approaches can help build confidence in managing these cases.

    - Consulting resources like the BSAVA Exotic Animal Formulary and seeking advice from experienced exotic animal veterinarians can be invaluable when caring for ferrets with skin problems.

    - Promoting proper husbandry and preventive care, such as regular ectoparasite control and monitoring for hormonal imbalances, can help minimize skin issues in ferrets.
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    49 m
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