Dog Skin Health

Jeff Buswell, DVM
Senior Technical Services Veterinarian

The skin (dermis) is the largest organ in the body and plays an important role as a barrier against the external environment. Skin conditions are consistently among the top pet insurance claims from pet owners.¹ 

Atopy is one of the major underlying causes of allergic dermatitis in pets2, and many cases are treated with systemic medications.  Topical shampoo therapies can be a big help with the management of these cases by washing off potential allergens, soothing and moisturizing the skin, and providing ingredients (ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol) to help with repair of the disrupted skin barrier.  Topical steroids can also play an important role by helping to control the itching and inflammation associated with allergic skin diseases. 

Superficial pyoderma (skin infections) is a condition that can be effectively treated with topical therapy3, and our medicated shampoos with S-I-S SKIN INNOVATIVE SCIENCE® Technology contain two unique technologies (Glycotechnology & Defensin Technology) to help the skin defend itself and maintain a normal, healthy microbial balance.

Dogs prone to otitis externa (atopic dogs, dogs with floppy ears, and dogs that get wet often) can benefit from proper ear cleaning as part of a regular grooming regimen. To help maintain healthy ears, our ear cleanser is specifically designed to removing cellular debris and restoring microbial balance in the ear.  If acute inflammation or infection (otitis externa - OE) is present, it is important to prescribe a topical medication that contains an effective steroid to reduce inflammation (a primary cause of acute OE), as well as both antibacterial and antifungal components.

With over thirty years of expertise in dermatology, our teams here have developed and continuously update products to help treat these conditions.

 

  1. Nationwide Pet Health Zone. Top 10 reasons Pets Visit Vets, https://phz8.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/health-conditions/top-10-reasons-pets-visit-vets, [Accessed February 18, 2020]
  2. Gedon, Natalie Katharina Yvonne, and Ralf Steffen Mueller. “Atopic Dermatitis in Cats and Dogs: a Difficult Disease for Animals and Owners.” Clinical and Translational Allergy, BioMed Central, 5 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172809/.
  3. Bajwa, Jangi. “Canine Superficial Pyoderma and Therapeutic Considerations.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4713004/.


 

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derm_products_2.pngDERMATOLOGY PORTFOLIO

Products for Reliable Results in Dermatology

Meeting the everyday dermatologic needs of your patients requires solutions that go beyond the everyday norm. For more than 30 years, Virbac has delivered exceptional skin, allergy, and ear care products that deliver the benefits veterinarians and pet owners demand, such as: 

  • Proven results
  • Innovative and reliable solutions
  • Enhanced convenience for precise dosing
  • High rates of client satisfaction
  • Extensive support tools to help you and your staff provide the best care to your patients 

Whether you’re treating or controlling acute signs, controlling chronic conditions, or managing overall skin and ear health, we have you covered.

Important Safety Information  

CLINTABS® (clindamycin hydrochloride tablets) Tablets: Contraindicated in animals with a history of hypersensitivity to clindamycin or lincomycin.  Do not use in rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, horses, chinchillas or ruminating animals. Keep out of reach of children. Not for human use. Use with caution in patients with very severe kidney or liver disease and in animals receiving neuromuscular blocking agents such as succinylcholine. Safety in pregnant females or breeding males has not been established. Monitor blood work in animals on either high dose or prolonged therapy. Side effects occasionally observed include vomiting and diarrhea. For complete information or to obtain a package insert, contact Virbac at 1‐800‐338‐3659, or visit us.virbac.com.

CYCLAVANCE™ (cyclosporine oral solution)(USP Modified): For use in dogs only. Wear gloves during and wash hands after administration. Gastrointestinal problems and gingival hyperplasia may occur at the initial recommended dose of CYCLAVANCE Oral Solution for Dogs. CYCLAVANCE Oral Solution for Dogs should be used with caution: 1) in cases with diabetes mellitus as it may cause elevated levels of serum glucose; 2) in dogs with renal insufficiency since the effect of cyclosporine use on dogs with compromised renal function has not been studied; 3) in simultaneous administration with drugs that suppress the P-450 enzyme system, such as azoles (e.g. ketoconazole), that may lead to increased plasma levels of cyclosporine. Killed vaccines are recommended for dogs receiving CYCLAVANCE Oral Solution for Dogs because the impact of cyclosporine on the immune response to modified live vaccines has not been evaluated. For full prescribing information, contact Virbac at 1-800-338-3659 or view the Product Insert.

EASOTIC® (hydrocortisone aceponate, miconazole nitrate, gentamicin sulfate) Otic Suspension for Dogs: For otic (ear) use in dogs only. Contraindicated in dogs with known or suspected hypersensitivity to corticosteroids, imidazole antifungals, or aminoglycoside antibiotics. Do not use in dogs with known tympanic membrane (ear drum) perforation. The safe use of EASOTIC Otic Suspension in dogs used for breeding purposes has not been evaluated. Do not administer orally.  Humans with known or suspected hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, aminoglycoside antibiotics, or azole antifungals should not handle this product. For complete information or to obtain a package insert, contact  Virbac at 1‐800‐338‐3659, or download here.

GENESIS® (triamcinolone acetonide) Topical Spray: For use on dogs only. The use of this product in dogs less than eight pounds, less than one year of age, breeding, pregnant, or lactating has not been evaluated. In a field study with GENESIS Topical Spray, polyuria, polyphagia, aversion/discomfort, sneezing or watery eyes were reported in dogs receiving treatment. For complete information or to obtain a package insert, contact Virbac at 1-800-338-3659, or view the Product Insert.

RILEXINE® (cephalexin tablets) Chewable Tablets: For oral use in dogs only. People with sensitivities to penicillins or cephalosporins should avoid contact with this product. RILEXINE Chewable Tablets are very palatable for pets and should be stored in a secure location where pets cannot access them. Do not give to dogs with known allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins. Safety in pregnant females or breeding males has not been established. The most common adverse reactions in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. For full prescribing information, contact Virbac at 1-800-338-3659 or view the Product Insert.