Miami Veterinary Dermatology

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Miami Veterinary Dermatology Skin, Allergy & Ear Care for Animals

28/10/2025

Allergy testing: dogs vs. humans: not exactly the same technique!

In people, an allergist will do a skin prick test, this is where allergens are applied or scratched onto the surface (epidermis) of the skin.

In dogs, testing is intradermal — tiny injections are made within the dermis..

The response? In dogs, small, raised wheals form that indicate hypersensitivity — scored 0–4 based on size, firmness, and erythema.

Best way to see these wheals is to shine a light across the skin in a dark room — it makes those wheals pop and helps assess reactions more accurately.

And yes, for those wondering…. pets are sedated for allergy testing.

I am a proud Latina, the daughter of immigrant parents from Peru who came to the U.S. seeking a better life for themselv...
15/10/2025

I am a proud Latina, the daughter of immigrant parents from Peru who came to the U.S. seeking a better life for themselves and for our family. From a very young age, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian — a dream that came true in 2000, when I graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Later I became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.

The gift of Spanish, given to me by my parents, has been more than a language. It’s been a bridge—to my community, to understanding, to care. Because when I speak to Spanish‐speaking pet owners in their own language, when I teach veterinary dermatology in Spanish to colleagues, I see what that gift truly means: empowerment, trust, healing.

Representation isn’t just nice — it’s essential. In the U.S., Hispanic or Latino veterinarians make up only about 5% of all veterinarians. And among veterinary specialists or diplomates, Latinx individuals are an even smaller fraction.

Being one of the few who look like the community I serve, who speak their language, who understand their story — that matters. It matters for pet owners who deserve to truly understand their pet’s dermatological care. It matters for children who might one day follow this path and finally see someone like them already here.

I am honored to serve my Latino community — as a veterinarian, as a specialist, as a woman, as a business owner. Because when we are visible, we make the path brighter for those who come after.

This dog recently had an allergy skin test, and the results showed some pretty strong reactions. Skin testing helps us f...
29/08/2025

This dog recently had an allergy skin test, and the results showed some pretty strong reactions. Skin testing helps us figure out exactly which environmental allergens(like pollens, molds, or dust mites) are triggering a pet’s symptoms. From there, we can create a customized allergy vaccine (immunotherapy) to help desensitize the immune system over time.

A common misconception: allergy vaccines should NOT be a “last resort.” Starting immunotherapy EARLY in the allergy journey often works better than waiting until symptoms are severe and harder to control.

Yes, testing can be an investment, but you have to consider the bigger picture:

✨ Fewer flare-ups (less meds needed)
✨ Fewer vet visits
✨ More stable, comfortable pets
✨ Long-term savings compared to ongoing drug costs

As a private practice, I try to keep costs reasonable and even offer payment plans to make this option more accessible. If your pet has been diagnosed with environmental allergies, it’s worth learning about skin testing and immunotherapy sooner rather than later.

Even if you’re not ready right away, it might be something to plan and save for—it can truly change the course of your pet’s allergy care.

Your pet doesn’t have to suffer through endless flare-ups—there are long-term solutions!

 

08/07/2025

Miami Veterinary Dermatology is looking for a lead veterinary technician. Please DM for more information.

This Doberman is showing depigmentation of the nose and lower eyelids.The most likely diagnosis? Vitiligo — an autoimmun...
14/05/2025

This Doberman is showing depigmentation of the nose and lower eyelids.

The most likely diagnosis? Vitiligo — an autoimmune condition where the body targets pigment-producing cells. Unlike more aggressive autoimmune diseases (like discoid lupus or pemphigus), there are no crusts, erosions, or loss of the normal cobblestone texture of the nose.
While a definitive diagnosis of vitiligo requires skin biopsies, they’re often not necessary when the depigmentation is isolated and not accompanied by painful or ulcerative lesions. Since vitiligo is purely cosmetic, treatment is usually avoided — the potential side effects of immunosuppressive therapy outweigh the benefit in these cases.

One important consideration: there is a syndrome called uveodermatologic syndrome that can also cause skin depigmentation — but it typically also involves eye inflammation and vision problems. For that reason, I recommend an ophthalmic exam in all patients with new or progressive depigmentation.

Bottom line: not all pigment loss is dangerous, but it should always be assessed by a veterinarian to rule out more serious underlying disease.

What are your thoughts on this new ear med?
10/05/2025

What are your thoughts on this new ear med?

The latest canine otitis externa medication is the only FDA-approved, 1-dose, in-clinic treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pathogens.

04/05/2025

🐾 We're Hiring! 🐾
Client Service Coordinator (Veterinary Receptionist)

Love pets? Love people? Join our compassionate and fast-paced veterinary dermatology team! We’re looking for a friendly, dependable, and detail-oriented person to be the welcoming face at our front desk.

✨ No vet experience or college degree needed
✨ 401(k), insurance, PTO, staff discounts
✨ Supportive team + real career growth
✨ 33-36 hours/week, 8-hour shifts

📩 Apply now & make a difference every day! Email: [email protected]

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