Atopic Dermatitis: Beyond the Rx Pad

Dr. Rosemary Stolzer-Bolton, DVM, DVMCaninePre-RACE approval · 0.5–3 CE creditsFree Preview

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is the most common chronic skin disease in dogs and one of the most frustrating conditions owners and veterinarians manage together. This course builds a complete, evidence-based framework: accurate diagnosis using CADESI criteria, the hierarchy of treatment from skin barrier repair through biologics, why 'just give Apoquel' is only the beginning, and how integrative modalities reduce drug burden and improve quality of life. Earn RACE CE credit (approval pending; hours assigned at approval).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Explain the immunopathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis including the roles of skin barrier deficiency, IgE sensitization, IL-4/IL-13/IL-31 cytokine signaling, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius superinfection
  • 2Apply the Favrot criteria and CADESI-04 scoring system to diagnose and monitor canine atopic dermatitis in clinical practice
  • 3Analyze the mechanisms of action, appropriate use, and limitations of the major CAD therapeutics — oclacitinib (Apoquel), lokivetmab (Cytopoint), and grapiprant — and compare them to corticosteroids
  • 4Evaluate the evidence for allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) as a disease-modifying treatment for CAD and identify appropriate candidates for referral
  • 5Build a complete multimodal management plan for a dog with CAD incorporating skin barrier repair, trigger avoidance, antipruritic therapy, infection control, and integrative adjuncts

Course Syllabus

  1. 1
    Meet Olive: The Dog Who Just Can't Stop ItchingPreview

    Case introduction — 3-year-old Labrador with bilateral symmetric pruritus, recurrent ear infections, and a history of intermittent steroid use

    5 min
  2. 2
    Immunopathogenesis: The Inside-Out and Outside-In Models

    Filaggrin deficiency, skin barrier dysfunction, IgE sensitization cascade, IL-4/IL-13/IL-31 signaling, Staphylococcus superinfection cycle

    11 min
  3. 3
    Diagnosis: The Favrot Criteria and CADESI-04

    Clinical diagnosis using Favrot criteria, ruling out differential diagnoses (scabies, CAFR, demodicosis, Malassezia), allergy testing for ASIT planning (not diagnosis)

    8 min
  4. 4
    Pharmacologic Toolkit: JAK Inhibitors, IL-31 Antibodies, and Beyond

    Oclacitinib (Apoquel), lokivetmab (Cytopoint), corticosteroids, ciclosporin — mechanisms, appropriate use, safety profiles, and when to use which

    13 min
  5. 5
    Allergen Immunotherapy and Skin Barrier Repair

    ASIT mechanism, candidate selection, realistic outcome expectations; ceramide topicals, bathing protocols, omega-3/omega-6 balance for barrier support

    10 min
  6. 6
    Integrative Adjuncts and Case Resolution

    Probiotics, environmental controls, stress management, Olive's 6-month multimodal outcome

    8 min

Final Assessment

10 questions · Passing score: 70%

Complete all course modules to unlock the assessment. Upon passing, your CE certificate will be generated automatically.