Talk Summary

It should be understood that to make the most of the PAX test, a reliable diagnosis of canine atopic disease is needed.

Unfortunately, almost every week in referral practice, I see cases where elements of the diagnostic process have been skipped, omitted, poorly performed or misinterpreted, leading to an unsafe if not erroneous diagnosis. Inevitably, this leads to unsatisfactory management outcomes not only for immunotherapy, but also for most other forms of therapy. Once a reliable diagnosis has been made, owner and clinician must choose between allergen avoidance, therapeutic intervention and immunotherapy.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only management strategy that specifically targets the disease process and is comparatively cost-effective with a low risk of adverse effects. It is important to recognise when it is appropriate and should be offered and when alternative strategies may be better. The ability to interpret the PAX panels and formulating a suitable allergen mix for immunotherapy is clearly essential and draws on skills and knowledge that do not form part of the standard veterinary curriculum. This webinar is intended to provide the clinician with the basic tools required to achieve these goals.

Learning Objectives:

1. Avoid the common pitfalls that derail the diagnosis of canine atopic disease

2. Understand what the molecular PAX panel can tell the practitioner

3. Know when to offer PAX testing

4. How to interpret the PAX test results

5. Formulating and administering immunotherapy based on PAX test results

Meet the Speaker

Ewan Ferguson BVM&S DVD MRCVS

Ewan graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in 1982. After developing an interest in dermatology during several years in companion animal practice in London, he joined the RVC in 1990 in a self-funded Residency post and obtained the RCVS Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology in 1993. He has worked in a part time clinical and teaching role at the RVC since, combing this with 35 years of private referral practice.

He has given numerous presentations at local, national, European and World meetings and has also been involved with continuing education courses organised by the ESAVS in Eastern Europe, the RVC and several CPD providers in the UK. In addition to his academic and private clinical experience, as a past Secretary of the British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group (BVDSG) and Chief Examiner for the RCVS Diploma in Veterinary Dermatology, he is well placed to understand the continuing education requirements of the veterinary dermatology community.