Global Dermathon
World Veterinary Dermatology Day 2026
Tuesday 3rd – Wednesday 4th February 2026
To celebrate 'World Veterinary Dermatology Day 2026' the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) has teamed up with education specialists Elearning.Vet to bring you a learning experience like nothing before!
A Global Affair in Veterinary
Dermatology
A 24-hour global livestream held over two days, bringing together 35+ leading experts in veterinary dermatology.
The Global Dermathon is a collaboration between the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) and Elearning.Vet
Featuring the biggest names in veterinary dermatology from around the globe, this 24-hour continuous event aims to educate, inspire, engage and connect veterinary professionals from every continent – covering hot topics and everyday case presentations in a variety of formats.
2
Streams
5
Teaching Formats
6
Languages
24h
Continuous Education
What to Expect
The Global Dermathon will cover major veterinary dermatology topics - from diagnosis skills, to treatment updates and everything in-between. We'll also hear from Specialists in related fields for a holistic understanding of large and small animal health.
REGISTER NOW
Enter your details below to be registered for the live event on Tuesday 3rd & 4th February 2026
35
Expert Speakers
100+
Countries Represented
7,000+
Expected Registrants
75K+
Global Audience
What's On the Programme ?
Explore the full two-day schedule of the Global Dermathon, featuring over 35 expert-led talks, case discussions, and Q&A sessions. The schedule below gives you a complete view of topics, speakers, and timings so you can plan your learning across the global livestream.
Global Dermathon • Provisional Programme (GMT)
| Topic | Time (GMT) | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| STREAM ONE • English Language, Small Animal | ||
| Multimodal Approach to Atopic Dermatitis | 10:00 – 10:45 | Thierry Olivry |
| Emerging Zoonotic Diseases | 11:00 – 11:45 | Theo Knight-Jones & Lian Thomas |
| Malassezia dermatitis in dogs & cats | 12:15 – 13:00 | Ross Bond |
| Non-inflammatory Alopecia | 13:15 – 14:00 | Manon Paradis |
| PANEL: Topical Therapy | 14:30 – 15:30 | Tim Nuttall, Koji Nishifuji, TBC |
| Feline Pemphigus foliaceus | 15:45 – 16:30 | Petra Bizikova |
| Viral diseases of skin in the cat | 17:00 – 17:45 | Elizabeth Layne |
| Ectoparasites & the Environment | 18:00 – 18:45 | Ian Wright, TBC |
| Small Animal Interactive Quiz | 19:30 – 20:15 | Sue Paterson |
| Canine pyoderma management updates | 20:30 – 21:15 | Katarina Varjonen |
| Skin lumps and bumps: are they always cancerous? | 21:45 – 22:30 | Nick Bacon |
| Use of monoclonal antibodies in veterinary dermatology | 22:45 – 23:30 | Valerie Fadok |
| PANEL: AMR & One Health | 00:01 – 01:00 | Mike Lappin, TBC |
| Glucocorticoids: Use and Abuse in Practice | 01:30 – 02:15 | Craig Griffin |
| Small Animal Interactive Quiz | 02:30 – 03:15 | Millie Rosales |
| Food Allergy Myths & Misconceptions | 04:00 – 04:45 | Galia Sheinberg, TBC |
| Skin Health & Nutrition | 05:00 – 05:45 | TBC |
| Pododermatitis | 06:30 – 07:15 | Peter Hill |
| Hair follicle and hair growth | 07:30 – 08:15 | Dominique Wiener |
| PANEL: Future of Veterinary Dermatology | 09:00 – 10:00 | Eve Hanks, TBC |
| STREAM TWO • International Languages, Large Animal & Exotics | ||
| (JPN) Approach to the pruritic dog | 10:00 – 10:45 | Chie Tamamoto |
| (JPN) Updated guidelines for management of canine pyoderma | 11:00 – 11:45 | Koji Nishifuji |
| (CHN) Stubborn Otitis: When Standard Therapy Isn’t Enough | 12:00 – 12:45 | Chi-Yen Wu |
| (CHN) TBC | 13:00 – 13:30 | TBC |
| Skin disease in the cow | 14:00 – 14:45 | Aiden Foster |
| Dermatophilosis in large animals | 15:00 – 15:45 | Stephen White |
| Culicoides Hypersensitivity, what’s new? | 16:00 – 16:45 | Ralf Mueller |
| Equine Sarcoids | 17:00 – 17:45 | Anthony Yu |
| (FRA) Feline TBC | 18:15 – 19:00 | TBC |
| (FRA) Management of otitis externa | 19:15 – 20:00 | Marie-Christine Cardigues |
| (ESP) TBC | 20:15 – 21:00 | Guille Manigot |
| (ESP) Updates on Leishmaniosis | 21:15 – 22:00 | Luis Ferrer |
| (POR) Deep fungal infections | 22:15 – 23:00 | Falvia Clare |
| (POR) TBC | 23:15 – 00:00 | Ronaldo Lucas |
| (ESPN) Clinical approach to the pruritic dog | 00:15 – 01:00 | Ramon Almela |
| (ESPN) Dermatology and its clinical applications | 02:00 – 02:45 | Alberto Matin Cordero |
| Common Skin Diseases of Rabbits | 03:00 – 03:45 | TBC |
| Feather loss in Birds | 04:30 – 05:15 | TBC |
Featured Speakers
Learn from the experts shaping veterinary dermatology worldwide.
Sue Paterson
MA VetMB DVD DipECVD FRCVS
Sue Paterson qualified from Cambridge in 1984. After a time in mixed practice in Devon she took her Certificate then British and European Diplomas in Veterinary Dermatology and has been an RCVS and European Specialist for more than 20 years. She has recently been elected as a Fellow of the RCVS for meritorious contributions to clinical practice.
She is the Veterinary Director of Veterinary Dermatological Ltd and Virtual Vet Derms, a veterinary telemedicine company.
She has published seven text books as well as writing numerous peer reviewed articles and contributing chapters to both small animal and equine text books. She lectures extensively globally and has delivered lectures in more than 60 countries.
Sue is a Past President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and also the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology. She is currently the President of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology, Chair of Trustees at the Animal Charity Pharmacy and a trustee of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Sue keen long-distance walker, and enjoys getting out onto the Cumbrian fells where she lives with her husband and dogs.
Small Animal Interactive Quiz
The talk summary and learning objectives, for this session will be published in the coming weeks. Please check back soon.
- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Tim Nuttall
BVSc BSc CertVD CBiol MIBiol PhD MRCVS
Dr Tim Nuttall graduated from the University of Bristol in 1992 and originally joined the Dick Vet in 1995 to train in dermatology and study for a PhD on canine atopic dermatitis. He joined the University of Liverpool in 2001, developing a dermatology clinic that now sees over 1000 cases each year. In August 2013 he returned to the Dick Vet as Head of Dermatology. The clinic sees a wide range of skin problems in dogs, cats, exotic species, horses and farm animals. Facilities and expertise include CO2 and Ho:YAG lasers, video-otoscopy, allergy testing and allergen specific immunotherapy, and managing antimicrobial resistant infections.
Tim has written over 100 clinical and scientific publications, co-authored A Colour Handbook of Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat, and presented over 150 lectures throughout the world. In addition, Tim has served on RCVS, BSAVA, ESVD and DEFRA scientific committees, the International Committee on Atopic Diseases in Animals, is a scientific advisor to the Bella Moss Foundation and is on the editorial board of Veterinary Dermatology. He has served on the Controlling Antimicrobial Resistance in Scotland (CARS) Steering Group and is a member of the Scottish Veterinary Antimicrobial Prescribing Group and Scottish Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance Group. He also had an active research programme, studying antimicrobial resistance, skin infections and the genetics of canine atopic dermatitis. In 2014 he received the BSAVA Woodrow Award for outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine.
Panel Discussion | Topical Therapy
The talk summary and learning objectives, for this session will be published in the coming weeks. Please check back soon.
- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Ross Bond
BVMS PhD DVD DipECVD FHEA MRCVS
Ross Bond graduated from Glasgow Veterinary School in 1985, spent 5 years in farm and small animal practice, and then joined the Royal Veterinary College in 1990, where he is currently Professor of Veterinary Dermatology. His research work into Malassezia yeast infections in dogs led to an award of a PhD in 1996. Ross holds RCVS and European College Diplomas in Veterinary Dermatology and is recognised as a specialist in veterinary dermatology by the RCVS. His research interests relate primarily to microbial skin infections in dogs and cats.
Malassezia Dermatitis in Dogs & Cats
This webinar examines Malassezia as both a commensal and opportunistic pathogen in dogs and cats. It will cover the yeast’s biology, clinical signs, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, emerging resistance, and the importance of managing concurrent conditions to achieve lasting control
- A basic knowledge of the biology of the genus Malassezia.
- Understanding of the processes that favour transition from commensal to pathogen
- Recognise and diagnose the disease.
- Awareness of treatment options and methods for prevention.
Galia Sheinberg
MVZ, ESP, DLACVD
Dr. Galia Sheinberg is a Board certified small animal veterinarian specializing in dermatology, working as a full-time clinician in Mexico City. She is head and co-owner of the dermatology department in Centro Veterinario Mexico, a referral veterinary specialty hospital and now works in the dermatology specialty clinic. She is a graduate of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, where she completed her Veterinary degree and her small animal medicine specialty. Dr. Sheinberg is a Diplomate of the Latin American College of Veterinary Dermatology (DLACVD) and a board member of the Latin American College of Veterinary Dermatology. Dr. Sheinberg is a well-known speaker and a clinical instructor of veterinary dermatology in Mexico and internationally. She is part of the Mexican Veterinary Dermatology Group, dedicated to clinical research and publications.
Food Allergy Myths & Misconceptions
The talk summary and learning objectives, for this session will be published in the coming weeks. Please check back soon.
- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Craig Griffin
DVM, DACVD
Dr. Craig Griffin is a graduate of Cornell University and completed his residency at UC Davis in 1980. Dr. Griffin is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD), has served on the Board of Directors and examination committee for the ACVD and was the President of the ACVD in 1999/2000. He also served as president of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology and of the Western States Veterinary Conference. Dr. Griffin is the founder and co-owner of Animal Dermatology Clinic.
Dr. Griffin is a frequent lecturer and clinical instructor of veterinary dermatology in this country and abroad. He has published many articles and books on small animal skin disease, including co-author of Muller and Kirks Small Animal Dermatology 5th -7th editions and co editor of Current Veterinary Dermatology, The Science and Art of Therapy. Dr. Griffin received the ACVD Award for Excellence for outstanding contributions in veterinary dermatology in 2001-2014.
Glucocorticoids: Use and Abuse in Practice
The talk summary and learning objectives, for this session will be published in the coming weeks. Please check back soon.
- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Millie Rosales
DVM, DACVD
Dr. Millie Rosales earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Florida International University before going on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, in 2000. After graduating, she worked as a general practitioner at a non-profit small animal clinic in Miami. In 2003, Dr. Rosales returned to the University of Florida to complete a two-year residency in veterinary dermatology, later becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD).
Dr. Rosales has held leadership positions in local professional organizations, including serving as the past president of the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association (SFVMA) and currently being a member of its executive board. She also served as a board member of the Miami Veterinary Foundation from 2008 to 2014.
Outside of her dermatology practice, Dr. Rosales is deeply passionate about supporting shelter and rescue animals. She actively advocates for local shelter and rescue organizations, promotes spaying/neutering, and emphasizes the importance of pet adoption. A native of Miami, Dr. Rosales is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to serve the diverse community of South Florida.
Small Animal Interactive Quiz
“Ear It Is! A Quiz-Based Journey Through Pinna Disorders in Dogs and Cats”
- Interactive Learning
- Pinna Disorders
- and more
Dr. Chi-Yen Wu
DVM, MS, DACVD
Dr. Chi-Yen Wu is a Taiwanese veterinarian who earned his DVM degree from the National Taiwan University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he also completed a rotating internship. He then pursued a dermatology internship, residency, and master’s degree at Louisiana State University before becoming a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida. His professional interests include otitis, topical therapy, carbon dioxide laser applications, and veterinary education.
Stubborn Otitis: When Standard Therapy Isn't Enough
Otitis remains one of the most challenging problems in veterinary dermatology. Although standard therapy can provide temporary relief, treatment failure and relapse are frequent when the underlying problems are not fully addressed. This session will examine why standard treatments often fall short, emphasizing the need to identify and manage primary, secondary, predisposing, and perpetuating factors. The lecture will also highlight recent insights in otitis management, including emerging therapeutic strategies. By understanding both the drivers of therapeutic failure and the evolving treatment concepts, clinicians may further improve patient outcomes.
- Recognize why otitis managements fail by addressing primary, secondary, predisposing, and perpetuating factors.
- Apply a stepwise approach to refractory otitis when standard therapies are insufficient.
- Incorporate emerging strategies and evolving treatment concepts into clinical practice.
Lluís Ferrer
DVM, MSc, PhD, Dip ECVD
Lluís Ferrer obtained a degree in Veterinary Medicine (1981) and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine (1985) at the University of Zaragoza - Spain and a Master's degree in Animal Pathology (1983) at the Veterinary School of Hannover (Germany). He is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology since 1994 and since 1985 he has been Professor of Pathology and Dermatology at the Veterinary Faculty of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain), where he has also been Dean of the Veterinary Faculty (1992-1998), Vice-Rector of Research (1998-2002) and Rector of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2002-2009).
Between 2012 and 2018 he was Professor of Dermatology at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA (USA). He has been a visiting professor at the Universities of Montreal (Canada), Lisbon (Portugal) and Utrecht (The Netherlands). Among other topics, his research has focused on skin infections (canine leishmaniasis, demodicosis, staphylococcal pyoderma), canine atopic dermatitis, canine perianal furunculosis and the genetic basis of skin diseases.
Canine leishmaniosis: key points to manage a complex disease
A concise overview of what delegates will learn in this session and how it applies in practice.
- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
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The WAVD is a non-profit organisation that unites veterinary dermatology groups from across the globe. Its mission is to advance veterinary dermatology worldwide by promoting education, collaboration, and the exchange of scientific knowledge. WAVD supports international congresses, scholarships, and initiatives that make specialist expertise accessible to all veterinary professionals.
Elearning.Vet is a leading provider of online veterinary CPD, dedicated to delivering high-quality, accessible, and clinically relevant education. With a focus on innovation, the platform brings expert-led webinars, panel discussions, and resources directly to the global veterinary community, helping practitioners keep pace with advances in practice while connecting with peers worldwide.
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Meet Our 2026 Speakers
Our speakers include internationally recognised specialists who bring years of clinical experience, research, and teaching. Explore their profiles to see the expertise behind each session.
Chie Tamamoto-Mochizuki
DVM, PhD, dipAiCVD
Dr. Chie Tamamoto-Mochizuki is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with a diverse background in both clinical practice and research. She earned her DVM from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Japan in 2007, followed by a four-year residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Tokyo. Dr. Tamamoto-Mochizuki then pursued advanced training as an alternative route resident in Veterinary Dermatology at North Carolina State University (NCSU) from 2013 to 2017, achieving board certification from the Asian College of Veterinary Dermatology (AiCVD) in 2018. In 2021, she completed her Ph.D. at NCSU, focusing on Dermatology and Immunology.
Currently, Dr. Tamamoto-Mochizuki serves as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where her research explores the role of IL-31 in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and itch signaling in companion animals. She is also an active committee member of the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals and AiCVD, and is dedicated to advancing global education in Veterinary Dermatology.
Approach to the pruritic dog (in Japanese)
Pruritus is one of the most frequent issues in canine dermatology. It may occur with or without primary skin disease, or arise secondarily from self-trauma. Triggers include immune-mediated inflammation, neural dysfunction, systemic illness, or psychogenic causes. Accurate diagnosis depends heavily on history, signalment, and clinical examination rather than histopathology. Key factors include breed, age of onset, seasonality, lesion patterns, and steroid response. In challenging cases, timely referral to a veterinary dermatologist is recommended.
- Explain the mechanisms that cause pruritus.
- Describe the basic clinical approach to pruritic diseases.
- Apply learned concepts to real canine cases.
Elizabeth Layne
DVM, Diplomate ACVD
Dr. Layne graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She worked for 11 years in mixed animal and small animal private practice. She then underwent dermatology specialty training as an intern and then resident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. She stayed at the UW-Madison for two more years as a clinical instructor, and then moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she works for BluePearl Veterinary Specialists. She also works as a locums for Unleashed Veterinary Dermatology in Connecticut, and provides dermatology consultation services in Montana. She is a co-editor for Veterinary Dermatology and Clinical Case Reports and is chair of the ACVD Research and Grants Committee.
Viral Diseases Of Skin In The Cat
The talk summary and learning objectives, for this session will be published in the coming weeks. Please check back soon.
- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Aiden Foster
PhD
Aiden Foster is a Honorary member of the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology and an emeritus member of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. He has substantial experience of publishing including editing journals and books; including the journal Veterinary Dermatology. His most recent book is Deer Veterinary Medicine. He has worked in livestock disease surveillance in the UK, with a particular focus on skin disease.
Selected Skin Diseases In The Cow
Skin diseases in cattle may be associated with low mortality and high morbidity, with low to severe impact on the performance of the herd/group. In recent years notifiable (reportable) diseases including Foot & Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease have been reported in Europe, acting as a reminder that the skin is a key organ involved in these important diseases. Where skin disease is present, with high morbidity and/or where individual animals have extensive lesions, then it is important to deploy the diagnostic methods used in other species to achieve a definitive diagnosis, which can then direct management and specific therapeutic interventions.
Some ectoparasites are tolerated by cattle; psoroptic mange can be associated with severe skin disease – so an accurate diagnosis is important when managing “mange”. Skin nodules may have a variety of infectious aetiologies and histopathology can play a key part in achieving a diagnosis. Some skin conditions may include or progress to systemic involvement. Udder cleft dermatitis can be challenging to manage and, in some herds, may manifest with cows with signs of respiratory disease due to spread of bacterial infection. Papillomatosis (sometimes severe) can be a particularly frustrating entity in heifers due to join the dairy herd.
- Be able to explain the importance of history when investigating skin disease in cattle.
- Be able to identify common ectoparasites found on cattle.
- Be able to describe the diagnostic steps for investigating cattle with signs of alopecia.
- Be able to describe the diagnostic steps for investigating cattle with nodular skin lesions.
- Be able to describe the lesions associated with udder cleft dermatitis.
Marie-Christine CADIERGUES
DVM, PhD, Dip ECVD, Professor
DVM (Toulouse, France 1991), PhD (2000), ECVD diplomate (2008), professor of Dermatology at the National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), Marie-Christine CADIERGUES is head of the Dermatology Unit and in charge of the development and coordination of clinical research in Companion Animals.
Her research fields are atopic dermatitis, otitis and ectoparasites. She is affiliated to the Toulouse Institute of Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases - INFINITy, a research unit of INSERM, CNRS, Toulouse III, in team 2 "Epidermal barrier and keratinocyte differentiation: from normal skin to inflammatory skin diseases". Within this team, canine atopic dermatitis is detailled at the molecular level, as canine disease can be a good model for human disease (the two diseases share many clinical features, and in particular appear spontaneously).
Canine skin models are developed to confirm pathophysiological hypotheses and test new therapies for both veterinary and human medicine.
Management of Otitis Externa
Otitis is a common condition in dogs. Due to its chronic nature, it often causes frustration for owners and considerable discomfort for the animal. In this presentation, we will first focus on the anatomical and functional characteristics of the ear canal. We will then consider the various factors involved in ear infections (predisposing, primary, secondary and perpetuating factors). Macroscopic and microscopic examination should enable the clinician to initiate a therapeutic approach aimed at controlling the ear infection. In the case of recurrent ear infections, proactive therapy can help to limit recurrence.
- understand the pathophysiology of ear infections
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know how to perform a macroscopic and microscopic assessment of lesions
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know how to choose products based on the stage of the ear infection
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know how to implement proactive treatment to limit recurrence
Petra Bizikova
MVDr., PhD, dipACVD, dipECVD
Dr. Petra Bizikova graduated at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Kosice [Koshice], Slovakia in 2001. A fortunate trip to North Carolina State University gave her the chance to start an internship followed by a residency in veterinary dermatology and, subsequently, an immunology PhD. During her PhD studies, she discovered the major canine pemphigus foliaceus antigen and developed serological assay to assist with the diagnosis of this disease. She became boarded by both American and European Colleges of Veterinary Dermatology in 2010 and defended her PhD in 2012. She then joined the Dermatology Faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 as a clinician-scientist with a main interest in autoimmunity and atopic dermatitis. She is also managing the equine dermatology service at the North Carolina State University.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Feline Pemphigus Foliaceus
Veterinarians have been aware of the existence of a naturally occurring pemphigus foliaceus (PF) in domestic animals for decades. From all existing pemphigus variants, PF is the most common one seen in our companion animals and horses. Like in people, animal PF is believed to be is an antibody-mediated autoimmune blistering skin disease targeting keratinocyte adhesion organelles called desmosomes. Indeed, such autoantibodies binding the cell membrane of keratinocytes were uncovered in about 70% of cats with PF. The major target antigen of these autoantibodies in cats remains unknown.This lecture will focus on feline PF, its clinical presentation(s), relevant differential diagnoses and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- Recognition of pustular origin in cats with crusts and erosions
- Main differential diagnoses of feline pemphigus foliaceus
- Diagnostic approach to confirm feline pemphigus foliaceus
- From pathomechanism to treatment
- What to suspect when treated a cat with pemphigus foliaceus
Ralf S. Mueller
Dr.med.vet., Dr.habil., MANZCVSc, DipACVD, FANZCVSc, DipECVD
Prof. Ralf S. Mueller graduated in Munich/Germany, completed his doctoral thesis in 1987, and worked in several large and small animal practices before completing a residency in veterinary dermatology at the University of California/Davis in 1992. In 1992 he moved to Melbourne/Australia to work with his partner and wife Dr. Sonya Bettenay. Together, they created the first, purpose-built specialist practice in Australia. During that time, Dr. Mueller was concurrently consulting and teaching at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital/University of Sydney. Ralf and Sonya established (and continue to conduct) the Distance Education Program in Veterinary Dermatology of the Centre for Veterinary Education of the University of Sydney. In 1999, Ralf became Assistant Professor in Veterinary Dermatology at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences/Colorado State University. In 2004, he accepted a position as chief of the veterinary dermatology service at the University of Munich/Germany. His main research interests are allergies and ectoparasites. He has published over 250 studies, articles, book chapters and books and given more than fifteen hundred seminars, lectures and talks all over the world.
Culicoides hypersensitivity - What’s New?
Equine Culicoides hypersensitivity is an IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis triggered by bites of Culicoides midges. The salivary proteins act as allergens; sensitization involves a Th2-skewed response, production of allergen-specific IgE, mast cell degranulation, and a late-phase infiltrate rich in eosinophils. Clinical signs include severe pruritus, hair loss, crusting, excoriation—often in mane, tail, dorsal/ventral midline—and secondary skin lesions. Recent advances in treatment include active vaccination against IL-5 (a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine using equine IL-5 (eIL-5) has been shown to induce anti-IL-5 autoantibodies, reduce eosinophil levels, and lessen clinical signs over two seasons) or allergen immunotherapy with recombinant Culicoides allergens (in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, horses immunized with a pool of nine r-allergens (with alum + monophosphoryl lipid A as adjuvants) had significantly greater improvement in lesion scores vs placebo, especially in the second year. The treatment induced IgG (notably IgG4/7) responses and sera that could block IgE-mediated activity. Together, these suggest that targeting key cytokines (like IL-5) and using defined recombinant allergen panels are promising in both treating and potentially preventing IBH, with better safety/efficacy than crude extracts.
- Describe the immunopathogenesis of equine Culicoides hypersensitivity, including the roles of IgE, Th2 skewing, and eosinophils.
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Recognize the key clinical manifestations and distribution of lesions in affected horses.
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Summarize conventional management strategies and their limitations.
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Explain novel therapeutic approaches, including anti-IL-5 vaccination and recombinant Culicoides allergen immunotherapy.
Ramón Almela
DVM, PhD, DECVD
Dr. Ramón M. Almela, is an Assistant Professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Tufts University, where he treats skin conditions in dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, and exotic species. He is originally from Murcia, a sunny friendly town bathed by the Mediterranean Sea in southeast Spain. As a child, he thoroughly enjoyed observing and interacting with all kinds of animals and it became clear that in the future he would become a doctor who would help animals. One story he enjoys telling is that in his childhood while dreaming of helping big cats in the African savanna, he used to perform CPR on the flies that his mother was trying to kill around the house.
After graduating and obtaining his PhD from veterinary school at the University of Murcia (Spain), he worked for several years in private practice before coming back to the University of Murcia where he became involved in the Dermatology service and ‘fell in love at first sight’ with veterinary dermatology.
In order to perform high-quality medicine, he pursued a residency program. He moved to Augsburg (Germany) for a residency in the European College of Veterinary Dermatology (ECVD) where he quickly had to learn a new language. After completing the residency program, he obtained board certification by the European College of Veterinary Dermatology. He has spent several externships at different European universities and at North Carolina State University and has lectured in different countries across Europe. He has authored two books, several peer-reviewed original publications, and has made many contributions in national and international scientific meetings. He can speak, write and read fluently Spanish, English, German and basic French. He enjoys his free time with his wife, toddler, their 14-year-old Labrador Retriever, and friends. He pursues many outdoor activities including when possible scuba-diving. Expectations include improving worldwide collaboration and networking between veterinary dermatologists.
Clinical approach to the pruritic dog – Abordaje clínico del prurito en el perro
This presentation will discuss the current approach to dogs with Pruritus. Pruritus (itch) is the most common problem in small animal dermatology. Hence, there are different diseases that can trigger itch. The pathobiology of pruritus in dogs will be review with current evidence. The knowledge of the itch pathways and associated mediators (pruritogens) help to understand whether the different treatments are indicated or not indicated considering their mechanisms of action in the different canine itchy diseases. How the clinician and owners can assess patient itch will be discussed as well with practical examples. Then, an updated clinical approach of the main itchy diseases including canine atopic dermatitis and food and flea allergy and scabies will be reviewed.
- To understand the itch pathway and associated mediators in the dog.
- To be able to assess the itch and itch severity in the dog.
- To know the approach to the most common itchy diseases in the dog.
Stephen D. White
DVM, DACVD, Prof. Emeritus, UC Davis
Dr. Stephen D. White became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in 1983. A graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis, he did his internship and dermatology residency at Davis as well. He has held faculty positions at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, before joining the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California at Davis as a full Professor in 1998.
Dr. White has thrice been a sabbatical professor at the National School of Veterinary Medicine in Nantes, France, and has served as president of the ACVD, three times as Secretary of the World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, and is currently the Secretary of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.
Dr. White has published over 130 scientific papers in refereed journals, numerous book chapters, and has lectured throughout North America, Europe and Asia. His interests are dermatologic manifestation of internal disease, food allergy, and dermatology of equine, farm and exotic animals.
Dr. White received the ACVD’s Award of Excellence in 2000, the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology’s Frank Kral Award in 2020, the American Veterinary Medical Association Clinical Research Award in 2022 and has been accorded the UC Davis honorific title ‘Distinguished Professor’.
Dermatophilosis in Large Animals
Dermatophilosis is a skin infections caused by the actinomycete bacteria, Dermatophilus congolensis. It is found world-wide in temperate and tropical climates, and may be the most important skin disease economically due to the hide damage it causes. The disease is usually seen during months of high rainfall, with the dorsal surface of the animal most commonly affected. Occasionally the lesions involve the lower extremities when animals are kept in wet pastures or forage in swamps or if left in stalls while the stall is cleaned with high-pressure water hoses.
This talk will cover the predisposing conditions necessary for infection, the clinical features of dermatophilosis, and options for treatment and prevention.
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Learn the three predisposing conditions that must be present for dermatophilosis to occur.
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Be familiar with the clinical presentation, both the type of lesions as well as their distribution on the animal.
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Understand the options for treatment and possibilities for prevention.
Thierry Olivry
DrVet, PhD, Diplomate Emeritus ECVD, ACVD
Prof. Thierry Olivry graduated from the University of Toulouse, France, and completed a dermatology residency and PhD in comparative pathology at the University of California Davis. He is an emeritus diplomate of both ECVD and ACVD. After 28 years as a clinician-scientist in veterinary dermatology, allergy, and immunology at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Olivry left Academia and returned to Europe. In November 2022, he became Head of Research & Development at Nextmune, a multinational animal health company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
Multimodal approach to canine atopic dermatitis
Humans and dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic, relapsing allergic skin condition characterised by a complex pathogenesis. In most cases, the binding of allergen-specific IgE to allergens triggers an immediate allergic reaction that rapidly involves multiple cell types and initiates a type-2-oriented (Th2) inflammation. This inflammation subsequently leads to skin barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis, which can perpetuate that inflammation. Given the intricate nature of its pathogenesis, the optimal treatment strategy for a canine patient with AD will be individualised and adjusted over time based on the progression of clinical signs. Initially, the treatment approach focuses on a comprehensive reduction of allergic inflammation through immunosuppressant medications such as oral and topical glucocorticoids, oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and cyclosporine. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies targeting the pruritogenic cytokine IL-31 can be employed to alleviate allergic itch. Furthermore, adjunctive therapy involving oral and topical fatty acids and lipid combinations aims to restore the compromised skin barrier. Whenever feasible, particularly in instances of food-induced AD, allergen avoidance is paramount to prevent exacerbations of allergy symptoms. In situations where avoidance is not feasible, IgE sensitisation tests can help identify allergens responsible for triggering symptoms. In such cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy remains the only intervention capable of modulating the immune system in the long term to help prevent future relapses.
- Understand the complexity of the inflammation in the skin of dogs with AD
- Rank anti-allergic drugs based on their breadth of inflammation suppression
- Design a treatment protocol based on the clinical signs of the patient
Koji Nishifuji
TBA
Speaker bio will be available shortly. Full details about this session are currently being finalised and will be updated here soon.
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Manon Paradis
DVM, MScV, Diplomate ACVD | Quebec
Dr. Manon Paradis is professor in veterinary dermatology at the Faculty of veterinary medicine of the University of Montreal. This is where she graduated in 1979 and pursued a small animal internship. Then, she completed a Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine and a Masters degree in Endocrinology at the University of Saskatchewan. This was followed by an Alternative Residency Program in Veterinary Dermatology with Dr. Danny W. Scott. She became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 1990. Dr. Paradis’ fields of interest include canine alopecia, hypothyroidism, genodermatoses and the use of avermectins and melatonin in small animal dermatology. She is author and co author of over 100 scientific articles and 30 book chapters, and has given over 250 continuing education lectures at national and international meetings.
Non-inflammatory Alopecia
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Valerie Fadok
BVetMed (Hons), MRCVS
Dr. Valerie Fadok received her DVM from Washington State University in 1978, after which she did an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group. A residency in veterinary dermatology followed at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Fadok became board-certified in 1982. She earned a PhD in Experimental Pathology at the Unversity of Colorado Health Sciences center in 1991. Dr. Fadok has worked on faculty at University of Tennessee, the University of Florida, Texas A & M University, and National Jewish Health. She has worked in private specialty practices in Denver, Colorado, and Houston, Texas. Dr. Fadok joined Zoetis in 2014 as a field specialist to help veterinarians treat skin diseases with more joy and less frustration. She retired from that position in January 2023, and now consults to Nextmune and Zoetis Diagnostics, as well as participating in the dermatology folder at the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Dr. Fadok has lectured internationally, nationally, and locally on subjects relating to veterinary skin disease, immunology, and inflammation. Awards include the ACVD Award for Excellence (2010) and the Frank Kral Award (2018)
Use of monoclonal antibodies in veterinary dermatology
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Katarina Varjonen
DVM, Dipl ECVD, MRCVS
Dr Katarina Varjonen is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. She works at the Anicura Albano Animal Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Previously, she was a senior lecturer in Dermatology at the University of Liverpool, School of Veterinary Science, the United Kingdom. She is also the President of the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology (ESVD) and a member of the administrative committee at the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD).
She became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2011. She has numerous publications under her belt. Her main interests are small animal dermatology in particular treatment of bacterial infections and antimicrobial stewardship, ear diseases and surgical laser application in dermatology
Canine pyoderma management updates
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Nick Bacon
MA VetMB CertVR CertSAS DipECVS DACVS FRCVS
Professor Nick Bacon completed a residency in Small Animal Surgery at Cambridge University, a Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University and spent 9 years as Surgical Oncology Faculty at the University of Florida, becoming Head of Oncology. In 2014 he moved back to the UK and was appointed Professor of Surgical Oncology at the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine and co-founded Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue, now AURA Veterinary, in Guildford, Surrey. AURA Veterinary has the largest and most experienced team of medical, surgical and interventional oncologists in the country and treats patients from across the UK and mainland Europe.
Nick is a Diplomate of the European and American Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons, a Past-President of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology, and an ACVS Founding Fellow of Surgical Oncology. He has been awarded specialist status in Surgical Oncology by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and was appointed a Fellow of the RCVS due to his Contribution to Clinical Practice. Nick is a founder member of the Oncology Working Group of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and is on the Specialist Advisory Board for the veterinary homeless charity StreetVet.
Skin lumps and bumps: are they always cancerous?
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Dominique Wiener
DVM, PhD, Dipl ECVP
Dr. Dominique Wiener earned her DVM, from the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland. She then completed a combined PhD/residency program at the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern and became a diplomate of ECVP. During the residency, she became interested in dermatopathology. In 2018 joined Texas A&M University (TAMU), College Station, USA as a clinical assistant professor in anatomic pathology and was appointed clinical associate professor in 2023.
She was teaching the professional students and residents at TAMU and did research focused on canine and feline keratinocytic organoids. She was the director of the dermatopathology specialty service at TAMU until she returned to Switzerland in May 2025. Since June 2025 she is working as an anatomic pathologist with focus on dermatopathology at Kühn Pathologie, Hünenberg, Zug, and at Vetscope, Riehen, Basel. She is president of the International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology. She serves as a manuscript reviewer in the areas of dermatopathology. Off-work she likes to enjoy time with her family, friends and her dog Patch.
Hair follicle and hair growth
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Alberto Martin Cordero
DVM, Member AAVD, Founder LASVD
Dr. Alberto Martin Cordero received the degree of Doctor in Veterinary Medicine by the University of Guadalajara. He studied Veterinary Dermatology in the European School for Advanced Veterinary Studies, University of Luxembourg. He is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology and a founder member of the Latin American Society of Veterinary Dermatology. Is an assistant professor in University of Guadalajara, Department of Veterinary Medicine. He has been a speaker in numerous conferences in Mexico, Latin America and Eastern Europe; and presented articles and clinical cases in Latin America, USA, and Europe. He has been a coordinator in videotoscopy wetlabs and dermatology workshops. He is the coordinator of the dermatology program in Leon Conference (CVDL), currently the second largest veterinary meeting in the world. Dr. Alberto has published articles and clinical cases national and international. He works in private practice and it is the owner of VETDERM: the first veterinary dermatology referral practice the west of Mexico. He has realized visits in the Animal Dermatology Clinics in Southern California and in the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and Colorado State University.
Dermatoscopy and its clinical applications
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
- Practical pitfalls & tips
Anthony Yu
BSc, DVM, MSc, DACVD
Dr. Tony Yu graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1990 and went on to complete a residency and Master’s degree at Auburn University in 1995. He became a Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 1996.
After 11 years in private practice in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Yu returned to Ontario as an Associate Professor at OVC, where he taught and mentored veterinary students in dermatology for nine years.
Since 2013, he has been in private referral practice, dedicated to helping patients with chronic ear, skin, endocrine, and allergic conditions in dogs, cats, and horses. Dr. Yu also has a keen interest in video-otoscopy and LASER surgery and is committed to providing thorough, compassionate care to every patient he sees.
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Equine Sarcoids
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
- Treatment strategies
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Falvia Clare
DVM MSc PhD
Dr. Flávia Clare, DVM, MSc, PhD, is a veterinary dermatologist with over 24 years’ experience. She holds a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine with an emphasis in dermatology from UFRRJ and is a member of ESVD, AAVD, SLDV, and SBDV. She teaches small animal medicine, physiology, immunology and allergy at UNIFAA and leads postgraduate courses in dermatology. She maintains a clinical practice, lectures nationally, and runs her own dermatology company offering both in-person and online courses.
Deep fungal infections
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- Key clinical takeaways
- Diagnostics & decision-making
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Ronaldo Lucas
DVM, MSc, PhD
Dr. Ronaldo Lucas graduated in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from the University of São Paulo (1991), obtained a Master’s degree in Veterinary Clinic from the University of São Paulo (1999), and a PhD in Veterinary Clinic from the University of São Paulo (2004). Former professor at six universities in São Paulo. Coordinator of the Veterinary Dermatology specialisation course at Equalis Sudeste and Nordeste. Technical director of Dermatoclinica, a clinic specialising in dermatology cases. He has experience in Veterinary Dermatology, working mainly in the following areas: dermatological therapeutics, cryosurgery, allergology, and otology. Former president of the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Dermatology and board member of the Latin American Society of Veterinary Dermatology. Consultant for Virbac Brazil.
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