Nutrition is moving back into the dermatology workup

A new dvm360 podcast and companion article are putting nutrition back at the center of veterinary dermatology. In the episode, board-certified veterinary dermatologist Robert Ward, BVM&S, MSc, MRCVS, DACVD, told host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, that clinicians should keep nutritional dermatoses on the differential list, especially as homemade and raw diets become more common again. Ward highlighted zinc-responsive dermatosis, vitamin, fatty acid, copper, and protein-related skin disease, hepatocutaneous syndrome, and the role of diet trials when food allergy is suspected. (music.amazon.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary teams, the takeaway is practical: skin cases that look like allergy, keratinization disease, or chronic poor coat quality may warrant a fuller diet history before the workup moves too far downstream. That aligns with broader nutrition guidance from WSAVA and AAHA, which recommend routine nutritional assessment and, when risk factors are identified, a more detailed evaluation. It also fits with current caution around raw and improvised homemade diets, which WSAVA says can carry risks of nutrient imbalance and bacterial contamination, while Tufts notes home-prepared diets not formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist are very likely to have deficiencies or excesses. (wsava.org)

What to watch: Expect more emphasis on diet history, elimination diet protocols, and nutrition consults in dermatology workflows as practices respond to persistent skin disease and pet parent interest in alternative feeding approaches. (cliniciansbrief.com)