Itchy Pet Month: Taming the Tech-nical Itch: A Digital Solution for Dermatology Cases

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month, a time dedicated to the all-too-common challenge of pet dermatology cases. If you’ve ever been kept awake by the sound of a dog scratching—or walked into an exam room already knowing you’re about to see “that ear again”—you know the weight chronic dermatology cases can carry. They drain time, resources, and can lead to veterinary team burnout.

But what if the frustration wasn’t inevitable?

What if the tools we already have could help turn these cases from endless cycles of flare-ups into real, lasting improvements for patients and their people?

Technology is no longer a sidekick in veterinary medicine—it’s part of the main treatment plan. Used correctly, it can simplify workflows, improve diagnostic accuracy, strengthen client relationships, and, most importantly, give pets back their comfort and quality of life.

Max’s Story: From Chronic Misery to Real Relief

One case in particular stands out from my own practice. Max, a gentle pittie mix, lived with severe allergic skin disease. His ears were swollen and oozing, his coat was dry and flaky, and his itch level was off the charts. The smell alone told the story of chronic infection.

Max’s humans were just as worn down as he was. They had been turned away in the past because of his breed, diagnostic workups were never fully explained, and client education was minimal. His care consisted of episodic treatments with ear cleaner and prednisone, which never truly addressed his underlying condition. Over time, the family resigned themselves to the belief that Max would always be itchy, uncomfortable, and “smelly.”

With the right diagnostics, tailored treatment, and education, everything changed. Digital cytology provided clear images his owners could see and understand. AI-powered tools helped quantify and track his progress. Pre-exam questionnaires gathered key history before each visit, ensuring no detail was lost.

Max still experienced flare-ups, but his baseline comfort improved dramatically. He could walk without stopping to scratch. He could play. He could even indulge in some counter-surfing (although this didn’t help our diet trial.) Most importantly, his owners felt empowered, informed, and hopeful.

Max’s story is proof that technology can transform outcomes and restore joy to both patients and their people - read on to learn how! 

Why Dermatology Demands a Smarter Veterinary Workflow

Dermatological conditions, particularly recurrent otitis externa, are among the most common reasons pets visit a veterinary hospital. Their chronic nature leads to frequent revisits, repeated diagnostics, and extended client communication. Without the right systems in place, these cases consume disproportionate amounts of time and can contribute to both staff burnout and client frustration.

From a business standpoint, chronic dermatology cases affect revenue in subtle ways:

• Uncompensated follow-up calls and consultations
• Missed charges from complex treatment plans
• Extended appointment times without increased fees
• Discounts given under pressure from frustrated clients

The solution isn’t just “working harder.” It’s implementing systems that make the process efficient and repeatable without compromising care.

The Digital Toolkit for the Modern Veterinary Dermatologist 

Managing complex cases often feels like an intricate puzzle. From deciphering subtle skin lesions to navigating long-term treatment protocols for chronic conditions, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. Fortunately, technology is no longer just a supplement to patient care—it’s the very foundation of a more efficient and effective practice. The modern veterinary clinic is built on a robust digital ecosystem, with a cloud-based practice information management system (PIMS) like Shepherd, at its core. This digital foundation streamlines everything from record-keeping and lab integration to client communication, reducing the administrative burden on your team and freeing you to focus on your clinical work and helping you provide the highest level of care.

Transcription and Dictation for Accurate Records

Real-time transcription and dictation tools allow clinicians to document SOAP notes during the exam, eliminating the end-of-day scramble to remember details. Shepherd’s TranscribeAI tool is AI-powered and designed to streamline the record-keeping process for veterinary clinicians. It functions by transcribing and dictating SOAP notes in real-time as a clinician is conducting an exam.  The best part? It’s built directly into the system: no third-party software or copy/paste required!

A key feature of the tool is its ability to filter out non-essential conversation, such as small talk, while organizing the remaining findings into a structured medical record. The software can almost instantly generate these records, eliminating late-night charting for good!

Complementing TranscribeAI, Shepherd has additional AI-powered tools called AI Insights and DiagnoseAI, which serve as an on-demand veterinary reference system to assist your team. These tools work in partnership with clinicians by automating the creation of summaries, treatment plans, and discharge instructions. The software even enhances client communication by providing the ability to translate discharge instructions into your client’s preferred language.

More Efficient Workflows for the Win

Automation goes beyond reminders and notifications - and Shepherd has those built-in too! Automation, customization, and integration are the next big wins for your practice.

Think about things like:

• Automatic pre-exam questionnaires 
• Customizable physical exam templates 
• Customizable and historical body maps
• Electronic consent forms
• Automatic prescription instructions
• Prepopulated treatment notes
• Direct booking and client self-service portals 
• Integrated reference labs and radiology
• Automatic invoicing
• Shortcut keys
• Searchable client history

This suite of products is designed to save time, reduce repetitive manual tasks, and minimize errors. For example, simple shortcuts like custom physical exam templates and searchable patient history can save minutes in each appointment, which adds up across a full schedule. Additionally, features that automatically transfer service and product costs to the invoice make billing seamless and help prevent missed charges, while still allowing for adjustments for individual patients.

Beyond the Microscope: How AI and Communication Tech are Transforming Dermatological Care

In a field as visual and detail oriented as veterinary dermatology, technology is providing a new lens for diagnostics and a powerful new way to connect with clients. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is changing the way clinics handle diagnostics. For instance, AI-powered cytology can provide consistent, accurate counts for bacteria and yeast and even compare results over time, storing high-quality images directly in the patient record. This not only helps clinicians with varying levels of microscopy experience but also frees up valuable time for patient care and communication.  

Client education is critical, especially in dermatology, where many owners may feel defensive or embarrassed about their pet’s chronic condition. Technology can bridge this gap and build trust from the very first interaction. Pre-visit forms with embedded educational resources can prepare clients before they even arrive, while digital cytology images allow them to see exactly what is happening in their pet’s skin or ears, making treatment recommendations more tangible and easier to understand. Furthermore, AI-generated discharge instructions can ensure clients receive clear, accurate medication guidance in their preferred language, which improves compliance and reduces the risk of errors.  

Beyond the medical details, technology also builds trust through transparency. Financial clarity is just as important as medical clarity. Detailed and accurate estimates that automatically convert into treatment records and invoices help to eliminate confusion and reduce billing disputes. Client portals allow pet owners to view records, reminders, and invoices at any time, as well as request refills or schedule appointments without tying up phone lines, fostering a more transparent and convenient relationship.

The Ultimate Win: Reclaiming Joy Through Technology

Max’s transformation is a powerful example of the larger shift happening in veterinary medicine. His story proves that technology’s greatest impact is not in a single breakthrough, but in creating a better, more interconnected workflow. By enabling clinicians to diagnose more accurately and communicate more effectively, the right digital tools build stronger relationships with both pets and their people. Ultimately, this frees veterinary teams from time-consuming administrative burdens and repetitive tasks that lead to stress and burnout. When technology becomes a trusted partner in the clinic, it allows professionals to reclaim their time, preserve their energy, and rediscover the joy that drew them to this profession in the first place.