The World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) was delighted with the response to the inaugural Clinical Consensus Guidelines (CCGs) program for common skin diseases of companion animals delivered at the 8th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology in Bordeaux, France on 2nd June 2016. The WAVD CCGs Committee identified major topics of practical relevance to all veterinarians in clinical practice. Key academic and clinical experts were enlisted to conduct an extensive review of the published literature and form a consensus view that was evidence-based wherever possible. The Clinical Consensus Guidelines and their subsequent recommendations form the basis of the current draft. The first two topics included the Current Status of Diagnosis and Treatment of Dermatophytosis in Companion Animals (Drs. Kim Coyner, Susan Paterson and Karen Moriello, Co-Chairs) and Guidelines for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcal Infections – Diagnosis, Therapeutic Considerations and Prevention (Dr. Dan Morris, Chair).
“The presentations included a summary of key clinical guidelines for each of the topics with an interactive discussion from attendees. The lecture hall was filled to capacity with veterinarians from all over the world and the feedback was excellent”, stated Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz, CCGs Chairperson. Rosenkrantz further commented, “It is extremely important that we receive feedback about these guidelines from all veterinarians that belong to any member, affiliate or provisional member organization of WAVD. Complete manuscripts for each of these topics are available on the WAVD website and comments for the authors can be lodged using the website.”
WAVD is strongly encouraging veterinarians to participate. Commentary about the guidelines could include, but should not be limited to, agreement or disagreement with the conclusions; additions to conclusions and identification of any major publications inadvertently omitted. Feedback must include a contact name, email address and veterinary dermatology affiliation (see WAVD site for details). After receiving feedback, the final CCGs will be submitted to the WAVD Administrative Committee for approval and then The Veterinary Dermatology Journal for review and publication. Open access to the publication will be made available on the WAVD website. The WAVD has committed to producing further CCGs. Future topics planned include demodicosis, Malassezia dermatitis, autoimmune disease therapy and equine dermatology.
