Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP (Canine and Feline)

Paul Bloom, DVM, DACVD, DABVP (Canine and Feline), is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Department of Dermatology, Michigan State University. He was also on the task force of the 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines.

1

What made you choose your specialty area?

After eight years in general practice, I was feeling unchallenged. An opportunity arose to work with the board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Michigan State University, who needed two veterinarians to help him in managing dermatology cases. I applied for and was accepted for one of the two positions. The relationship was supposed to last for a year, but it was such a mutually beneficial relationship that we continued it for the next 13 years. After 14 years I was asked if I would consider challenging myself even more by becoming board-certified in veterinary dermatology. I had never considered it because of restrictions involved with owning my practice; however, the veterinary dermatologist was able to establish an alternative residency so that I could continue to own my general practice and also do the residency.

2

What do you wish you could tell general practitioners regarding your specialty?

First, veterinary dermatology requires that you always consider the “due to.” For example, alopecia due to, pruritus due to, otitis due to, etc. If you always consider the “due to” when presented with a dermatologic problem you will be less frustrated than if you were just playing “whack-a-mole.” Second, referring veterinarians should refer cases sooner rather than later, because many cases have significant, complicating problems that need to be treated before we can get to the underlying problem. Finally, it is important that referring veterinarians explain to the owners what to expect when they go to a veterinary dermatologist; it is not simply taking a look at the animal and curing the problem.

3

What is one thing that pet owners could do that would make your job more satisfying?

Understand that most dermatologic problems are manageable—but are rarely curable. In order to best manage the problem, you need to establish a long-term relationship with the client and the animal.

4

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Having owners understand why their animal has the problems it has and seeing the relief both for the owner and the animal as we successfully manage the dermatologic problem.

5

What advice would you give to someone considering your specialty?

If you have a big ego, this is not a specialty you should go into, simply because you will never—or only rarely—cure the problem. However, if you are willing to be thorough and diligent, you can have a major impact on the quality of life of these animals.

Photo courtesy of Paul Bloom DVM, DACVD, DABVP (Canine and Feline)