Figure 1. Suggested recheck schedule. Image: Zoetis UK Ltd.
Preparation for the recheck
Review the patient ' s record
Before the client arrives, review the patient ' s record, including the date of diagnosis, flare factors already addressed, previous cytology / culture, diet trial status, comorbidities and tolerance of handling, e. g. ear pain [ 2, 4 ].
Check treatment response data
If you use the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale( PVAS), look at the previous score and interval. If not, plan to add the PVAS; it is validated, quick to capture and indispensable for shared decision-making [ 10 ]. It is a simple tool with a 10-point scale where 0 is no itching at all and 10 is extremely severe itching. It can be used by pet owners to assess the severity of itching( pruritus) in their pets with dermatological conditions such as allergies, atopic dermatitis or other skin diseases. Owners observe their pet over 24 hours and place a mark on the scale that best matches the pet ' s pruritus level. VSs and VNs can use this score to monitor treatment effectiveness and disease progression. An example of another itch tracker( Table 1) is available from Zoetis Learning Academy [ 11 ].
Prepare the product
Verify the correct vial strength. Cytopoint should be stored in the refrigerator( 2 – 8 ° C, do not freeze, protect from light). It has single-use handling; calculate the dose to meet the minimum recommendation of 1 mg / kg, administered subcutaneously( SC), and combine vials if necessary [ 7 ].
Plan key messages in line with protocol
Align with the VS ' s plan and the clinic ' s protocols on matters such as flea control, medicated baths / ear care and timing of diet trials, so your communication during the consultation is consistent and confident [ 2, 4 ].
Table 1. The scoring chart from the Zoetis itch tracker, with ratings from 0 for no itching at all to 100 for extremely severe itching [ 11 ].
Description Rating Signs
Extremely severe itching
Severe itching
Moderate itching
100 Dog is scratching, chewing, licking almost continuously. Itching practically never stops, regardless of what else is happening around the dog
80 Prolonged episodes of itching when the dog is awake. Itching occurs at night, and also when eating, playing, exercising or when otherwise distracted
60 Regular episodes of itching when the dog is awake. Itching may occur at night and wake the dog. No itching when eating, playing, exercising or being distracted
Mild itching |
40 |
Moderately frequent episodes of itching. There may be occasional episodes of itching at night. No itching when sleeping, eating, playing, exercising or being distracted |
Very mild itching
20 Occasional episodes of itching. The dog is slightly more itchy than before the problem began
Normal dog 0 Itching is not a problem
24 Veterinary Nursing Journal