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A step-by-step guide to the recheck
Connect, set an agenda and listen( 2 – 3 min)
Welcome the owner and dog; let the dog settle in the clinic before examination and weighing. Start with a single open question( Figure 2), for example:“ What changes have you noticed in your dog ' s itching and skin since your last visit?”
Having listened to the owner ' s response, set expectations for the visit, such as to review changes, examine the skin and / or ears, give an injection( if due) and agree the plan.
It is worth noting that in a study of 334 appointments, those without early solicitation of client concerns were four times more likely to have new concerns arise at the end, which is costly in terms of time and client satisfaction. When clinicians did ask clients, they often interrupted them after just 11 seconds, so it is important to develop the habit of asking and actually listening [ 12 ].
Update the patient ' s history( 3 – 5 min)
Adherence and ease Find out how easy the ear cleaning and / or shampoo routine has been for the owner. Non-judgemental curiosity helps to break down and resolve any barriers to compliance [ 13 ].
Objective itch assessment Capture an itch score, using the PVAS [ 10 ] or the Zoetis itch tracker from the Zoetis Learning Academy [ 11 ]. It can be helpful to ask about details such as night-time itching and sleep disruption, which owners will value and remember.
Adverse events / other medications Cytopoint has no known drug interactions, and the SPC [ 7 ] supports administering Cytopoint on the same day as other medications, including vaccinations; however, it is still important to check for any unusual signs or changing clinical signs since the last visit.
Preventative interventions Confirm the dog ' s flea control protocol because flea allergic dermatitis is a common flare factor [ 4 ].
Perform a focused examination( 5 – 7 min)
Conduct a targeted nose-to-tail assessment, looking for alopecia, erythema, excoriations, crusts, lichenification and odour; use a flea comb if indicated; check the paws and interdigital skin; examine the ears last( palpate the pinnae, then use an otoscope).
Perform cytology whenever discharge, malodour or relapse suggests bacterial or Malassezia overgrowth.
Figure 2. It is important for VNs to connect with owners, listen and work together with them to manage the patient ' s care.
Volume 41( 3) • June 2026
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