Miami Veterinary Dermatology

15/10/2025

I am a proud Latina, the daughter of immigrant parents from Peru who came to the U.S. seeking a better life for themselves and for our family. From a very young age, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian — a dream that came true in 2000, when I graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Later I became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.

The gift of Spanish, given to me by my parents, has been more than a language. It’s been a bridge—to my community, to understanding, to care. Because when I speak to Spanish‐speaking pet owners in their own language, when I teach veterinary dermatology in Spanish to colleagues, I see what that gift truly means: empowerment, trust, healing.

Representation isn’t just nice — it’s essential. In the U.S., Hispanic or Latino veterinarians make up only about 5% of all veterinarians. And among veterinary specialists or diplomates, Latinx individuals are an even smaller fraction.

Being one of the few who look like the community I serve, who speak their language, who understand their story — that matters. It matters for pet owners who deserve to truly understand their pet’s dermatological care. It matters for children who might one day follow this path and finally see someone like them already here.

I am honored to serve my Latino community — as a veterinarian, as a specialist, as a woman, as a business owner. Because when we are visible, we make the path brighter for those who come after.

29/08/2025

This dog recently had an allergy skin test, and the results showed some pretty strong reactions. Skin testing helps us figure out exactly which environmental allergens(like pollens, molds, or dust mites) are triggering a pet’s symptoms. From there, we can create a customized allergy vaccine (immunotherapy) to help desensitize the immune system over time.

A common misconception: allergy vaccines should NOT be a “last resort.” Starting immunotherapy EARLY in the allergy journey often works better than waiting until symptoms are severe and harder to control.

Yes, testing can be an investment, but you have to consider the bigger picture:

✨ Fewer flare-ups (less meds needed)
✨ Fewer vet visits
✨ More stable, comfortable pets
✨ Long-term savings compared to ongoing drug costs

As a private practice, I try to keep costs reasonable and even offer payment plans to make this option more accessible. If your pet has been diagnosed with environmental allergies, it’s worth learning about skin testing and immunotherapy sooner rather than later.

Even if you’re not ready right away, it might be something to plan and save for—it can truly change the course of your pet’s allergy care.

Your pet doesn’t have to suffer through endless flare-ups—there are long-term solutions!

 

08/07/2025

Miami Veterinary Dermatology is looking for a lead veterinary technician. Please DM for more information.

14/05/2025

This Doberman is showing depigmentation of the nose and lower eyelids.

The most likely diagnosis? Vitiligo — an autoimmune condition where the body targets pigment-producing cells. Unlike more aggressive autoimmune diseases (like discoid lupus or pemphigus), there are no crusts, erosions, or loss of the normal cobblestone texture of the nose.
While a definitive diagnosis of vitiligo requires skin biopsies, they’re often not necessary when the depigmentation is isolated and not accompanied by painful or ulcerative lesions. Since vitiligo is purely cosmetic, treatment is usually avoided — the potential side effects of immunosuppressive therapy outweigh the benefit in these cases.

One important consideration: there is a syndrome called uveodermatologic syndrome that can also cause skin depigmentation — but it typically also involves eye inflammation and vision problems. For that reason, I recommend an ophthalmic exam in all patients with new or progressive depigmentation.

Bottom line: not all pigment loss is dangerous, but it should always be assessed by a veterinarian to rule out more serious underlying disease.

10/05/2025

What are your thoughts on this new ear med?

The latest canine otitis externa medication is the only FDA-approved, 1-dose, in-clinic treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pathogens.

10/05/2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJXl56oy-Vf/?igsh=Z2Fkb3EyM3Nxc3k2

04/05/2025

🐾 We're Hiring! 🐾
Client Service Coordinator (Veterinary Receptionist)

Love pets? Love people? Join our compassionate and fast-paced veterinary dermatology team! We’re looking for a friendly, dependable, and detail-oriented person to be the welcoming face at our front desk.

✨ No vet experience or college degree needed
✨ 401(k), insurance, PTO, staff discounts
✨ Supportive team + real career growth
✨ 33-36 hours/week, 8-hour shifts

📩 Apply now & make a difference every day! Email: [email protected]

01/05/2025

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-approves-new-canine-otitis-externa-medication

Yikes! I don't know how I feel about a long acting ear medicine with Marbofloxacin as the antibiotic ingredient.

Dehra’s Otiserene is a single-dose, long-acting product that utilizes marbofloxacin

26/04/2025

Over the past two months, our clinic had the pleasure of welcoming two incredible externs diving into the world of veterinary dermatology!

In March, we hosted Clarissa Martinez from The Ohio State University (go Buckeyes!), and in April, we were joined by Dr. Kathlyn Ramos all the way from the Dominican Republic.

We enjoyed the good energy and curiosity for derm, of these two individuals.

We can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next.

Wishing Clarissa and Dr. Ramos the best of luck!

04/04/2025

The dark spots on this dog’s prepuce are comedones or blackheads. Comedones appear when the hair follicle becomes clogged with oil or sebum and dead skin cells. Comedones can be seen in dogs with hormonal disorders like Cushings disease or hypothyroidism, as these conditions may be causing excessive sebum production.

The dog pictured here has Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s will also cause thinning of the skin. Look closely at the picture and you can see how paper thin the skin has become.

Other conditions to consider when you see comedones are bacterial skin infections, demodex mites and dermatophytes. Schnauzers can be predisposed to a condition called Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome, which is more like a breed acne-like keratinization disorder.

I know one can be tempted to squeeze these lesions, but do not do it, that can cause the skin to become inflamed and just make things worse.

Oh! And spraying too much Genta-One spray or Betagen spray will cause these comedone lesions as well. The spray has a potent steroid- causing a localized iatrogenic Cushing’s disease.