Dedication and Preface

Dedication

To my wife, partner, and best friend, Sonya Bettenay, whose continued love, support, and feedback has helped me tremendously over the years personally and professionally. Without her this book would not have been possible.
To my parents, Irmi and Sigi, who encouraged and supported me when I left Germany to learn more about veterinary dermatology and who years later looked after the children to give me time to write this book.
To my children, Anya and Florian, whose interest and persistence in learning are a constant source of amazement and inspiration to me.
To my mentors, Peter Ihrke and Tony Stannard, and to all the colleagues whose support allowed me to develop the knowledge and experience that I hope will make this book useful in small animal practice. Specific thanks to Drs. Carol Foil, Gail Kunkle, Kerrie Lay, Helen Power, David Robson, and Linda Vogelnest, and the editorial team with Cindy Roantree, Susan Hunsberger, and Ray Lukens for their input and to Drs. Sonya Bettenay, Peter Ihrke, Thierry Olivry, Wayne Rosenkrantz, and Michel Shipstone for providing some of the pictures.

Preface

Dear Colleagues,

Veterinary dermatology plays an important role in small animal practice. Skin problems are the most frequent presenting complaint in many practices but due to their often chronic nature may cause frustration for veterinarians, clients, and patients alike.
This book is a practical introduction to veterinary dermatology for the busy small animal practitioner. It will help you to diagnose and manage skin diseases seen every day in your practice and allow you to perform a solid workup in patients with rare or complicated skin diseases that may require further reading, referral to, or advice from a veterinary dermatologist.
Most of all, I hope it will allow you to enjoy your dermatology cases, provide good service, and improve the quality of life in your patients.
Because your opinions and concerns are important in making this book most useful for the small animal practitioner, I would appreciate it if you would mail or e-mail me any criticisms or suggestions for inclusion in future editions.

Warm regards,
Ralf S. Mueller,
Dr. med vet., MACVSc, Dipl ACVD, FACVSc
Department of Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, USA.
E-mail: rmueller@vth.colostate.edu