Karen A. Moriello, DVM, DACVD, is a professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Veterinary
Medicine and a member of the Veterinary Medicine Editorial Advisory Board. She is the author of numerous journal articles and books, including Self-Assessment Colour Review of Small Animal Dermatology.
What is the most exciting change you've seen in veterinary medicine?
Photos by Sandra Newbury, DVM
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When I graduated, animals were still dying of diseases that we can now prevent with vaccinations. We take vaccinations for
granted. But everyone needs to have at least one conversation with a veterinarian from a country where rabies is a real human
health threat to appreciate how much vaccinology has changed our profession and the animals we treat.
What is the focus of your current research?
The practical aspects of diagnosing and treating dermatophytosis. The pictures in this article were taken by my close friend
and colleague Dr. Sandra Newbury, who envisioned and made possible the first Dermatophyte Screening and Treatment Program
in an animal shelter. This model is being copied in shelters throughout the country.
Who was your most memorable patient?
A 2-year-old Persian cat named Monet. Through a calamitous series of events, she developed feline skin fragility syndrome
due to exogenous glucocorticoid administration and toxic epidermal necrolysis from a sulfa drug administered to treat diarrhea
associated with a "designer diet" being fed by the owner. The protein-deficient diet (Ah! Cats are not vegans!) really complicated
the situation. The end result was literally a skinned cat—with skin sloughing from her neck to her lumbosacral area. The prognosis
was grave, but the owner was a pediatric nurse who simply would not let Monet die—and she didn't! Over a year's time, Monet's
skin healed, and she regrew her hair. The only telltale sign was contraction of the skin over her head making her ears too
close together.
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
Ken a loud-mouthed, charismatic kitten with severe dermatophytosis, which was successfully treated through the Dermatophyte
Screening and Treatment Program at the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, Wis.
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From a medical perspective: "More is missed for not looking than for not knowing." In other words, slow down, look, and think.
From a career perspective: "Just remember academic veterinarians are mere mortals, and those pedestals people get put on are
built brick by brick." When you are a new graduate, you look at successful private practice and academic clinicians with awe
and think "I can't do that," all the time forgetting that everyone starts at the same place and that the only difference between getting what you want
and not getting what you want is persistence.
What would you advise a new graduate?
Veterinary medicine is a lot like the army—It's not a job, it's an adventure. But don't forget, adventures are not always
fun while you are having them.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
A cat person. I have three nocturnal house-wrecking predators that are the delight of my life. All three are refuge rejects.
Henry, a not-quite-tame black cat, slides between feral and pet. E-1, a big yellow tabby, is a former research cat; his name
comes from his ear tattoo. He's sweet but not too bright. Tink, a humane society rescue cat that had a broken leg, is affectionately
known as the old lady. She is very attached to my son, so much so that she yowls in disapproval when he brings a young lady to our house. I'm fine
with my son's dating, but Tink is not.
What book would you recommend?
Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. I credit this book with helping me develop self-discipline, not just in writing but in overcoming procrastination
and getting over the notion that I need "inspiration" to get X problem done. It was written in 1934 but is still in print.
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