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Fleas, mainly Ctenocephalides felis on both cats and dogs, are a very basic but continuing and common issue in veterinary practice. Fleas are important for their direct effects on infested pets, particularly when animals develop flea allergic dermatitis, and for their transmission of pathogens that can cause serious disease in cats and/or in humans – such as Bartonella spp. Fleas also bite humans, and negatively affect the pet-human bond. This roundtable discussed flea biology, flea-borne diseases, efficacy of control measures available, and improving compliance and client engagement. Effective control of fleas requires an understanding of their biology, as this affects what strategies will and will not be effective: for example leaving a house empty will not control a flea infestation as the pupae can stay dormant for months. There is now a wide range of products that can be used to control fleas both on the pet and in the environment, including not only sprays but spot-on formulations, collars, oral tablets and injections. Used correctly, these are generally both safe and highly effective, with no signs of resistance developing, thankfully. However, owners often do not use products correctly, whether through inability to do so; lack of understanding of why correct use is important; or simple forgetfulness. A range of measures must be used to engage with clients, educate them and help them to remember to treat their pets against these pernicious parasites

Summary: In this month's Small Animal Review three published papers relating to animal gut health from other veterinary journals are summarised. The papers for this issue focus on the canine microbiome in gastrointestinal disease and the microbiota-related changes that occur as a result of canine diabetes mellitus, as well as a literature review on the impact of exposure to dietary emulsifiers on bowel and metabolic health.

Mites are small arthropods with a world-wide distribution. They can be parasitic or free-living. Some burrow into the skin of pet animals or live in their hair follicles, while others can be found on the surface of the skin and/or ear. Clinical signs of infestation in dogs, cats and rabbits are variable. Infestations are typically diagnosed by skin scrapings, coat brushings, hair plucks, and tape strips. Readily available veterinary insecticidal products are often effective but may need to be combined with environmental control procedures.

Pemphigus foliaceus is one of the most frequently occuring auto-immune skin conditions in the dog and cat. It is characterised by a pustular, crusting dermatosis and affects mainly middle-aged-to-older dogs. In this article, veterinary dermatologist Mark Craig presents key ‘disease facts’ for the practicing veterinarian on the most common condition of the pemphigus complex in the dog and cat. Clinical features, diagnostic steps, treatment options and prognosis will be discussed.

Antimicrobial resistance in companion animals is a growing problem, and veterinary practitioners must carefully select antimicrobial treatment. In this article, factors affecting antibiotic selection and common reasons for treatment failure in canine skin disease are discussed. A table of antibiotics licensed for sysemic administration in dogs with skin disease is included ( Table 2 ).

This article discusses sarcoptic mange in the dog, including transmission and life cycle, general features, clinical signs, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Aspects of human infestation are considered.

This article discusses otitis externa, inflammation of the external ear canal, the classification of which has been modified to include a combination of causes and factors. Primary and secondary causes, predisposing and perpetuating factors, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are considered.

Black's Veterinary Dictionary, first published in 1928, is now in its 22nd edition. This sturdy hardback volume adopts a practical approach, is reasonably priced, and is a useful, informative addition to your bookshelf.