Dr. Kelly Cairns: Itchy Kitties
Have you noticed that your cats are scratching more lately? Sometimes our cats scratch so much the entire bed shakes! But why are they itchy when we see no fleas, bugs, or rashes on our cats? There are some common skin conditions that might be the cause of the scratching, but how can we tell exactly what’s going on? Some cats can even develop behavior problems as a result of the irritation and feeling just plain yucky.
Should we be worried when our cats scratch so much they leave scabs and raw sores? When our cats are so itchy that they drive themselves (and you) and little crazy, if they seem to be in pain, and/or full of little scabs, it is definitely time for a visit to your veterinarian. Dr. Kelly Cairns is here to let us know what might be, or not be, causing your cat so much discomfort, and what your veterinarian is on the lookout for, so we can get your cat back to feeling like his usual kitty self.
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BIO:
Dr. Kelly Cairns graduated veterinary school from CSU in 2004, completed a small animal rotating internship at Cornell in 2005 and completed a small animal internal medicine residency at OSU in 2008, at which time she obtained Diplomate status. She enjoyed a rewarding clinical practice as an internist and medical director of a multi-specialty/ER hospital until joining Pathway Vet Alliance (now Thrive Pet Healthcare) in January of 2018. Dr. Cairns currently serves as Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education for over 400 hospitals in the Thrive Pet Healthcare family. She is also on the dvm360 editorial board and on the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors. She lectures nationally on profession-related wellness coaching topics as well as internal medicine.
Dr. Cairns provides coaching and resources to support the medical excellence, professional development and sustained happiness of veterinary healthcare team members. She is passionate about supporting the people in the veterinary profession on the front line who positively impact the lives of their patients and pet parents every day.
In her personal time Dr. Cairns is an avid runner and enjoys family life with her husband, two daughters, son, two cats and very sweet but poorly mannered lab mix.