Virtually the entire DermaVet team was in Bilbao this year for the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology (ESVD-ECVD) congress, and the least we can say is that the 2025 edition was absolutely incredible!
What a success indeed: 1257 participants from 55 countries gathered in the beautiful Euskalduna convention center, with its superb auditorium, just steps away from the Guggenheim Museum.
The program was fabulous, as were the numerous symposiums that highlighted the latest innovations. We particularly witnessed the launch of Numelvi® from Merck and Zenrelia® from Elanco, two new options for increasingly effective management of our atopic canine patients.
For those who didn’t have the chance to be there, here’s a glimpse of the scientific richness of this event.
A structure designed for all levels of expertise
The congress was organized, as usual, around three parallel tracks, allowing everyone to customize their experience:
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The Practical Program: Ideal for practitioners, this track addressed daily clinical challenges with clear and directly applicable sessions.
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The Advanced Program: To deepen knowledge, this track offered lectures on more complex subjects and cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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The “Cutting Edge” Program: Reserved for curious minds, this track explored the frontiers of research, offering a glimpse into the future directions of our discipline.
An overview of this congress’s key themes
The program of this 35th edition was remarkably dense. Here are some of the major themes that were addressed:
Canine Dermatology in the spotlight
Canine dermatology was extensively explored from all angles:
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Breed-specific approaches: Fascinating sessions were dedicated to breed specificities (Giordana Zanna), complex dermatoses in brachycephalic breeds (Elisa Maina), as well as pediatric and geriatric particularities (Ana Oliveira).
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Focus on Canine Leishmaniasis: Major emphasis was placed on this pathology, with cutting-edge lectures on immune response (Christine Petersen), the importance of skin in infection, and new diagnostic and control perspectives (Domenico Otranto).
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The frontiers of Allergology: Cutting-edge subjects were presented, such as the immunopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (Andreas Wollenberg), an update on molecular allergology (Thierry Olivry) and new approaches in immunotherapy.
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Modern Otology: Diagnostic and interventional otoendoscopy was brilliantly presented by Gerhard Oechtering, offering an overview of new therapeutic possibilities for middle ear infections.
A day dedicated to Feline Dermatology
Our feline patients received a full day of lectures on essential subjects:
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Autoimmune and immune-mediated skin diseases.
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Particularities of feline cutaneous oncology.
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Management of otitis and feline pyoderma.
Transversal Themes and Dermatopathology
The collaboration with ISVD (International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology) significantly enriched the program:
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Dermatopathology: Sessions dedicated to exploring granulomatous dermatitis (Misha Rosenbach), clinicopathological conferences and mystery cases helped improve our diagnostic skills.
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Technology and Innovation: The use of dermatoscopy to refine diagnosis (Giordana Zanna) and cutaneous laser surgery (Katarina Varjonen) were highlighted.
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Neurodermatology: A fascinating exploration of the link between the nervous system and skin, particularly the connection between the brain and pruritus, was presented by Holger Volk.
More than a congress, an unforgettable experience
Beyond the scientific richness, the organizing committee invited us to discover the treasures of Bilbao. The welcome reception in the spectacular setting of the Guggenheim Museum and the discovery of Basque gastronomy, with its famous pintxos, were moments of conviviality and sharing that were greatly appreciated.
This 35th congress was an exceptional vintage, a unique opportunity to learn, exchange, and be inspired by the world’s greatest experts.
Congratulations to the organizers and see you in Lille in 2026 for the 36th edition!