Meet the Vet!
Dr Tina Baxter graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney in 1999, and then worked in a busy mixed clinic in Sydney. She returned to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden (UVTHC) in 2004 to undertake five years of additional training in dermatology under the supervision of Linda Vogelnest. Tina has published numerous journal articles including a major research paper on allergy testing in horses,and is a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Medicine.
Tina's focus is now mainly on skin, ear and allergic problems in dogs, cats and horses, including intradermal allergy testing and desensitisation programs for these species. Tina is a strong advocate for responsible use of antibiotics, in an effort to prevent, and improve management of, antibiotic resistant bacterial skin infections, which are increasingly occurring in animal species.
Tina is also passionate about teaching the veterinarians of the future; not just in medicine and skin conditions, but in good communication, finding a work:life balance, and preserving the love for working as a veterinarian.
What made you want to become a vet and a focus on dermatology?
I always wanted to be a vet, from the age that I could talk, so I can only answer by saying how lucky I am to do what seemed to be predetermined.
The interest in skin came later. Initially I wanted to be a horse vet. But in general practice I saw so many families struggling to keep their much-loved pets comfortable in the face of itchy skin conditions, or immune-system diseases. There had to be a better way to help. Once I started learning amazing new information that could improve the understanding and treatment of animals with skin problems, I have continued to love this aspect of veterinary medicine. My philosophy is that vets become part of a 'team' that supports these furry family members to give them the best possible quality of life. It's sometimes a difficult road, but is an enormously rewarding experience to make a difference for these families.
What is the most interesting or challenging case you’ve worked on?
My favourite case is probably my own dog, Leo. He was seized by the Animal Welfare League, emaciated and weak, with skin that was completely hairless, scabby and so, so smelly. No-one in their right mind would adopt him. So I did. He had a type of mange called Demodicosis. Ten years ago, this was really difficult to treat. It took me 12 months of multiple medications, countless washes and lots of love to cure the mange - but we got there, and have never looked back. Thankfully we now have some great new medications on the market which mean I very rarely see this type of mange in dogs anymore. Leo was lucky, but I was too, to adopt such a lovely boy. (See Leo's progress below).
If you have an dog, cat or horse with skin issues or allergic reactions book an appointment with Dr Tina Baxter. Call our reception today on 02 4655 0777
