Dermatology is the science of the disorders of the skin and its related organs, such as hair, nails, ear and anal glands. Skin disease is common in our pets. Pets often present with itchy skin, smelly ears, skin lumps or hair loss. Sometimes the diagnosis is very simple and easy to diagnose on physical exam, such as flea infestation. A dermatological work-up may include:
Thorough history, physical exam and visual inspection of the skin
Skin scraping, looking for parasites or ringworm (a fungus)
Fecal examination—looking for intestinal parasites that can cause reactions or for skin parasites that are swallowed by the pet
Cytology of skin lesions, ear discharges or skin lumps
Bacterial or fungal cultures
Blood profile and hormone tests
Skin biopsies
Food elimination tests
Therapeutic trials
For complicated cases, we may consult with a veterinary dermatologist or refer to them. We also refer to a veterinary dermatologist if skin testing for allergies is required.
Treatment of some skin disorders can be frustrating, especially allergies. The skin is a large organ covering the entire body, making it exposed to many things. If you do not understand why your pet is not responding, or wish for better results, don’t hesitate to ask us.
