Skin Conditions and Allergies
Itchy, scratchy skin, hair loss, and persistent ear and skin problems can cause discomfort and frustration for both you and your pet. We understand the impact that skin and allergy issues can have on your pet’s quality of life. We see many pets with a variety of skin problems, and our team is committed to helping them find relief.
Common Skin Conditions We Treat:
We diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions, including:
- Allergies (atopy, food allergies, flea allergies)
- Hair loss in both cats and dogs
- Skin odor and irritation
- Fungal infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Nail and nail bed disorders
- Parasites, including demodectic mange and ringworm
Causes of Skin Problems in Pets:
Your pet’s skin conditions can be caused by various underlying factors:
- Immune-Related Skin Disorders: Conditions like allergies or autoimmune diseases.
- Environmental Skin Disorders: These may be physical or self-inflicted, often from excessive scratching or licking.
- Infectious Skin Disorders: Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections that cause skin issues and discomfort.
Advanced Dermatology Services:
We use specialized diagnostic tools to accurately identify the cause of your pet's skin problems:
- Cytology Examination & Interpretation: A thorough examination of skin samples under a microscope to identify bacteria, yeast, or parasites.
- Bacterial, Fungal, and Mycobacterial Cultures: To pinpoint specific infections affecting your pet’s skin.
- Skin Scraping: A test for detecting mites, fleas, and other microscopic parasites.
- Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to examine tissue for autoimmune disorders, allergies, or other underlying conditions.
HESKA Allergy Testing for Customized Relief:
If allergies are the cause of your pet's discomfort, we offer HESKA Allergy Testing to identify the specific allergens affecting your pet. The benefits of HESKA Allergy Testing include:
- Precise Allergy Identification: Pinpoint the exact environmental or food allergens causing your pet’s skin issues.
- Compounded Immunotherapy Drops: After identifying the allergens, we can create customized immunotherapy drops tailored specifically to your pet. These drops help desensitize your pet to the allergens, providing long-term relief from allergic reactions.
- Better Quality of Life: By treating the root cause of the allergy, we can significantly improve your pet's skin health and overall well-being.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters:
If your pet is constantly itching, scratching, or losing hair, it’s never too early to schedule an appointment with us. Skin and ear diseases can greatly affect your pet's quality of life and may lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. Our goal is to provide a specific diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan that is both cost-effective and in the best interest of your pet's long-term health.
If your pet is experiencing any skin problems or showing signs of allergies, Give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. Let us help your pet feel better and regain their comfort.