Dermatology

Services We Offer

Although there are many skin and ear issues we can address, the following are some of the most common services we provide.

Allergy Therapeutic Options & Alternatives

A choice of therapeutic options to manage allergies are offered (including skin allergy testing) to each client during their appointment.

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal and can be chronic, recurrent, and persistent. We have video otoscopy capabilities, which allow us to visualize and photograph all the lesions in the ear canal and ear drum on a monitor. This can help in diagnosis, but also greatly helps us follow the progress of at-home treatments of ear inflammation.

Otitis Media

Otitis media is inflammation or infection of the middle ear. If inflammation is caused by material lodged deep within the ear, unable to be removed by owners, we have a suction unit that can be used to clean ears while your pet is under Anesthesia.

Skin Allergy Testing

We can perform intradermal allergy testing for a number of environmental allergens.

Recurrent, Persistent Bacterial Infections

Most bacterial infections in animals are caused when disease-causing bacteria, such as staphylococcus, penetrate the skin. The bacteria can than manifest in a variety of ways, depending on how the animal's immune system reacts toward the bacteria.

Fungal Infections

Ringworm, the most common fungal infection we treat, is caused by a fungus that invades the hair shaft and follicles and causes hair loss and redness of the skin.

Immune-Mediated Skin Disease

These types of skin diseases occur due to a malfunction of the immune system. Examples include but are not limited to: discoid lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus, and pemphigus complex.

Ectoparasites

Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the surface of the skin and cause skin disease. They include fleas, lice, cheyletiella, demodex, and sarcoptes (scabies). Special tests can be performed to diagnose these infections.

Endocrine Skin Disease

Hormonal diseases including hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings disease), and sex hormone imbalances can cause skin disease.

Perianal Fistulas

These are chronic and progressive lesions and ulcers that form around the anus in dogs. German shepherds are particularly predisposed to this disease.