The practice of veterinary dermatology is devoted to diagnosing and managing skin disease. Skin is the largest organ in your pet's body. At any given moment, the skin may be responsible for handling nearly 20 different jobs! The skin also serves as a great outward indicator of your pet's general health and well-being.
The cornerstone of veterinary dermatology is still the medical history and the physical exam of the patient. There are a small number of different types of skin lesions; therefore, some very different skin diseases can look quite similar. Your pet's history is often very helpful in making a diagnosis. Another important tool for dermatologists is cytology, a slide or swab is touched to your pet's skin and examined under the microscope. This provides clues as to the underlying cause of your pet's skin lesions. Fortunately, it is not invasive or painful and results are available by the time you leave the office.
For many patients their skin problems have been chronic. More often than not it may take more than one visit to make a definitive diagnosis. While history and physical exam are invaluable tools, some skin problems do require more advanced diagnostics such as a skin biopsy, allergy testing or video otoscopy.
Skin disease can be frustrating for many owners and their pets. Many forms of skin disease are not curable but are manageable through the use of medications. Pets and their owners often will develop a close relationship with their dermatologist while working towards finding a long term treatment plan. There are often many different options available for the treatment of any skin disease. We will be happy to help you sort through them and choose the one which works best for your pet.
For many patients their skin problems have been chronic. More often than not it may take more than one visit to make a definitive diagnosis. While history and physical exam are invaluable tools, some skin problems do require more advanced diagnostics such as a 