Dermatology
Pet dermatology is a branch of veterinary medicine that focuses exclusively on the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions that affect a pet’s skin and coat. At Akeso Veterinary Clinic, we’re pleased to offer our patients a comprehensive list of dermatology treatments and services.
Signs Your Pet Needs a Dermatology Appointment
The signs and symptoms of pet dermatological problems can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Constant scratching and itching
- Frequent head shaking
- Excessive biting, licking, or chewing at the body
- Hair loss and/or bald spots
- Hot spots
- Rash
- Red, inflamed, irritated, or flaky skin
- Bruises or sores
- Scabbing
- Body odor
- Foul-smelling ears
- Lumps or bumps
Common Dermatological Problems in Pets
There are several conditions that can result in dermatological symptoms in pets. Some of the most common include:
- Allergies (fleas, environmental, seasonal, and food allergies)
- Fungal, bacterial, and viral infections
- Parasites
- Cancer
What to Expect During a Dermatology Appointment
The first step in evaluating any dermatological condition is to perform a thorough physical examination. Our veterinarians will talk with you about the symptoms you have noticed in your pet, ask any related questions, and carefully look over your pet for signs and symptoms that could indicate a specific dermatological issue.
Then, depending on your pet’s conditions and symptoms, we will likely recommend a variety of diagnostic tests which can help us pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s issues in order to determine an accurate diagnosis. These diagnostic tests might include blood tests, cultures, skin scrapings, aspirations, or other types of tests that can help us determine whether the issue is systemic, allergy-related, the result of an infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal), cancerous, or another type of concern.
Once a diagnosis has been achieved, we can then provide you with a recommended treatment plan designed to both alleviate your pet’s symptoms and address the underlying cause.
How Are Dermatological Problems Treated in Pets
Treatment for dermatological problems in pets varies greatly depending on the underlying cause of the issue. For example, if your pet is suffering from allergies, treatment begins with determining the specific allergy your pet has and deciding whether elimination is possible. Otherwise, your pet might be prescribed steroids to address their symptoms and allergy shots to retrain their immune systems. In the case of infections or parasites, medications and/or topical ointments might be prescribed. If your pet has a concerning lump, then surgical removal might be necessary.
Pet Dermatology at Our Canonsburg Veterinary Clinic
If you have noticed any potential signs or symptoms of dermatological concerns in your pet, we encourage you to schedule a pet dermatology appointment at Akeso Veterinary Clinic in Canonsburg today.
