The goal of the dermatology and allergy service of VSEC is to provide the highest level of dermatological care for our patients in conjunction with consistent and effective communication with the client and referring veterinarian.
The dermatology and allergy service receives patients by appointment 3-4 days a week with evening and Saturday appointments available.
Our dermatology service is staffed by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist who is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (DACVD). Only Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology have completed a residency in dermatology & allergy and passed a board examination. To learn more about boarded veterinary dermatologists, the rigorous training involved and the required continuing education, visit www.acvd.org.
The dermatology and allergy service diagnoses and treats a wide array of conditions, such as:
- Ear disease (otitis)
- Auto-immune skin disease
- Bacterial skin infections
- Adverse drug reactions
- Yeast (Malassezia sp.) infections
- Recurrent rashes and hives
- Ringworm infections
- Genetic and congenital skin diseases
- Food Allergies
- Pododermatitis (foot disease)
- Environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis)
- Nail and/or footpad disorders
- Endocrine/Metabolic disease
- Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Skin cancer/tumors
- Itching (pruritus)
- Parasitic skin diseases (e.g., mange)
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Tick, lice, mite, and flea control
The dermatology and allergy service uses several diagnostic tests, such as:
- Allergy testing (skin and/or serology)
- Ear and skin cultures
- Skin biopsies/mass removals
- Tissue samples (biopsies)
- Skin scrapings
- Fungal cultures/preparations
- Hair plucks
- Wood’s lamp exam
- Trichograms
- Blood work (general and endocrine)
- Tzanck preparations
- Fine needle aspirates
- Impression smears
- Diet trials/elimination diets
- Surface skin cytology
- Otic exams
- Ear cytology
- Advanced imaging (CT, radiographs, MRI, ultrasound
The dermatology and allergy service performs many procedures, including:
- Video otoscopy/deep ear flushes
- CT scans to assess the middle ear
- Long-term planning for medical management of allergies
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy injections)
- Skin mass removals (local anesthesia)
- Anal sac expression
- Pedicures
- Medicated bathing
- Hydrotherapy
Our dermatologist and his experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable staff work closely with our clients and referring veterinarians to provide timely updates on the status of pending diagnostic results and discuss the numerous therapeutic options for each patient. The dermatology and allergy service strives to provide the highest quality of care for your pet. Many patients require long-term follow-up care, so a relationship with excellent communication is very important. The dermatology and allergy service looks forward to helping you and your companion animal as we understand how frustrating skin and ear conditions can be for both you and your pet. In order to provide your pet the best possible care, when indicated, our doctor will consult with his co-specialists. This team approach is what makes the care your pet receives at the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center so comprehensive and advanced.
