Skin Disease in Dogs and Cats

Overview

At Animal Republic Veterinary Hospital and ER, we understand the importance of healthy skin for your pets’ overall well-being. Skin diseases are common in dogs and cats, ranging from mild irritations to severe conditions that require specialized care. Our veterinary team is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of skin issues to ensure your pet’s comfort and health.

Common Types of Skin Diseases

• Allergic Dermatitis: Often caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or mold, as well as food allergies. This condition can lead to intense itching, redness, and discomfort, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.
• Ear Infections: Often linked to underlying skin conditions. Pets with allergies or excessive moisture in their ears are more prone to developing ear infections, which can cause pain, swelling, and discharge.
• Skin Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or yeast-based infections often result from scratching or biting at irritated skin. Symptoms include redness, hair loss, and foul odor, requiring prompt treatment to prevent complications.
• Immune-Mediated/Autoimmune Dermatoses: These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, leading to inflammation, ulcers, and other severe issues. Long-term care and specialized treatments are often needed to manage these conditions.
• Ectoparasites: Flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, mites, and fleas can cause skin irritation and disease. Flea allergy dermatitis is particularly common and requires proper treatment to prevent your pet from feeling miserable.

Dermatology Services We Provide

• Allergy Testing: Identifying specific allergens affecting your pet to provide targeted treatment.
• Ear Disease Management and Video Otoscope: Comprehensive care for chronic ear issues, including deep ear cleaning and visualization with advanced equipment.
• Treatment of Chronic Skin Disease: Long-term management of recurring or persistent skin conditions to improve your pet’s quality of life.
• Food Allergy Treatment: Tailored dietary plans to address food-related skin allergies.
• Flea and Flea Allergy Treatment: Effective control and treatment of flea infestations and related allergic reactions.
• Impression Smear Cytology: A diagnostic tool to identify the type of cells present in a skin lesion, helping determine the underlying cause.
• Skin Scraping: A procedure used to diagnose skin conditions caused by mites or other external parasites.
• Skin Biopsy: A minimally invasive procedure to obtain a sample of skin tissue for microscopic examination, aiding in the diagnosis of complex skin disorders.