Allergies & Dermatology
You work hard to keep your pet healthy on the inside, but what about his or her external health? Underneath all that fluffy fur is a layer of skin that could be just as sensitive as yours, if not more so. Companion animals can be susceptible to many of the same dermatological conditions as humans can experience, along with many of the same unpleasant symptoms, such as itching, discomfort, and even pain.
The good news is there are things that you can do to help manage and treat these external ailments, beginning with a professional dermatological evaluation with the team at Dutchess County Animal Hospital. Our doctors are experienced in identifying, diagnosing, and treating a wide variety of dermatological issues. We’ll get your loved one back to feeling as healthy on the outside as he or she is on the inside in no time!
Some of the many dermatological issues we can help with include:
- Allergies
- Infections
- Parasites
- Dermatitis
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Chronic Ear Infections
- Diseases of the Feet
- Tumors
- Skin Cancer
Cutting Edge Diagnostics
We’ll start by pinpointing exactly what condition is affecting your pet. Pet dermatology is often like solving a puzzle. We have to try various approaches, narrowing down and eliminating each potential problem until we reach the right diagnosis. Our hospital is equipped with a cutting-edge laboratory where we can run a variety of tests, from blood work and skin scrapings to cytologies and biopsies.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Once we’ve determined exactly what we’re dealing with, we’ll work on developing a treatment plan that will help us achieve the best possible results for your pet. Each treatment protocol is unique and based on the specific needs of the patient. Our goal is always to eliminate the problem altogether, but for those conditions that cannot be cured, we will develop an ongoing plan to help reduce symptoms as much as possible, improving your pet’s quality of life.
If our diagnostic work determines that an allergy is to blame for your pet’s symptoms, we’ll conduct appropriate testing to identify the type of allergy (food or environmental) and what things are triggering your pet’s reactions. We may recommend a treatment regimen of medication and/or making certain changes to your pet’s home life. In many cases, these simple environmental changes can rid your pet of the allergy without the need for further medical intervention.
Some of the signs that your pet may be experiencing allergy problems include:
- Excessive scratching (much more than usual)
- Bald spots
- Scabbing
- Biting, chewing, or licking at the feet or other affected area
- Foul odor coming from the ears
- Unusual bumps or lumps on or under the skin
If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these signs or symptoms, it’s time to give us a call. We can help get that special little guy or gal back on the track to total wellness – both inside and out!