Dermatology
Most people think about skin conditions when they hear the word dermatology. Veterinary dermatological conditions, however, are not limited to itchy skin, but can include ear infections, anal gland issues, skin infections, hair, and paw-pads. Our doctors at Holly Pond Animal Clinic are well versed in diagnosing and treating dermatological conditions in both dogs and cats. Some of the most common conditions that we see on a regular basis include:
- Allergic skin disease
- Ear infections
- Hair loss
- Constant itching and inflammation
- Bacterial skin infections
- Fungal skin infections
- Nail Bed and paw pad disease
- Malodorous skin
We are well equipped to examine, evaluate, and treat many issues that can affect your pet’s quality of life. From rashes and bumps to lick granulomas, mange, and ear infections, our doctors will do their very best to heal your pet and develop a plan to prevent more problems from occurring. To get to the root of your pet’s skin problem, we will conduct an in-depth review of your pet’s symptoms and home environment followed by appropriate testing.
We will first rule out non-allergenic skin diseases. A skin scraping, for example, can determine the presence of mange, a fungal culture can identify ringworm, and a cytology evaluation can determine if an inflammatory lesion is caused by a parasitic, bacterial, fungal or allergic source. If these and other conditions are not present, and your pet’s clinical signs and history fit, your pet may be diagnosed with allergic dermatitis.
Many of today’s pets have developed allergies to food products, medicines, fleas, as well as contact and airborne substances such as dust, mites, grass, and pollen. Dogs and cats suffering from a dermatologic condition are likely to display extreme itching, scratching, biting, licking, hair loss, scabs, or dandruff.
Veterinary medicine is advancing all the time, and there are several treatment options that are now available to ease allergy symptoms. Once the cause of the allergy is identified, our doctors will be able to recommend solutions such as injections, medicated shampoos, and topicals with cortisones. There are also new oral allergy medications for dogs that are extremely safe and effective for both short and long-term use.
Call for an appointment at Holly Pond Animal Clinic, and let us treat your pet’s dermatological condition. Our service area includes Holly Pond, Fairview, Arab, Blountsville, Hanceville, and other nearby communities.