Skin problems are common in dogs and cats. They can be caused by hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites. Nutrition is also a major contributor. Many skin issues can be particularly difficult to treat and should be addressed promptly. Our area is a hotbed for atopic dermatitis caused by environmental allergies, as well as flea and tick infestations. Those parasites can cause local skin irritation/infection, as well as significant internal diseases.
We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, cultures, and biopsies. A food trial may be indicated, and hypoallergenic diet prescribed. We offer serum allergy testing via IDEXX laboratories. Initial screening test is very affordable and helps guide us towards detailed serum panel, referral to a Veterinary Dermatologist for skin testing, and formulation of allergy vaccines or oral drops specifically for your Pet.
Both Dr. Lapova and Dr. Green have interest and expertise in dermatology, and are familiar with skin diseases in our locale. Both Doctors have personal pets with special dermatologic needs (like Zane the Doberman featured above), so they empathize with your journey. Contact us if you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively; if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps. Please refer to the Grooming section to learn more about the role of Medicated Baths and Topical Therapy in your Pet’s treatment regimen, as well as Flea Control. Skin disease diagnostics and therapeutics require time and patience, so don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as you notice a problem. Our Doctors may offer a referral to a Veterinary Dermatologist for certain cases requiring in depth expertise.