Non-Allergic Skin and Ear Problems
Skin disease is more than allergy. Infections, hormonal conditions, hair loss, nail disease, autoimmune disease and skin masses all sit within dermatology.
Scratching, licking, rubbing, ear flare-ups
When the itch is not an allergy at all.
Skin diseases include far more than allergic skin disease alone. Bacterial and fungal infection, nail conditions, hair loss, skin tumours and autoimmune skin disorders may all be behind a pet’s discomfort.
A veterinary dermatologist has the training to differentiate between these conditions and to treat them. That work usually starts with a thorough history and examination, followed by the diagnostics needed to separate look-alike conditions from one another.
At a glance
- Bacterial and fungal skin infections
- Hormonal (endocrine) skin disease
- Hair loss and nail disorders
- Autoimmune skin disease
- Benign and malignant skin masses
Diagnostics that separate look-alikes
Cytology & culture
In-clinic cytology to identify bacteria and yeast, with culture where a resistant infection is suspected.
Biopsy
Skin biopsy for autoimmune disease, unusual masses and conditions that do not behave as expected.
Endocrine testing
Blood testing where the skin is pointing at a hormonal cause such as thyroid or adrenal disease.
Resolve the cause, then keep it resolved.
Getting to the bottom of the problem prevents symptom progression and secondary complications — and keeps pets comfortable.
- A written plan you can follow at home
- Topical therapy where it can replace systemic treatment
- Recheck appointments to confirm resolution
- A long-term plan for conditions that recur
Other services that may help
Chronic itching is a diagnosis, not a mystery.
Scratching, licking, rubbing, head-shaking and recurring ear flare-ups all have causes worth finding.
Not sure if this is right for your pet?
Book an initial consultation and we will work it out together.