Pet Allergy & Dermatology
Diagnose and treat skin conditions.
We are not a dermatology specialist. However, we work hard on a general practice level to diagnose skin conditions including allergies, autoimmune conditions, dermatitis, infections, hormonal disorders, parasites, tumors, and skin cancer. For treatment, we often refer to dermatology specialists.
Pets can struggle with dermatological issues the same way people can. It’s common for the issues to cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms that range from minor itching and discomfort to outright pain.
Diagnosing Skin Conditions
At Orchard Veterinary Hospital, we rely on state-of-the-art technology to help us identify the cause of skin conditions in pets. We may require blood work and/or a biopsy to aid us in diagnosing the issue.
Once we diagnose the condition, we can treat using a number of modalities, some of which may include medications, supplements, topical creams, and surgery. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” treatment, so your pet’s treatment plan will be tailored to meet their individual needs.
Managing Allergies in Pets
If we conclude that an allergy is causing your pet’s discomfort, we’ll establish whether the allergy is environmental or food related and then try to further pinpoint the exact cause. From there, we’ll work with you to develop a strategy to limit your pet’s exposure to that specific trigger.
We’re often able to alleviate symptoms of allergies in pets. In cases where the condition is chronic we focus on alleviating the symptoms with long term management using a variety of treatment modalities.
Your pet may have an allergy if they exhibit the following behaviors:
- Obsessively chewing or licking the affected area
- Grooming more than usual
- Constant scratching that leads to flaking skin, bald spots, and/or scabs
Other common signs of allergies include unusual lumps or bumps and smelly ears.
If you notice these symptoms and think your pet may be struggling with a skin condition caused by an allergy, let us address the issue and help them live a more comfortable life.
Call us at (802) 658-2273 to schedule a consultation.
