Dermatology for Animals - Reno

Dermatology is a field within veterinary medicine that focuses on the treatment or management of conditions relating to a pet’s skin, ear, hair, and claws.  

As the largest organ in cats and dogs, there is no surprise that skin-related visits are some of the most common appointments at primary care clinics. From allergies to infections, the list of potential dermatological problems in pets is extensive. Skin-related symptoms can also be a sign of an underlying internal condition.

Thankfully, most dermatological conditions in pets can be fully cured or well managed given that you seek help early, regularly meet with a veterinarian, and follow your pet’s recommended treatment plan at home. 

An IDAT is an allergy test that immediately identifies the environmental irritants which cause your pet to have allergic symptoms. Various pollens, molds, and other common environmental allergens are used in this test to evaluate the degree to which they stimulate your pet’s immune system. Based on these reactions, you will have the answers to what is sparking your pet’s environmental allergies and our doctors can create an immunotherapy treatment plan that is specific to your pet.

Allergy immunotherapy addresses the root cause of a pet’s itchy skin by changing/calming down their hyperactive immune response to environmental allergens. While a slow-acting solution for allergies in pets, immunotherapy has proven helpful in 70-75% of allergic pets to reduce symptoms and their need for medications.

Skin scrapes are used to diagnose any parasites that could be causing allergy symptoms in your pet or animal. A dull blade is used to gently scratch the skin, acquiring samples of skin cells and any parasites that may be present. These samples are then examined under a microscope.

A trichogram is when hairs are evaluated under a microscope and is often performed when a pet is experiencing hair loss. Trichograms can help identify a variety of ailments including lice, microscopic mites (e.g., Demodex mites or Cheyletiella mites), ringworm, color dilution alopecia, endocrine disorders, and hair follicle inflammation.

Impression smears and tape preparation are different ways in which veterinarians can gather skin cells to then examine under the microscope. Smears are typically used when the sample area is easy to reach and is actively oozing; the glass slide is directly placed on the affected area to gather material. Tape is used in the latter technique to lift cells off the skin’s surface; this is commonly used when examining dry, flaky skin conditions.

The video otoscope is a valuable tool that allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment of challenging cases of chronic otitis (ear infections). It utilizes a highly magnified camera lens to examine the deeper parts of the ear canal, eardrum, and middle ear. It is useful in identifying foreign objects and tumors in the ear canal, abnormalities of the eardrum, and infection of the middle ear. Instruments can be inserted through the video otoscope to remove objects in the ear canal or to flush debris out of the ear canal and middle ear.

*at select locations*

A myringotomy is a surgical procedure used to drain excess fluid or pus within the middle ear. A tiny incision is created in the eardrum, relieving pressure caused by the fluid buildup and/or allowing pus to drain.

*at select locations*

Ear flushing is most often used to clean out the ears of dogs that are suffering from a chronic ear infection (otitis externa). Saline (saltwater solution) is flushed through a rigid catheter (a tube-like instrument) to dislodge debris built up within the ear.

Cytology of the skin or ear is used to identify infection and the type of infection present. Cytology can also aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune disorders by identifying indicative cells. To perform a cytology, your veterinarian will use a swab, tape, or slide to collect samples from the skin or ear. The collected cells, hairs, and/or microorganisms present will be examined under a microscope for diagnosis.

Fine Needle Aspirations (often referred to as FNAs) are performed by veterinarians to help diagnose masses. FNAs are quick, and relatively painless, and most are done without sedation. A needle collects cells from the mass, which are then evaluated.

The carbon-dioxide laser can be used for the removal of small, superficial (surface-level) masses. This highly advanced medical instrument is very precise, allowing the veterinarian to target masses with extreme accuracy. The benefits of performing this form of surgery on pets include less pain and bleeding, faster recovery, and no suture material needed.

*at select locations*

A skin biopsy samples either a small part of the cutaneous portion (the top few layers) of the skin in the case of a shave biopsy or a larger piece of the entire skin and dermal layer, in the case of a punch biopsy. This sample is then analyzed under a microscope for classification and possible identification of changes or abnormalities within the tissue sample.

Pets can develop masses on their skin. They can sometimes create problems for your pet. Mass removals are intended to remove unwanted or dangerous growths from your pet's skin. The goal of skin mass removal is to remove the abnormal tissue so it cannot cause problems either by growing too large, damaging surrounding tissue.

We will often recommend that the removed tissue be examined by a pathologist to help determine if surgery was curative or if further action needs to be taken. Many types of cancers in dogs and cats can be cured simply by being diligent about having your pet's masses examined and removed.

Cryotherapy is a procedure used to help destroy small to midsized nodules on the surface of a pet’s skin by freezing the lump(s). During the procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to the legion for a few seconds, killing the affected cells. Often only local anesthesia is required, making cryotherapy a strong option for older patients or pets with multiple health issues.

*at select locations*

Both dermatophyte cultures (DTM’s) and fungal PCRs are diagnostic tools used to identify ringworm (a type of fungal infection) in animals. PCR can identify ringworm more rapidly than DTM’s but can be less accessible depending on clinic location and resources available.

Bacterial cultures are used to identify the type of bacteria causing the skin infection in your pet. A sterile swab is used to collect a sample from the animal’s infected skin. This sample is placed into a gel culture to grow, allowing the microbiologist to identify the bacterial strain. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is then performed on the bacteria, generating a list of antibiotics that will be effective at treating the specific bacteria ailing the patient.

There are several blood tests that may be used in the diagnosis of a pet’s dermatological symptoms. Since there are some systemic conditions that may present as skin problems in pets, organ functioning levels can be analyzed through blood work. Some tests performed through a veterinary dermatologist include Complete Blood Count (CBC)/Blood Chemistry Panel, Thyroid Panels, ACTH Stimulation (adrenal gland response test), Sex Hormone Panels, and Tick-Borne Disease Panels.

A hypoallergenic elimination food trial is the only definitive way to diagnose food allergies in pets. Working with your veterinary dermatologist, your pet is placed on a six-to-eight-week diet trial that consists of a strictly controlled diet using a novel or hydrolyzed protein. Should allergic symptoms subside during the trial and then return once the regular diet is resumed, your pet is allergic to an ingredient within the food.

Some dermatological conditions in pets, such as allergies, are lifelong diseases. While they cannot be fully cured, the symptoms can be effectively managed to help your pet live a happy and comfortable life. Our dermatology teams work alongside your primary care veterinarian to continually ensure both you and your pet have the support you need.