Dermatology

More than an itch

Skin disease is one of the most common reasons pets are brought to us, and one of the most persistent. Itching, hair loss and recurring ear infections are not just cosmetic irritations; they disturb sleep, reduce appetite, cause self-trauma and can wear down even the most patient family.

The reason skin cases drag on is almost always that the root cause was never identified. Fleas, mange, allergies, food sensitivity and bacterial or yeast infection can all look similar, and treating the wrong one simply allows the real problem to continue. We aim to find the cause before we prescribe.

What we investigate

• Itching, scratching and biting
• Hair loss and bald patches
• Redness, rash, crusting and hot spots
• Ear infections and head shaking
• Parasite-related disease such as mange and fleas
• Food and environmental allergies
• Chronic or recurring skin conditions that previous treatment has not resolved

How we work up a skin case

Keeping your pet comfortable while we investigate

Relief matters even before we have every answer. We can break the itch-scratch cycle with appropriate medication, soothe inflamed skin, and treat any secondary infection so your pet is more comfortable from the first days of treatment.

We will also help you reduce triggers at home — from flea control on every animal in the household, to washing bedding, to adjusting diet — because skin disease is rarely solved by medicine alone.

Follow-up and an honest note on limits

Skin cases reward patience. Treatment often continues for weeks, and improvement can be gradual. We will set clear review points so we can judge whether the plan is working and change course if it is not.

Allergy testing and management can be complex, and some severe or unusual skin diseases need a veterinary dermatologist. When we reach the edge of what we can investigate well in-house, we will tell you and arrange a referral rather than letting a problem drift.