Dermatology Department Services

• After Hours

• Allergy Testing

• Comprehensive Consultations

• Cultures

• Cytology

• Dermatohistopathology

• Preparation of Allergenic Extracts

• Skin Scrapings

Allergy Testing

·   There are several ways to find out what substances your pet is allergic to.  A blood sample can be sent to a laboratory that measures antibodies to specific allergens like dust, molds, and pollens.  Alternatively, the skin may be injected with suspected allergens and re-examined in 15 – 30 minutes for reactions.

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Comprehensive Consultations

·   A comprehensive dermatology consultation includes a detailed history of the problem, physical examination, skin scraping, cytology, biopsy, hormonal testing, or allergy testing.

Cultures

·   Bacterial or fungal cultures are performed to determine the cause of an infection.

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Cytology

·   Cytology is a simple diagnostic procedure performed in-house where a small sample of moist material is taken from the skin surface and examined under a microscope.  Bacteria, yeast, and inflammatory cells can be identified using cytology.

Dermatohistopathology

·   A local anesthetic is administered and small pieces of skin tissue are taken and sent to the laboratory.  The skin tissue samples are examined under a high power microscope to determine the nature of the skin disease.

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Preparation of Allergenic Extracts

·   At LIVS, we prepare allergenic extracts for immunotherapy is a treatment for allergies whereby small amounts of the offending allergen are injected under the skin until the patient’s immune system becomes “desensitized”.

Skin Scraping

·   A skin scraping is a simple, quick, and non-painful procedure that is performed in order to look for microscopic parasites on the skin surface such as “mange mites”. 

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After Hours

Should a problem arise after normal business hours, the Dermatology Department is covered by the Animal Emergency and Critical Care Center at Long Island Veterinary Specialists. It is always best to call in advance when possible, however, if problems arise, do not hesitate to bring your pet in immediately. This facility is staffed 24-hours by veterinarians and nurses ready to assist you and your pet.

Your cooperation and understanding will help us focus our energies on

patient care.  We are available to answer any questions you may have

during our daily patient updates.