Dermatology
Dermatological problems—diseases of the skin, hair, nails, and ears—are quite common in dogs and cats. There are numerous skin diseases in companion animals that may have a similar clinical appearance, which makes timely, accurate diagnosis imperative. Our Dermatology Team at LIVS along with our consulting board-certified Dermatologist, are equipped to address the dermatologic issues that your pet is experiencing.
Dermatologists get to the root of the problem
The skin conditions we see
The following is a list of common skin conditions that we diagnose and treat:
- Adverse drug reactions
- Allergic skin disease (atopy)
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Autoimmune skin disease
- Bacterial skin disease (pyoderma)
- Ear disease (otitis)
- Endocrine dermatoses
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Fungal skin disease
- Genetic and congenital skin diseases
- Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
- Immune-mediated dermatoses
- Metabolic skin disease (calcinosis cutis, hepatocutaneous syndrome)
- Neoplastic (cancer-associated) and paraneoplastic skin disease
- Nail and/or foot pad disorders
- Parasitic skin disease (demodicosis, scabies, cheyletiellosis)
- Pododermatitis (foot disease)
- Yeast infections
A team approach to managing skin conditions
Skin disorders often reflect underlying medical conditions affecting certain internal organs or body systems. Other skin abnormalities are due to trauma and may require corrective surgical (reconstructive) procedures. Our Dermatology Department works closely with other LIVS specialists when necessary to comprehensively address all the issues associated with your pet’s specific skin or allergy problems.
Consultation and care: What to expect
We start with a comprehensive pet dermatology consultation that includes obtaining a detailed history of your pet’s condition and a thorough physical examination. Depending on your pet’s symptoms, we may perform a variety of diagnostic tests that can include:
- Allergy testing
- Allergy shots
- Skin cytology (cells are examined under a microscope)
- Skin biopsies
- Dermatohistopathology evaluation
- Bacterial cultures and sensitivity testing
- Skin scrapings
Long-term management is often required for chronic skin conditions, and our staff of skilled dermatology professionals, which includes dog allergists and cat allergists, provides the ongoing support that your pet— and you — require. Call us at (516) 501-1700 to get started today.
Dermatology Team
Kevin Shanley, DVM, DACVD (Consultant)