Living in the deep south where the climate is warm and humid most of the year, we tend to see pets with skin issues on a regular basis. Dermatological conditions, however, are not limited to itchy skin, but can include ear infections, anal gland issues, and skin infections.
At Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital, two of the most common skin ailments that we see are hot spots and rashes. These conditions can pop up overnight and can cause your pet to exhibit excessive itching, scratching, biting, licking, hair loss, oozy sores, scabs, or dandruff. Skin inflammation and constant irritation can make your pet feel miserable.
To get to the root of your pet’s skin problem, we will conduct an in-depth review of your pet’s symptoms and home environment followed by appropriate testing. We will first rule out non-allergenic skin diseases. A skin scraping, for example, can determine the presence of mange; a fungal culture can identify ringworm, and so forth. If these and other conditions are not present, and your pet’s clinical signs and history fit, your pet may be diagnosed with allergic dermatitis.
Classic triggers of allergy symptoms include food, flea saliva, dust, mites, plant and grass pollens, molds and fungi. Once your pet’s allergies are activated, inflammation and irritation of the skin, and possibly the development of a secondary skin infection, makes the irritation even worse. To understand what is causing an allergic reaction in your pet, one of our doctors will perform allergy tests similar to those used for humans to determine the cause of the allergies. We will then develop a treatment protocol for your pet. We then strive to establish an ongoing relationship with our clients so that we can monitor the progression of the condition and how it is responding to treatment.
The discomfort of skin ailments can be treated through medicated shampoos, topical solutions, and prescription oral medications. There are also injectable treatments and new oral allergy medications for dogs that are extremely safe and effective for both short and long-term use.
Our veterinarians offer treatment plans for pets who are suffering from skin conditions. If you live in the Baton Rouge metro area or nearby Gonzales, Zachary, or Walker, and you see your pet suffering from skin irritation, schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.