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| Dermatology |
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The skin is the largest organ of the body and as such it can be affected by a wide array of disorders including allergic, immune-mediated, neoplastic, endocrine, parasitic, environmental, hereditary, or infectious diseases. Our companion animals can develop uncomfortable and severe chronic disorders of the skin, hair coat, ears, and nails that may not respond easily to routine therapy. There are also times when skin problems can become severe enough to be critical and even life-threatening. Chronic or severe problems greatly affect the quality of life of the patient and the patient’s family and healing the skin can provide great relief for everyone. The dermatology team at Four Seasons Animal Hospital not only has the skill and desire to help your pet achieve a greater quality of life, but the compassion to understand how frustrating chronic problems can be for all involved. Our goal is to increase your pet's quality of life while working with you and your family veterinarian to provide excellent integrated care and service.
At your pet’s dermatology exam you can expect a complete review of your pet’s medical history and a thorough examination of the skin. Diagnostics such as skin cytology (impressions or imprints of the skin) or skin scrapings may be performed to determine the presence of secondary bacterial infections, yeast infections, or parasites. Further diagnostic tests such as bacterial or fungal cultures, skin biopsies, blood testing, or intradermal allergy testing may be recommended to formulate the best treatment plan for your pet. A summary of the exam and complete instructions will be given to you regarding your pet’s treatment plan and will be forwarded to your family veterinarian. Recheck examinations will be recommended and a timeline for these will be established to further help your pet with their skin disease. |
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| Dermatology Services |
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Complete dermatology examination (skin, ears, hair/coat, nasal planum, paw pads, etc.) |
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Skin cytology (microscopic examination of skin impressions/imprints to detect bacteria, yeast, or certain cells) |
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Ear cytology (microscopic examination of ear cytology samples to detect bacterial, yeast, or other cells) |
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Skin scrapings (microscopic examination of samples to detect ectoparasites such as mites) |
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Trichograms (microscopic hair examination used to detect mites, other organisms, or some hair disorders) |
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Fungal cultures (to identify specific fungal species) |
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Bacterial cultures with sensitivity (to identify bacterial species and the most effective antibiotics that may eliminate these bacteria) |
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Otoscopic examination/otoscopy (examination of the ear canals using otoscope) |
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Allergy testing/Intradermal allergy testing (used to identify environmental allergens for allergen injection therapy/allergen specific immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis) |
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Skin biopsies with dermatohistopathology (to aid in diagnosis and prognosis of complex skin diseases) |
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Complete evaluation of immune-mediated or auto-immune skin diseases |
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Complete customized and individualized home care instructions and treatment plans |
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Complete evaluation including fine needle aspirates with cytology or biopsy with histopathology of cutaneous masses including cysts, tumors, etc. |
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Evaluation of systemic disease such as endocrine diseases or other systemic diseases contributing to skin disorders when relevant |
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Laser skin surgery (may be used to remove masses or in therapy for other cutaneous lesions) |
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