Itchy or inflamed skin is just plan miserable for pets and for the humans who love them! And unfortunately in Northeast Tennessee, skin issues tend to be very prevalent.
Skin problems are quite common in dogs and cats and can be caused by a variety of things, including hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, or parasites such as fleas and mites. These issues can be particularly difficult to diagnose and it’s important that if you notice any changes in your skin, that those changes are addressed promptly.
We can often diagnose a skin problem by simply examining your pet. Some dermatologic diseases or conditions do require additional diagnostic procedures to ensure a correct diagnosis. Depending on your pet’s symptoms and the results of our physical exam, we may run blood work or perform a skin scraping, tape prep, allergy scraping or biopsies. We are able to perform most of these tests in our clinic laboratories, though a few might require that they are sent to an offsite location.
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Atopy (environmental allergy)
- Otitis (ear disease)
- Bacterial diseases (staph infection)
- Parasitic skin diseases
- Fungal skin diseases (such as ringworm)
- Food allergy
- Skin cancer
- Nutritional skin diseases
- Auto-immune skin diseases
- Drug reactions
If you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or if he or she develops any bare patches, scabs, scaling, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bumps, it is best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Your pet is likely to be extremely uncomfortable and need treatment right away.
We also carry a complete line of shampoos, sprays and other topical producs to treat your pet’s skin issues following diagnosis. Your veterinarian will guide you on the best products for your pet’s particular condition.
